Living the Small Town Life in Lander, Wyoming

In my week in the small town, I felt at home. I’d found a favorite coffee shop, a bar with the best burgers around, and even settled into my accommodations. I had the opportunity to unpack, a first in the otherwise whirlwind road trip. And despite my dislike for all things outdoors, I was beginning to like this place. Could I actually stay here?

I likely would have never heard of Lander, Wyoming had it not been where my dear friend was getting married. The town has less than 8,000 residents in addition to the people that pass through for courses with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). They have one airport 45 minutes away with irregular schedules and bigger ones in Casper and Jackson, each tow and three hours drive away. Bit it’s the remoteness that makes Lander so great.

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Where to Stay in Lander

You can’t come to this part of the country and not spend time in nature. Sinks Canyon has riverside campsites and yurts with bathroom facilities, which is where I stayed. Access to trails is close by and Lander is less than a 10-minute drive. You will, however, have to shower elsewhere.

We went to the NOLS Noble Hotel, where students stay before and after trips, and showered for $2 before the wedding. If you prefer modern facilities, Rodeway Inn Pronghorn Lodge and Baldwin Creek Bed & Breakfast are closer to town. For a truly offbeat experience, stay in the bunk house at Lander Llama Company, a llama trekking outfitter. There are also a few AirBnB rentals around town.

Where to Eat and Drink in Lander

You wouldn’t expect a wealth of options in such a small town but Lander is different. Start with coffee and a breakfast burrito at Crux Coffee or Lander Bake Shop LLC. On weekends, indulge in a boozy brunch at Middle Fork Cafe where you can’t go wrong with eggs Benedict or stuffed French toast.

For your burger fix, Lander Bar & Grill has good ones, best enjoyed in the beer garden. The Cowfish is ideal for a nice dinner out, as is Thai Chef. Lander Bar is one of the only bars in town, so don’t expect a big nightlife scene.

What to See and Do in Lander

The town has a fascinating Wild West history as Butch Cassidy was first convicted of the theft of horses here. He was later imprisoned at the territorial prison in nearby Laramie. Visit the Museum of the American West to learn about Lander’s past. Also nearby is South Pass City, a ghost town, and the grave of Sacajawea, the native guide to the Lewis and Clark expedition, located near the Wind River reservation.

The Lander area is also ripe with active adventures and Sinks Canyon State Park is ground zero to it all. See the namesake “sinks” where the river runs underground and bubbles up a mile later. The park also has waterfalls, trails, rock climbing, and fly fishing. The Wind River range is also popular for hikers.

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So will I be moving to Lander? Probably not. I’m not sure I could keep myself entertained in such a small town. But will I be back? Absolutely.

Have you ever been to Lander, Wyoming? Would you go?