Although Wyoming isn’t necessarily known for its big cities, there are plenty of impressive natural attractions that have really built the state up to what it is today.
It’s easy to be drawn to the wonders nestled within this state, and the beauty of these places has led to an influx of tourism.
Because of this, many cities have grown to meet this demand and now offer visitors a plentiful number of activities to enjoy during their stay.
Not to mention, Wyoming is home to two of the most fantasized national parks in the country, Yellowstone and Grand Teton, with gateway cities that continue to grow by the day.
And once you throw in the fact that some of Wyoming’s cities are the lead suppliers for energy in the country, it becomes shocking that the state isn’t already overflowing with people.
There is no denying that Wyoming’s cities will get larger by the year, but for the time being, this list is your guide to the twelve largest cities in Wyoming.
Table of Contents
The Biggest Cities in Wyoming
Number
City
Population
1
Cheyenne
59,466
2
Casper
55,316
3
Laramie
30,816
4
Gillette
29,087
5
Sheridan
17,444
6
Evanston
12,359
7
Jackson
9,577
8
Cody
9,520
9
Lander
7,487
10
Thermopolis
3,009
11
Pinedale
2,030
12
Star Valley
1,503
1. Cheyenne: 59,466
Landing itself the title as one of Wyoming’s largest cities, there is plenty to do in Cheyenne, from its endless wild west excursions to its charming historic downtown.
The best way to start your day in Cheyenne is by having breakfast at the Luxury Diner where you can enjoy a hearty meal inside a trolley car from the 1800s.
After, head right over to Terry Bison Ranch for a day filled with furry friends and scenic trail rides out on the rolling fields.
Not to mention the fact that you will get the opportunity to hand feed a bison or two during your visit!
Don’t forget to visit Cheyenne’s Botanic Gardens for an afternoon of exotic flowers, unique sculptures, breathtaking birds, and outdoor walking grounds.
One of Cheyenne’s free attractions is the Wyoming State Museum which gives visitors insight into the state’s extensive history with a plethora of artifacts on display for all to see.
For something more specific to Cheyenne, the Cheyenne Depot Museum is a must-visit as it tells the story of how this lively city came to be thanks to the development of the railroad.
If you happen to be visiting between June and October, swing by the Cheyenne Farmer’s Market to enjoy over forty local vendors showcasing anything from fresh veggies to handmade crafts.
But the very best time to visit is in July when the city hosts its famous Frontier Days festival and all of downtown is transformed into a picture-perfect Wild West scene.
2. Casper: 55,316
Nestled below the iconic Casper Mountain, the city of Casper is the perfect Wyoming destination for visitors looking to combine the joys of city life with the great outdoors.
One of the best things to do when visiting this vibrant city is paying a visit to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center where you can learn about many of the historic trails that wind their way across the west.
This center is completely free to visit and offers breathtaking views from nearly every window!
Another fun attraction is the Tate Geological Museum, which lets guests admire remnants of some of the many extinct species that once wandered the area.
And no trip to Casper would be complete without visiting the Fort Caspar Museum and Historic Site since it’s the place that gave the city its name.
There is plenty of fun to be had at North Platte River with many popular activities to enjoy including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Or you can enjoy your time by the water on foot by taking the trail that leads around its eleven miles of shoreline while soaking in the sounds of the surrounding nature.
Plus, with Casper Mountain right at your doorstep, there are endless opportunities to spend quality time in the great outdoors.
There are over fifty miles of trails available for hikers, bikers, and equestrians with picturesque options like Garden Creek Falls and Rotary Park.
3. Laramie: 30,816
Known for the University of Wyoming, Laramie is everything you could hope for in a college town and the natural beauty in this area is just as enticing.
You can spend an entire day in the downtown area and enjoy an abundance of shops, restaurants, and bars to make the most of your time in this great city.
For starters, the entire district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and there are vibrant murals peppered all throughout thanks to the Laramie Mural Project.
You may have a hard time deciding where to eat with so many tasty options ranging from vegetarian-friendly to fine dining steakhouses.
Be prepared to spend a few bucks, however, because the antiquing options here are out of this world and the artisan shops will definitely tempt you.
Show your support with a visit to the Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse EcoSanctuary where you can see how the state ensures the safety and health of the wild horses that roam the area.
You can book a guided tour of the property and even spend the night at the ranch to take your experience to the next level.
Chances are, you will end up on this road naturally during your visit, but make sure you go for a drive on the Snowy Range Scenic Byway for views that will take your breath away.
Once you have fallen in love with the natural beauty, you can head over to Vedauwoo to spend a night camping amongst its many wonders.
For an exciting way to learn a bit of history, plan a visit to the Wyoming Territorial Prison where you can walk amongst cells where iconic bandits like Butch Cassidy spent their days.
4. Gillette: 29,087
Tucked away along the northeastern edge of Wyoming, Gillette is a city that gets larger by the day, and the abundance of activities available has been growing right along with it.
The city originally made a name for itself by being one of the leading coal suppliers for the country as well as a large provider of other energy sources like oil and gas.
Nicknamed the “Energy Capital” of the United States, its financial success has made it possible for Gillette’s continued growth.
But what really draws people to this growing city is its close proximity to the famous Devils Tower National Monument.
Standing tall at 1,267 feet, Devils Tower is a peculiar geological formation with plenty of hiking trails around it that let you explore its unique appearance at any time of year.
Another strange attraction is the Vore Buffalo Jump which has since been deemed an archeological site because of how Native Americans in this area once used this sinkhole to lure in bison for an easy hunt.
No trip to a new city would be complete without visiting its downtown district, and Gillette is no exception, so make sure to grab a walking tour guidebook from the visitor center before you start exploring.
Part of the walking tour will take you to Avenues of Art where you can admire more than one hundred sculptures designed by local artists.
And since the city is known for its coal, it is only right that they offer tours of one of their most successful coal mines to demonstrate how the mining process is done.
5. Sheridan: 17,444
Perfectly situated between two of Wyoming’s most iconic destinations, most people stumble upon the city of Sheridan by accident and are pleasantly surprised by its charm.
A visit to the Bighorn National Forest is an absolute must if you’re in the area, and it’s not just because it is one of the oldest protected forests in all of the United States.
Stretching out nearly 200,000 acres, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your time in this beautiful place, but the most popular activity is hiking amongst its 1,200 miles of trails.
These trails provide one of the best opportunities to see wildlife in action with sightings like bears, elk, and moose frequently reported.
One of the most popular attractions in the Bighorn National Forest is Shell Falls because of its unique geology and impressive 120-foot height.
Dive into some cowboy-related fun at King’s Saddlery and Museum where you can admire a huge selection of artifacts and memorabilia that represent America’s Wild West.
When it comes time for lunch, do yourself a favor and head right over to Wyoming’s Rib & Chop House for a hearty meal that is equal parts delicious and affordable.
To learn a bit about the country’s military past, plan a visit to the Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site where you can walk the battlefields from some of the significant wars in the late 1800s.
After a long day of exploring the area, make your way over to The Blacktooth Brewing Company where you can enjoy a fine selection of beer while taking in the views of the surrounding mountains.
6. Evanston: 12,359
While the city of Evanston may look small in comparison to places like New York City, it is one of the largest in the state of Wyoming and there are plenty of fun ways to pass the time here.
First and foremost, the most popular place to visit in this charming city is Bear River State Park, which offers nearly 325 acres of outdoor recreation.
Spend your day here going for a scenic stroll along the water, biking amongst its many trails, fishing on the river, or searching for wildlife like moose, elk, bald eagles, and bears.
Stop by Roundhouse and Railyards to admire how the city transformed a historic structure built in the early 1900s into a place for visitors to learn a thing or two and mingle with the community.
Try your hand at gambling with a visit to the Wyoming Downs, which will be sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as you watch your horse race around the track.
They say you can judge a city by its local diner, and Jody’s Diner does a wonderful job portraying the wonders the city has to hold. The prices are affordable, the portions are massive, and the flavors are out of this world!
Evanston also makes a great starting point for a quick day trip over to Utah where you can hike the iconic Kings Peak.
A thirty-minute drive leads you to the King’s Peak trailhead, but expect to spend a few days backpacking the nearly 30-mile trek to reach the highest peak in Utah.
7. Jackson: 9,577
Home to the iconic Grand Teton National Park, people who find themselves in Wyoming usually spend most of their time in Jackson.
Grand Teton National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country, and it’s not hard to figure out why considering its breathtaking mountain range.
The park stretches out over 300,000 acres and is home to a variety of picturesque landscapes that will leave you in awe every step of the way.
Not to mention the abundance of wildlife that roams the area, with frequent sightings of nearly 60 different species like moose and bears.
There are many astonishing hikes in the area so make sure to swing by the visitor center to get some recommendations based on your experience level and interests.
In the Teton Village, you will find the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, which comes alive in the wintertime and has been rated as the number one ski resort in the country time and time again.
The downtown area is just as interesting with the Jackson Town Square being the main highlight thanks to its cowboy charm and eccentric style.
The entire downtown district will make you feel transported back to the wild west with horse-drawn carriages guiding people through the streets and saloons drawing people in with the sounds of square dancing tunes.
With all its rustic charm, downtown still has modern perks like an abundance of restaurants and boutique shops to explore during your downtime.
8. Cody: 9,520
Established by the famous Buffalo Bill, the lively town of Cody is everything you imagined the Wild West would be and so much more.
For starters, the exciting town is located right along the edges of the iconic Yellowstone Park so it makes for a great place to rest your head during your national park adventures.
And when you are not exploring impressive geothermal wonders or admiring diverse environments, you can be hanging back in Cody enjoying all things country.
You won’t want to miss an opportunity to visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and you can easily spend an entire day exploring its many interactive displays, interesting presentations, and historic art pieces.
Another cool place to check out is the Old Trail Town where you can walk amongst 26 ancient cabins that have been restored to represent their late 18th-century splendor.
But with so many historic places to check out, the Cody Trolley Tours is your best option for seeing and learning about all of the significant landmarks in the area.
Just don’t forget to visit Irma Hotel & Restaurant for the ultimate Wild West experience; this cultural spot offers an abundance of frontier memorabilia, buffet-style lunches, and the occasional live performance.
Plus, no trip to Wyoming would be complete without experiencing a rodeo, and it just so happens that the Cody Nite Rodeo is one of the very best in the state.
Enjoy classic rodeo fun, get your picture taken with the famous “Mongo” bull, put your skills to the test with a ride on the mechanical bull, and so much more!
9. Lander: 7,487
Nestled beneath the picturesque Wind River Mountains, the city of Lander makes it easy for visitors to make a quick getaway to the great, beautiful outdoors.
The first place on your list of attractions should definitely be Sinks Canyon State Park which amazes its guests with a rushing flow of water that travels through a cave before plummeting down along the canyon.
With so many cool geological features in the area, the city of Lander has a way of drawing rock climbers into its depths, but note that only experienced climbers should attempt its many feats.
A less dangerous, but still exciting option, is mountain biking, and there is plenty to do here in that department. A series of biking trails connect through the city for a fun and scenic way to get around town.
After a day of outdoor exploration, head over to one of the oldest breweries in Wyoming where you can enjoy a glass of the finest local beer Lander Brewing Company has to offer.
During the summer months, Lander celebrates the culture of the Wind River Indian Reservation with Wednesday nights dedicated to live music and dancing.
And speaking of live entertainment, Lander LIVE is the newest edition to the city, hosting bands from around the globe for a night of music, beer, and food.
10. Thermopolis: 3,009
Named after the famous hot springs within its limits, Thermopolis is a hidden gem of a city that most people overlook on their way to more popular destinations like Yellowstone National Park.
However, a few days here is enough to make you fall in love with its charmingly quaint downtown area and the abundance of outdoor activities right at your doorstep.
Most people who are lucky enough to know about this unique place are here for a visit to Hot Springs State Park.
Whether you are walking the wooden boardwalks to breathtaking springs or soaking in any of the three natural tubs, you are bound to feel relaxed every step of the way.
Entry to this wonderful place is free, and you can even enjoy a twenty-minute soak without paying a penny, but please respect this time limitation and buy the pass if you plan to soak all day long.
As you venture through Hot Springs State Park, you will stumble upon an extensive bison pasture where you can spend hours watching these peaceful creatures in their natural habitat.
To really take things up a notch, you can park your car and hike up to Monument Hill for breathtaking views of the Wind River Canyon.
And speaking of Wind River Canyon, its close proximity makes Thermopolis a great starting point for a day trip of hiking and searching for bighorn sheep.
But if you are not up for a day in the park, there are quite a few private hot springs scattered throughout downtown so you can still give your skin some nourishment in the healing waters.
Downtown is made up of only a couple of blocks, but they are jam-packed with restaurants, cafes, and shops that can keep a city dweller happy for weeks.
If you happen to be visiting on the right Friday, you’ll be treated to a fabulous, monthly display known as the Art Stroll.
Here you will get to enjoy music from local bands and shop for goodies at a variety of different vendors while you munch on all the street food you can eat.
Travel back in time with a visit to Legend Rock where you can admire petroglyphs that tell the story of what life was like here thousands of years ago.
For starters, since there is such an iconic mountain range just steps from its main street, there are a plethora of hiking opportunities for all experience levels to enjoy.
And even better than this is the fact that Pinedale’s ideal area allows for all hikers to enjoy breathtaking views along the way.
Whether you enjoy taking in the views from a mountaintop or gazing over an alpine lake, there is a hike in the Wind River Range that is perfect for you.
When you are not out hiking to your heart’s content, you can be enjoying some of Pinedale’s other gems like Fremont Lake.
Fremont Lake is known for being one of the deepest of its kind in the United States and has earned the title as one of the largest lakes in the state of Wyoming.
Spend summers here relaxing on its beaches or going for a refreshing swim, and winters here ice skating around with friends or dabbling in a bit of ice fishing.
But don’t forget to spend some time in Pinedale’s charming downtown with many local shops lining the streets and plenty of places to grab a quick bite or unwind with a drink.
Enjoy a sweet breakfast from Heart and Soul Bakery to start your day on the right foot, grab a flavorful lunch at the Wrangler Cafe to fuel you up for the rest of the day, and end the night with a local beer from Wind River Brewing Company.
12. Star Valley: 1,503
Although not technically a city, Star Valley has made a name for itself as a collection of towns that have joined together to create one impressive community.
Nestled close to the Idaho border, the valley is made up of Afton, Thayne, Star Valley Ranch, and Alpine and possesses an abundance of natural wonders.
While each town on its own doesn’t offer enough on its own to warrant a trip, the combination of these four unique towns makes for one incredible experience.
In Afton, you can get up close and personal with the largest elkhorn antler arch that the world has ever seen at a whopping width of 75 feet and an astonishing weight of nearly twenty tons.
Also in Afton, you will discover the Star Valley Wyoming Temple which is the first church of its kind to be built in the state and offers some breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Most people spending time in the valley will opt to spend the night in a place like Colter’s Lodge or Kodiak Mountain Resort where the historic significance is undeniable and the hospitality is hard to beat.
In fact, when it comes to most attractions, Afton will be your destination with a large number of tourist-friendly establishments that have helped the town stand out amongst the rest.
It is here that you will find the mysterious Periodic Spring that is known for the way the spring occasionally stands still for just a moment.
The hike to this spring is short, with a total length of 1.5 miles round trip, and it is worth every step to see the active body of water stop in its tracks without any apparent rhyme or reason.
The other three towns are more laidback but offer casual outdoor activities that will steal the hearts of any nature lovers that step food within their limits.
In Star Valley, you will find most people spending a relaxing day on the water or fly fishing on any of the three rivers that run through it.
And over in Thayne, visitors spend their days on horseback exploring the trails of the Targhee National Forest where wildlife like moose and elk are in abundance.
Alpine is the place to go for hiking, with endless opportunities in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Salt River Mountain Range that satisfy all experience levels.
Plus, Alpine is also home to the Melvin Brewing Company so you can enjoy a local beer and grab a quick bite after a long day exploring the mountains.
