In this episode of Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson take you to one of winter’s most exhilarating traditions, the Pedigree Stage Stop Dog Sled Race in Lander.
Earlier this month, the sound of eager sled dogs and cheering spectators filled the crisp winter air as the race returned to town. We were there for the Meet the Mushers event in Lander City Park on February 6, where families gathered around a bonfire, kids leaned in to pet the dogs and mushers shared stories about life on the trail. Seeing these incredible canine athletes up close—their focus, their energy and the bond between each musher and team—makes the sport feel both powerful and personal.
The following morning, we headed to South Pass, where the dogs launched from the Louis Lake Road parking lot at 9 a.m. One by one, teams burst off the starting line, sled runners gliding over packed snow as spectators cheered them into the wide-open landscape. The excitement builds quickly, along with a deep appreciation for the endurance and teamwork required to compete at this level.
The race brings world-class competition to communities across western Wyoming each winter, but what stood out most was the sense of connection, between musher and dog, between neighbors gathered along the course and between this event and the rugged winter character of Wind River Country.
It was one of those bright, cold Wyoming mornings that reminds you why winter here is something to celebrate.
Winter in Motion: The Pedigree Stage Stop Dog Sled Race in Lander
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With gratitude, from Wyoming.
One of the best ways to honor our veterans is to learn about our country`s history. One of the best places to do that is at the National Museum of Military Vehicles. Located just outside Dubois, this museum has a world-class collection of military vehicles and artifacts, with galleries that honor veterans and their families.
Photo two: Brady Mclean
@nmmv.usa
#Wyoming #ThatsWY #WindRiverCountry
Nov 11
Meet our local bighorn sheep.
One of the most iconic animals in the West, the male bighorn sheep have curled horns, are great climbers and live in and around Wind River Country. This time of year is the rut, and if you spot bighorn sheep in November, you`ll likely see them compete for the ewes (which is what the female sheep are called).
Photos: Darien Thacker
#wyoming #thatswy #windrivercountry
Nov 10
Winter will soon arrive in Wyoming – if you`ve been daydreaming about a snowy trip to The Cowboy State, consider this your sign to start planning.
Start at the link in our bio.
Photo: @adventuringeyes
#wyoming #thatswy #windrivercountry
Nov 7
Happy November, from Wind River Country. Here`s what is happening in our region.
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Nov 3
November is Native American Heritage Month. Wind River Country is home to two tribal nations – the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho. While we share about the tribal nations year-round, this month is a time to honor their cultures, traditions, histories and contributions. As we move into the new month ahead, we invite you to learn more about Indigenous voices and the living culture and landscapes that exist in every part of modern-day Wyoming.
Learn more at the link in our bio.
Photos: @bradytildeath
#windrivercountry #wyoming #thatswy
Nov 2
Where the Wild West lives on.
Photo: Bob Wick
#thatswy #windrivercountry #wyoming
Oct 30
Beautiful views in every direction. That`s what you`ll find in Wyoming`s Wind River Country.
Photos: The New Fly Fisher
#windrivercountry #thatswy #wyoming
Oct 27
Dirt bikes + badlands + snow-dusted mountains in the background = our perfect Wyoming day.
Photo: Melanie Limpus
Oct 26
Planning a summer trip to Wyoming and want to visit during one of our notable and iconic events? Here are a few to put on your radar:
-1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous in Riverton (June)
-Dubois Friday Night Rodeos (summer)
-Gold Rush Days in South Pass City (July 10-11)
-Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally (July 17-19)
-Lander Pioneer Days Rodeo (July 3-4)
-Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow (June)
-Ethete Celebration and Powwow (July)
-Northern Arapaho Powwow (August)
Balloon image: Preston Ackerman
Mountain man: Brad Christensen
#wyoming #windrivercountry #thatswy
Oct 23
No matter how you found our account, we`re happy you`re here. This is Wyoming`s Wind River Country, a destination with wide-open landscapes, living cultures and the kind of space that lets you breathe deep.
Come find your West with us here in Wyoming. Learn more at the link in our bio.
Photo: @bradytildeath
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Oct 19
Fall colors in Wyoming? You better believe it.
Photos: Helen Wilson
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Oct 16
While Wyoming may be known for Yellowstone National Park, the good folks at @lonelyplanet think there`s way more to The Cowboy State than just the park. And, we agree. Read their story all about how to go beyond Yellowstone to Wind River Country at the link in our bio.
#ThatsWY #Wyoming #WindRiverCountry
Oct 15
