Lander

Lander is a city in central Wyoming with a population of approximately 7,500, known as a gateway to the Wind River Range and a hub for outdoor recreation. Located in Fremont County along the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River, Lander serves as the county seat and the commercial center for a vast area encompassing the Wind River Indian Reservation and the surrounding national forest lands. The town has a strong climbing and outdoor culture, earning it a reputation as one of America's best small towns for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lander enjoys a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry (highs 75–85°F), ideal for climbing and hiking. Winters are cold with moderate snowfall (lows 5–15°F). Spring and fall are mild but variable. The best time to visit is June through September for outdoor activities, though winter offers excellent snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The town's location at 5,357 feet elevation provides easy access to the Wind River Range, which rises to over 13,000 feet.

By Plane

The nearest commercial airport is Riverton Regional Airport (RIW), approximately 65 miles north, with limited service. The next closest is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), about 120 miles northwest. Rental cars are available.

By Train

By Car / Road

Lander is located at the western end of US-789, accessible from the north via Riverton (65 miles on US-789/26) and from the east via Shoshoni (75 miles on US-26/789). From Casper, drive north on US-20/26 to Shoshoni, then west on US-26/789 (~175 miles, 3 hours). From Jackson, drive south on US-89/191 through Grand Teton, then east on US-26/287 over Togwotee Pass (~140 miles, 3.5 hours).

Lander is a small, walkable town with most attractions along Main Street. A car is essential for exploring the Wind River Range, Sinks Canyon, and surrounding wilderness areas.

• Sinks Canyon State Park – 6 miles southwest of Lander (+1 307-332-6333). An underground river through a limestone cavern. The river disappears into the "Sinks" and reappears at a pool called the "Rise." A fascinating geological feature.

• Fremont County Pioneer Museum – 1443 W Main St (+1 307-332-4137). Complex with historic structures, log cabins, and Native American dances during summer months. Free.

• South Pass City – 34 miles south on Hwy 28. A former gold mining ghost town on the Oregon Trail, abandoned in the 1950s. The South Pass City Historic Site (125 South Pass Main St, +1 307-332-3684) charges $4 admission.

• Wind River Range – One of Wyoming's premier wilderness areas with 13,000+ foot peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and world-class climbing.

• Rock Climbing – Lander is known as a climbing mecca, with the annual Rock Climbers Festival. The Wind River Range offers world-class trad climbing routes.

• 4th of July Parade and Buffalo BBQ – Lander's annual celebration features a parade, buffalo barbecue, and rodeo.

• Drive the Loop Road – From Sinks Canyon to Louis Lake, then to South Pass, past Red Canyon, and back to Lander. 80 miles, 20 miles of dirt road in the Shoshone National Forest.

• Lander Brewfest – Advertised as "The Best Little Brewfest in the West."

• Hiking and Backpacking – Hundreds of miles of trails in the Wind River Range and Shoshone National Forest. Popular trails include the Wind River High Route and the Lonesome Lake Trail.

• Fishing – The Popo Agie River and Wind River system offer excellent trout fishing.

• The Breadboard – 1350 Main St (+1 307-332-6090). Fresh, delicious sub sandwiches with homemade bread from scratch.
• El Sol de Mexico – 453 Main St (+1 307-332-9298). Mexican food.
• Gannett Grill – 126 Main St (+1 307-332-8228). Daily 11AM–9PM. Great bar food: burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and salad. A burger with great fries costs around $8–10. Wide selection of microbrews. Great patio shared with the Cowfish.
• Mulino Bistro – 977 Main St (+1 307-438-4016). Tu–Sa 5–9PM. Italian bistro.
• The Cowfish – 148 Main St (+1 307-332-8227). Daily 5–9PM. Higher-end restaurant serving locally grown steaks and seafood. Dinner entrees around $28.
• The Middle Fork – 351 Main Street (+1 307-335-5035).

• Lander Bar – 126 Main St (+1 307-332-8228). Daily 11–2AM. Popular local bar with a great patio.

• Budget: Rodeway Inn Pronghorn Lodge (150 E Main St, +1 307-332-3940) offers basic accommodations.
• Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lander (1002 11th St, +1 307-332-4005) provides comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
• Upscale / heritage: Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel (5690 US-287, +1 307-206-7000), located 2 miles north of Lander. Louis Lake Lodge (1811 Louis Lake Rd, 38 miles SW in the Shoshone National Forest, +1 512-731-7596) offers authentic log cabins with hiking, biking, and fishing. Cabins from $99, rooms from $125.

Small shops along Main Street in downtown Lander offer outdoor gear, Western wear, and local crafts.

• Sinks Canyon State Park (6 miles southwest, ~15 minutes) – Underground river and scenic canyon.
• South Pass City (34 miles south, ~45 minutes) – Historic gold mining ghost town on the Oregon Trail.
• Wind River Range (south) – World-class wilderness area with climbing, hiking, and fishing.
• Grand Teton National Park (140 miles northwest, ~3.5 hours) – Via Togwotee Pass.
• Casper, WY (175 miles east, ~3 hours) – Via US-20/26 through Shoshoni.