Things to Do
More to Explore, Season After Season
In Wind River Country, experiences unfold across wide-open landscapes and living cultures. Watch tribal buffalo and wild horses move across the land. Hike and picnic in Sinks Canyon State Park, known for its disappearing river and canyon trails. Attend a powwow or visit Sacajawea Cemetery on the Wind River Indian Reservation to learn more about the region’s history and cultural significance.
From local dining and gaming at Wind River Hotel & Casino and Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel to outdoor adventures that shift with the seasons, there is always more to explore. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying longer, Wind River Country offers more than a single itinerary.
Recreation
Wind River Country is known for its access to rock climbing and cycling across varied terrain and wide-open landscapes. In and around Lander, climbers find world-class routes set in canyons and high desert, while mountain and road cyclists ride everything from rugged singletrack to scenic highways that stretch for miles.
Beyond the climbs and rides, the region offers room to roam at your own pace. Quiet backroads, open public lands and changing seasons create opportunities for hiking, Nordic skiing, snowmobiling and other outdoor pursuits throughout the year. Whether you’re chasing elevation, distance or solitude, this is a place to get outside.
Premier outdoor activities
History & Culture
Wind River Country offers opportunities to explore history where it was lived and continues to be remembered. Follow sections of the Oregon Trail, visit preserved historic sites and stand before ancient petroglyphs whose meanings span thousands of years. Historic ranches and museums throughout the region help tell the story of settlement, work and daily life in Wyoming’s past.
The Wind River Indian Reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes, whose living cultures remain central to the region today. Learn through cultural events, powwows and community gatherings that share traditions, history and contemporary life. Together, these experiences offer a deeper understanding of the people and stories that shape Wind River Country.
Dining
Dining in Wind River Country reflects the communities and landscapes that shape the region. Local menus feature everything from steaks and comfort classics to seafood, specialty coffee and house-made dishes. You’ll also find foods rooted in Native traditions, including fry bread and Indian tacos, prepared and shared by local communities.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast, pause for coffee in town or unwind over drinks at local bars and breweries as the sun sets behind the mountains. Whether casual or celebratory, meals here are part of the experience—an opportunity to gather, take your time and enjoy the flavors of Wind River Country.
Wind River Country’s Four Seasons
Rivers, Wildflowers and a Changing Landscape
Spring in Wind River Country brings rushing rivers, emerging wildlife and valleys dotted with wildflowers. As snow melts in the high country, quieter trails open for hiking and scenic exploration. It’s a season of transition, marked by crisp air, flowing water and renewed color across the landscape.
Long Days for Outdoor Adventure
Summer offers the widest range of outdoor experiences in Wind River Country. Ride horseback at a dude ranch, paddle alpine lakes, fish local waters or explore mountain roads by bike. Trails, lakes and open spaces invite unhurried days outdoors, making summer ideal for families, road trips and extended stays.
Crisp Air, Colorful Landscapes and Fewer Crowds
Fall is a favorite season for many visitors, with golden aspens, cooler temperatures and quieter trails. Hiking, biking and wildlife viewing continue well into the season, including opportunities to spot bighorn sheep near Whiskey Mountain. Scenic drives and cozy lodging make fall a relaxed and rewarding time to explore the region.
Premier Winter Activities
Snowy Landscapes and Cold-Weather Adventure
Winter transforms Wind River Country into a landscape shaped by snow and open space. Snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, fat biking, ice fishing and dog sledding offer ways to stay active, while climbers and skiers find seasonal challenges across the region. Clear days and long views make winter a distinct and memorable time to visit.
Premier Activities
Wind River Country:
Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor
Listen in for conversations and stories that explore the people, places and experiences shaping Wind River Country today.
Follow Wind River Country in Real Time
See Wind River Country as it happens, from trails and rivers to everyday moments in town. Follow along and share your own adventures by tagging @windrivercountry.
Have you seen a jackalope?
Photo: Natalie Kovarik
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Jul 22
We love to chase waterfalls around Wyoming.
Photo: Scott Copeland
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Jul 20
Cheers to the weekend! Tell us: where is your favorite place to grab a cold beverage?
Photo: Helen Wilson/Wind River Country
Location: The Rock Shop Inn
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Jul 17
Mountain biking, road biking, fishing and hiking. Wind River Country is an outdoor lover`s paradise.
Start planning your trip at the link in our bio.
Photo: Bob Wick
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Jul 15
The perfect Wyoming day: hiking and viewing petroglyphs.
Photo: Helen Wilson/Wind River Country
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Jul 14
Welcome to Wyoming, a place where badlands and mountains collide.
Photo: @nataliekovarik
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Jul 10
Road trips like these are worth every mile. ❤️
Footage: @bradytildeath
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Jul 8
Make plans to attend the Ethete Celebration Powwow, happening this week, July 9–12 at the Ethete Powwow Grounds. Experience the vibrant traditions, incredible dancing, drumming and welcoming community that make this annual celebration so special.
Schedule:
Thursday -7 p.m. warm up night, royalty contest and youth powwow
Friday -7 p.m. grand entry
Saturday – 1 p.m. grand entry
Saturday – 7 p.m. grand entry
Sunday – 10 a.m. parade
Sunday – 2 p.m. grand entry
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Jul 6
Happy Independence Day from Wind River Country!
Photo: Wind River Country/Brad Christensen
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Jul 4
Soaking in the beauty of Jade Lake, one perfect view at a time.
📸: @jakeysforkphoto
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Jul 3
Escape to Wyoming.
Photo: Haley Ford
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Jul 2
📍South Pass City, Wyoming
While you can visit this historic gold mining town from the end of May – mid October, save the date for Gold Rush Days – July 11 & 12.
Photo: Wind River Country
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Jun 26