June 4, 2025
Wind River Country offers a wealth of cultural experiences and outdoor adventures for visitors. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, families will find themselves immersed in activities that encourage disconnecting from digital devices.
Why Wind River Country is a Hidden Gem for Family Travel
Wind River Country is a remarkable vacation destination, featuring breathtaking landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. This unique locale offers families an opportunity to engage with both stunning natural scenery and meaningful cultural experiences. With fewer crowds and ample space for exploration, visitors can enjoy authentic interactions that foster deeper family connections.
Image courtesy of Brad Christensen
15 Creative Experiences to Have with Kids in Wind River Country
Looking to shake up your family vacation? Wind River Country delivers more than stunning trails and frontier tales (though there’s plenty of that too). This is where kids can step into stories, splash through wild rivers, and try things they’ve only seen in books — all while parents soak in the magic of the West. These aren’t just activities; they’re memories in the making.
1. Paint the Sunset at the Dubois Scenic Overlook
The expansive skies and serene atmosphere at the Dubois Scenic Overlook provide a breathtaking backdrop for both sunrises and sunsets. The vibrant hues are ideal for creating captivating landscape art, making it a perfect opportunity to bring along watercolors, colored pencils or crayons to capture the stunning views. This location encourages families to slow down and engage in meaningful conversations about the beauty of nature, fostering valuable screen-free moments.
2. “Adopt” a Wild Horse for the Day at the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary
The Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary offers an enriching opportunity to learn about the significance of horses in Native American culture. Visitors can go on an engaging tour of the off-range pasture where the horses roam freely. The knowledgeable guides serve as excellent resources for questions from both children and adults. Observe the horses in their natural habitat, and consider selecting one to draw or photograph and giving it a name.
3. Hike the Popo Agie Falls Trail
Image courtesy of Scott Copeland
Hiking to Popo Agie Falls is an experience that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages. The trail is stunning, with the first mile paralleling the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River. In the early season, it is possible to see abundant arrowleaf balsamroot and a variety of wildflowers embellishing the sagebrush landscape. In the peak of summer, the vibrant Indian paintbrush captivates hikers.
The granite buttresses rise majestically to the right at the beginning of the hike. Starting at an elevation of 7,800 feet, the trail ascends 650 feet over the 1.5 miles to the waterfall.
While the hike itself is remarkable, the true reward awaits at the swimming hole and a series of waterfalls, including Popo Agie Falls. This is an ideal spot for a picnic, a refreshing dip to cool off from the summer heat, or simply to wash away the sweat from the hike. A highlight for many hikers is the opportunity to slide down a waterfall.
4. Stories & Stargazing at Sinks Canyon State Park
Sinks Canyon State Park is an ideal location for stargazing. As Wyoming’s first International Dark Sky Park, it offers an exceptional night sky perfect for star mapping and exploration.
While enjoying the beauty of the stars, consider sharing star myths you are familiar with, or even creating your own imaginative stories. The stunning night sky is sure to foster memorable experiences for all.
5. Hike & Hunt for “Sacred Shadows” at Boysen State Park
The diverse beaches at Boysen Reservoir provide an accessible trail for exploration. The tranquil waters create an excellent backdrop for creative expression. While walking along the beach, listen for the chirping of birds, observe the light dancing on the water and take note of the various rocks, leaves and sticks that can serve as inspiration for creativity.
6. Create a Family Photo Quest at St. Stephen’s Indian Mission
St. Stephen’s Indian Mission is a visually striking location to explore. Its unique architecture, vibrant murals within the church and tranquil meditation garden provide an excellent opportunity for a family photo challenge.
After capturing images, take some time to review them and reflect on what they convey about the beautiful scenery that was experienced.
7. Go on a “Whispers of the Past” Walk at Sacajawea Cemetery
Sacajawea Cemetery is the final resting place of one of history’s most renowned Native American women, Sacajawea. The Lewis and Clark expedition may not have succeeded without the invaluable contributions of this remarkable individual.
Captured as a young girl, Sacajawea was brought to what is now North Dakota. At the age of 14, she joined the Corps of Discovery expedition as a guide and interpreter, embarking on a two-year journey spanning 3,000 miles. During this expedition, she gave birth to her son, Jean Baptiste, whose father was a Quebec fur trapper. Her language skills and knowledge of the terrain proved essential, enabling her to navigate back to her homeland and ultimately to the Pacific Ocean.
Although no photographs of Sacajawea exist, her likeness embodies a strong and courageous Shoshone woman, often depicted carrying her young child on her back. She is also the face of the golden dollar coin issued in 2000.
8. Visit the Eastern Shoshone Cultural Center
The Eastern Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich history and culture of the Shoshone people. The center features a diverse collection of artifacts, artwork, photography, maps and treaties that showcase their heritage. Additionally, beadwork and other locally made Native American goods are available for purchase, providing a unique chance to support local artisans.
9. Build a Nature Mandala at Bear Basin
Image courtesy of Brad Christensen
Take a short family-friendly hike through Bear Basin and gather small natural treasures along the way — pinecones, colorful leaves, smooth stones, wildflower petals. Once you’ve found a quiet spot, help your kids arrange the pieces into a circular nature mandala — a simple, beautiful design that celebrates patterns and balance. A mandala is like a piece of art made from repeating shapes in a circle — kind of like nature’s own coloring book, just without the crayons. Snap a photo of your creation, then gently return the items or leave the mandala as a quiet thank-you to the land.
10. Play “Who Lived Here?” at the Museum of the American West
The exhibits and displays at the Fremont County Pioneer Museum offer a vivid glimpse into life over 100 years ago. One can envision what daily life was like during that time—considering what people wore, what they ate and how they entertained themselves. Crafting a story about life in that era can spark creativity and imagination.
11. Craft a Mini Story Blanket After Visiting the Northern Arapaho Experience Culture Room
Located within the Wind River Hotel & Casino, the Northern Arapaho Experience Culture Room offers visitors a chance to explore the past, present and future of the Northern Arapaho people. The facility also provides tours, language lessons and storytelling sessions.
While visiting the Northern Arapaho Experience Culture Room, engaging with the person at the entrance is highly recommended. Often, an elder from the Northern Arapaho tribe is present, sharing tribal stories and offering insights about the items displayed in the room.
12. Canoe + Chill Picnic at Worthen Meadows Reservoir
The tranquil waters of Worthen Meadow Reservoir create an ideal setting for canoeing. Picnic tables along the peaceful shore provide a perfect spot to enjoy a light lunch after a day of outdoor activities. Following the meal, take some time to watch the clouds and observe the wildlife that may appear in the area.
13. Go “Local Mode” at the Fremont County Fair
Image courtesy of Brad Christensen
With a petting zoo, delicious fair food and exciting carnival rides, the Fremont County Fair offers the perfect opportunity to try something new. Engaging with local farmers, ranchers and artisans can provide valuable insights, so be sure to ask plenty of questions.
14. Do a Night Walk with Nature Sounds at Circle Park
As the sun dips behind the trees, Circle Park becomes a whole new world. Take a quiet night walk and have your kids map the “soundscape” — pausing to identify frogs, rustling leaves, distant owls, or the wind in the pines. Bring flashlights for some shadow play or to spot tiny nighttime critters, but keep lights low to avoid startling wildlife. The goal isn’t to race through the dark — it’s to listen, slow down, and discover how alive the forest is after dark. It’s a magical way to end a wild Wyoming day.
15. Participate in a Powwow
Experience the vibrant energy of a powwow on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Feel the drumbeat, hear the singing and see the dazzling colors at this cultural event, showcasing detailed regalia, skilled footwork and precise movements.
Three major powwows occur from June through September: the Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow, Wyoming’s largest; the Ethete Celebration Powwow; and the Northern Arapaho Powwow, the oldest in Wyoming. Attending these events is a must for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the community.