Think about where to go for a vacation and the usual, big city suspects may come to mind first. Think smaller and less known though and you may just discover some hidden gems. That’s what Real Food Traveler’s Hospitality Editor Ron Stern found when he visited Dubois and Lander, Wyoming.

Save this article to Pinterest to help plan your visits to Dubois and Lander, Wyoming. Photos by Ron Stern. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

Cowboys, Cannons, and Canyons: Exploring the Unexpected Charms of Dubois and Lander, Wyoming

Wyoming always surprises me—especially when I least expect it. Take Dubois and Lander, tucked along some of the state’s most scenic highways. Each offers its own unique charm and fascinating stories. One is home to a world-class military museum; the other hosts an iconic Western celebration: the “world’s oldest paid rodeo,” held every Fourth of July. While these attractions draw thousands of visitors, both towns have head-turning surprises and local secrets waiting to be discovered. So whether you’re gassing up or charging your car, get ready for an unforgettable road trip adventure.

The Town of Dubois

Part of the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway, Dubois sits approximately 130 miles southeast of Yellowstone’s south entrance and 80 miles east of Jackson. Its relatively dry summers earned it the unusual nickname “Never Sweat” by settlers. The crystal-clear waters of the Wind River wind through the town, which is framed by majestic mountains, lush forests, and rust-hued badlands.

View of Badlands outside Dubois.

National Museum of Military Vehicles—6419 US-26, Dubois
Dan Starks was an unlikely candidate to become a museum founder. The longtime Dubois resident simply loved collecting military vehicles of all types. When he rolled into town on the Fourth of July, 2011, in a World War II-era M4A3E8 Sherman tank, it caught everyone’s attention—most had never seen one outside of the movies!

An M4a3E8 Sherman Tank at the National Museum of Military Vehicles.

The Sherman was instrumental in securing an Allied victory during World War II. It played pivotal roles in North Africa, Italy, and the Battle of the Bulge (Dec.1944–Jan.1945).

As his collection grew, so did local curiosity, with many suggesting he open a museum. After cramming 40 vehicles into a couple of storage barns, word of mouth led to him giving daily morning and evening tours.

“I could see that it was a significant experience for these visitors…It was the same with veterans,” he said.

Recognizing the level of interest and the need for more space, Starks opened the National Museum of Military Vehicles—A 160,000-square-foot facility—on Memorial Day 2020. The privately funded $100 million museum is the only one of its kind in the world. The fact that it is located just south of a tiny town of only around 1,000 residents makes it all the more remarkable.

I’ve visited a lot of museums, but this one was unexpectedly spectacular! USA Today recognized it as one of the 10 best attractions in the U.S., and it has consistently earned Tripadvisor’s top ratings for three consecutive years.

Here are just a few of the hundreds of reviewer comments:

“One of the most incredible museums I have visited,”

“I was blown away by my visit–it was so much more than the name implies.”

“Exceeded far beyond my expectations! A must-do while in the Grand Teton Yellowstone area. The layout and thought put into the exhibits is Smithsonian-level.”

As someone deeply interested in military history, I was especially drawn to the museum’s immersive exhibits, which honor all branches of the service and most foreign conflicts. Each vehicle has been painstakingly restored, vividly bringing America’s military history and technology to life.

Among the many exhibits are an extensive collection of vehicles such as tanks, jeeps, and artillery. Interactive displays tell heroic stories from World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The Unknown Soldiers Weapons Vault features more than 250 historic firearms on display dating back to the Revolutionary War. I couldn’t believe that they also have the actual musket used by Private John Simpson, who reportedly fired the first shot at the Battle of Bunker’s Hill on June 17, 1775.

The Musket that fired the first shot at the Battle of Bunker Hill at the National Museum of Military Vehicles.

There were many other rooms to explore, and these took me the better part of a day. The Doris Miller Annex, for example, featured naval weaponry as well as German and Japanese artillery.

During the attack on Pearl Harbor, Doris Miller manned an anti-aircraft gun. Despite having no formal training and disregarding his own safety, he bravely fought off the onslaught of Japanese aircraft. His actions helped save the lives of many fellow servicemen, including his captain. For his heroic efforts and gallantry, he was awarded the Navy Cross—becoming the first African American to receive the honor.

I left the museum with a deep sense of patriotism and gratitude for the men and women who have served in conflicts around the world—past and present. Many gave up their jobs, spent long periods away from their loved ones, and, in some cases, made the ultimate sacrifice.

National Bighorn Sheep Center—10 Bighorn Lane
I’ve got to admit—I didn’t know much about bighorn sheep. Living in Colorado, I’ve come across them from time to time. They’re also the official symbol of Rocky Mountain National Park, which is home to two herds living within its boundaries.

With their distinctive curved horns, brown coats, muscular bodies, and beautiful golden-amber eyes, it’s no wonder there are conservation efforts to protect them. After reading a TripAdvisor review that said, “World-class exhibits, friendly, informative people, and very respectful of native culture,” I was intrigued and couldn’t wait to visit the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois.

I found the museum to be quite impressive.  It’s clean, organized, and well thought out. The area was once home to the largest wintering population of bighorn sheep in North America. With declining populations due to respiratory disease, many sheep were relocated to other parts of the Rocky Mountains to build up local populations.

The giant exhibit hall features full-sized taxidermy mounts, dioramas of sheep in their natural habitat, and a theater screening three different films. There’s also a striking new mural by a local artist that depicts the nearby Torrie Valley and Whiskey Mountains.

According to Executive Director Amanda Verheul, one of the best ways to discover more is to take an eco-tour about how to safely approach, view, and photograph these animals. These can be booked online with 48 hours’ notice at a cost of $125 for 3 to 4 hours. The tour also includes viewing  petroglyphs attributed to the descendants of the Mountain Shoshone Native Americans, a tribe known as the “Sheepeaters.”

This is a first-class museum, and I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. Visitors will learn about the biology, ecology, and conservation efforts aimed at protecting these amazing wild sheep.

Butch Cassidy
Of course, I had seen the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but that was the extent of my knowledge about the outlaw whose real name was Robert LeRoy Parker—better known as “Butch Cassidy.” He showed up in the Dubois area in 1889, shortly after the notorious robbery of the San Miguel Valley Bank in Telluride, Colorado. Although present in the area, he was not directly implicated in that crime and settled in Fremont County for a time.

Cassidy was quite adept at evading the law and came to the area hoping to go unnoticed. According to local lore, he owned a horse ranch with his friend Al Hainer north of town. He also supposedly traded a firearm for supplies at the original Welty’s General Store before it moved to its current location downtown.

With his charismatic personality, Cassidy became known as a sort of “Robin Hood” figure who would help out friends and family when needed. One of the most enduring tales claims that he rode 120 miles in a blizzard to obtain medicine for a sick child suffering from influenza.  Still, some were wary of him, with one old-timer by the name of Andrew Manseau remarking, “He was good company and easy to meet and talk to […] but Cassidy was a bad man.”

Cassidy eventually moved on and found his way to Lander, about 70 miles away. His luck ran out when the local sheriff charged him with stealing a five-dollar horse.

The City of Lander

Driving south from Dubois to Lander takes about an hour, but I wasn’t prepared for one of the most stunning displays of nature I’ve ever encountered. Known as the Dubois Badlands—part of the wider Wind River Badlands—this stretch along US 26/287 is flanked by weather-worn, eroded layers of sandstone and siltstone. The result is a surreal landscape that looks like the setting of a sci-fi movie.

Tall spires, sculpted cliffs, and unusual rock formations reveal striking horizontal sedimentary layers. Vivid hues of red, pink, orange, and tan punctuate the scene, highlighting nature’s raw beauty. Morning and sunset are the best times for viewing, so be sure to have your camera ready for some truly evocative shots.

Lander is a larger community than Dubois, with a population of about 7,500. This green oasis, cradled in a valley at the foot of the Wind River Mountain Range, is known for its strong sense of community, excellent food and attractions, diverse outdoor recreation, and spectacular natural scenery. As it turned out, this was the final stop in the westward railroad expansion—hence its slogan: “Where the Rails End and the Trails Begin.”

The city derives its name from Frederick W. Lander. An engineer by trade, he pioneered a new route to California through the Wyoming Territory, saving westward settlers weeks of travel. He later accepted a commission as a brigadier general in the Union Army at the start of the Civil War.

But his story doesn’t end there. In 1860, he married English actress Jean Margaret Davenport, who was known worldwide for her stage performances. One historian suggests that characters in Charles Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby were based on Davenport and her theatrical parents. After her husband died from battle wounds, she took on a new calling—as a nurse for the Union Army, aiding the recovery of many soldiers.

It’s no surprise that the town, and later the city, adopted the name of Lander.

Pioneer Days/Rodeo—Main Street/1663 Rodeo Drive
Each year on July 3rd and 4th, the city of Lander puts on a grand celebration. Pioneer Days has been an annual tradition since 1894 and is said to even predate Cheyenne’s Frontier Days.

The 131st Fremont Pioneer Days Rodeo is considered the “world’s oldest paid rodeo” and attracts thousands from across the U.S. Starting at 6:30pm on July 3, the rodeo continues on the evening of the 4th. Sponsored by the Lander Old Timers Rodeo Association (LOTRA), the competitions include women’s bronc riding (new for 2025), barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling, and Indian relay races.

Junior mini bull riding at the Fremont Pioneer Days Rodeo in Lander.

On Independence Day, a host of festivities begins with a half-marathon, followed by a pancake breakfast. After that, locals and visitors alike line Main Street for the annual Pioneer Days Parade. This is a major event, with many people staking out their spots by planting chairs along the sidewalk the day before.

For the next hour, every sort of moving vehicle that can be turned into a float rolls down the street in a colorful array. Marching bands, veterans’ groups, Native American tribal dancers, Lander High School alumni, and even bagpipers make their way along the parade route. To me, this is the essence of the American spirit: hard-working, everyday folks from all walks of life, proudly expressing their individuality.

Much to my surprise and delight, the event culminates with the local fire department spraying water into the air from multiple fire hoses, creating a cool fountain of delight on a warm July afternoon.

The local fire department sprays the crowd to help cool them off.

After the parade, the crowds head to City Park for the annual BBQ. The day ends with a massive fireworks display as a final tribute to the country’s freedom.

Sacajawea Cemetery—Fort Washakie
Like many of Wyoming’s fascinating tidbits, I had no idea that Sacajawea is believed to be buried about 14 miles northwest of Lander. The famous Shoshone guide and interpreter accompanied Lewis and Clark on their 1804–1806 expedition, traveling from what is now North Dakota to the Pacific Ocean.

Her final resting place is a lonely cemetery on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Small and unpretentious, I found it surprisingly vibrant. Instead of the usual white crosses, many are brightly painted in colors like blue, red, turquoise, and yellow—a Shoshone and Arapaho tradition that celebrates the joy and spirit of a person’s life.

The inscription on the granite tombstone indicates that she passed away in 1884. Although some dispute this as her actual burial site, Randall Wise, director of the Fremont County Pioneer Museum in Lander, says the fact that she is buried next to her two sons is “strong evidence” that this is indeed the correct location.

The gravesite of Sacajawea is in Lander, Wyoming.

Butch Cassidy in Lander
Dubois isn’t the only place with tales of Butch Cassidy, who traveled through many parts of Wyoming. According to Wise, the time he spent in Lander adds another chapter to his legendary saga.

Cassidy worked for a number of ranchers in the Lander Valley during the 1890s. “Everyone loved the guy,” Wise said. Fitting in as a local, Cassidy became the subject of several stories about him performing good deeds for area residents.

With a penchant for gambling, he lost most of his earnings at the gaming tables or spent them on drink. But infamous or not, justice eventually caught up with him. After stealing a horse belonging to a well-connected resident, he was arrested and jailed in Lander.

The museum even has the jail register on display, showing the year: 1894. Hoping to make an example of him, authorities sentenced Butch Cassidy to two years and transferred him to the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Laramie.

Other Lander Attractions

Sinks Canyon State Park—3079 Sinks Canyon Rd
Sinks Canyon State Park, is situated about six miles from Lander, and a must-see geologic oddity. The flowing water at the mouth of the canyon mysteriously vanishes—or “sinks”—into a limestone cavern. It then travels underground, only to reappear a quarter mile later in an area known as “the Rise.”

Fremont County Pioneer Museum—1443 W Main Street
This beautiful two-story museum does an excellent job of preserving artifacts from the 1920s to the present day. The exhibits are first-rate, with sections devoted to outlaws, Native Americans, western migration, local lore, and hometown legends.

Final Stop, Lasting Memories
If your plans include travel to Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks, take a little extra time to explore these secret locales. With a world-class museum, an authentic Wild West rodeo, and some of the most memorable diversions in the West, the charm of Dubois and Lander may just linger for a lifetime.

Hungry for more? Read Ron’s article about Wyoming’s Chugwater Soda Fountain.

Where to Eat and Stay in Dubois 

Wind River Country: An extensive website that will lead you to all sorts of discoveries. You can find where to eat, places to visit, trip planning, and much more.

Places to stay in DuBois:

Twin Pines Lodge & Cabins—218 W Ramshorn St.
Located close to town, Twin Pines Lodge & Cabins exudes historic charm and classic Western ambiance. It draws rave reviews for its cozy and intimate atmosphere. My room was charmingly rustic yet still offered modern conveniences like a mini-fridge, TV, hair dryer, and WiFi.

According to the lodge’s website, these rustic cabins are a fine example of “log architecture with Arts and Crafts detailing.” The main lodge was constructed in 1939 with the help of a friend nicknamed  “Rough Log” Johnson, a skilled woodworker known as a “tie hack.” These laborers would fell large trees and shape them into wooden railroad ties—playing a major role in the expansion of the nation’s railroads. During the 1920s, Dubois was the largest supplier of railroad ties in the country, providing 10 million of these critical components.

Places to Eat:

The Canteen— Inside the Museum of Military Vehicles.
Located inside the Poolaw Building, they serve up delicious, themed meals including burgers, soup, sandwiches, brats and a full-service ice cream and milkshake bar.

Cowboy Cafe—115 E Ramshorn St.
Featured on the Food Network for their Wyoming Wild Platter, this is where the locals go for hearty meals, including biscuits and gravy, a “10-Gallon Hat” (3 lb) burger, and chuckwagon pork chops with all the trimmings. I had a hard time choosing from their rotating list of 30 house-made pies, but I went with the apple-cherry à la mode. Absolutely delicious—and I’ll be back to try more.

Apple-cherry pie à la mode from the Cowboy Cafe in Dubois, Wyoming.

The Country Store: Also Known as the Jackalope Travel Stop—404 W. Ramshorn St.
Just a couple of blocks from the Cowboy Cafe is a travel center packed with—you guessed it—everything Jackalope. Here, you can shop for T-shirts, Western apparel, ice cream, and sundries. They also stock the full lineup of Cowboy Cafe pies, so you definitely won’t be leaving town hungry.

Noon Rock Pizza—112 E Ramshorn St.
A popular, casual eatery in downtown. Using homemade dough and sauce, they serve up some stylish pizzas, wings and pasta.

The Lone Buffalo Steakhouse—120 E Ramshorn
This is where to go for cowboy-sized, juicy steaks. With both counter and table service, they also have burgers, pasta, and vegan options.

The Honey House—123 E Ramshorn St.
Family-owned, they offer all varieties of honey—including raw, flavored, squeezable, and more. With 1,200 hives across the county, they oversee every aspect of production. I bought one of their signature 3-pound tubs of raw, unheated, unfiltered honey—priced at a little over $20—that has the consistency of spreadable butter. You can partake in this local “secret,” also known as Wyoming Wonderful Honey, either in person or by ordering over the phone.

The family-owned and run Honey House is a great place to get sweet local honey products.

Nana’s Bowling & Bakery—809 Meckam St.
This is a great little diner that offers a bit of everything, including snacks, sandwiches, hot dogs, soups, ice cream, and pasties. What I found most unusual was the décor—both in the diner and the adjacent bowling alley. Some of the tables are made from 55-gallon wine barrels, twisted steel, spurs, and even rifles. The bowling alley is equally interesting, featuring overhead lamps made from wagon wheels and antique firearms. The lanes are lined with large graphics of Western personalities such as Butch Cassidy.

Hungry for more? Make Indiana’s famous Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich.

Where to Eat and Stay in Lander

Places to Stay
If you’re coming into town over a crowded weekend like July 4th (as I was), it’s best to make your plans well in advance. If rooms are all full due to the holiday, nearby Riverton is only about 30 miles from Lander.

Hampton Inn and Suites—2500 North Federal Blvd/, Riverton
With excellent reviews, this property is just an easy drive to Dubois. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the staff is friendly and well-trained. I found the service to be excellent. A complimentary breakfast is included with your stay.

Places to Eat in Lander

The Middle Fork—351 Main Street
Recommended to me by a local who said they have the best breakfast, brunch, and lunch in Lander. Everything is made from scratch using local ingredients. Their Peach Melba French Toast looked amazing and is gluten-free.

The Coalter Block, Main Street:  Gannett Grill, Lander Grill, Scream Shack, Cowfish, and Lander Brewing Co.
Lander might be a small town, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on good eats! Known as the “Coalter Block,” this collection of seven restaurants will satisfy even the most discerning palate. They include the Gannett Grill, Lander Bar, Scream Shack, Cowfish, Lincoln Street Bakery, Lander Brewing Co., and the Rusty Truck in nearby Riverton.

From local brews at the historic Lander Bar to juicy burgers from Gannett Grill, chef-inspired small plates at Cowfish, and the can’t-miss chokecherry shakes at the Scream Shack, these eateries are must-visits for any food-loving traveler.

The Chokecherry shake from the Scream Shack in Lander, Wyoming.

-Story and photos by Ron Stern, Real Food Traveler Hospitality Editor

Please note, as is common practice in this industry, this was a partially hosted visit, however, all opinions are honest and based on the author’s opinion for the purpose of informing our readers.