There’s no denying that Wyoming’s small towns are where it’s at. These pint-sized municipalities wow with timeless historic districts and an abundance of spectacular views, retaining all of their Wild West charms even well into the modern day. Although not one of Wyoming’s smallest communities, the colorful, mid-sized town of Evanston, Wyoming in the southwest corner of the state nevertheless boasts all of the charm and nostalgia of its more petite counterparts.

Named after a highly-regarded rail engineer in 1868, today the idyllic city is home to a bevy of historical sites, a fantastic state park, endless natural beauty, and all of the rustic, Cowboy State charm one could hope for. Add in unique rail town vibes and four seasons of recreation opportunities and this historic hidden gem has a little something for everyone…and all the makings of the perfect weekend destination. So what is there to do here in Evanston, Wyoming? Too much to list, that’s for sure!

When it comes to sights, Evanston packs a major punch, courtesy of its phenomenal setting in southwest Wyoming.
Evanston, Wyoming/Facebook
With a scenic backdrop of the Uinta Mountains and the rushing Bear River promising adventure in any season, the town certainly has no shortage of beautiful landscapes to drink in, even for those who aren't itching to backpack, fly-fish, or rock climb their way through the High Uintas Wilderness.
Evanston, Wyoming/Facebook
For a snapshot of the area's best natural wonders, a scenic drive down the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is well worth the extra mileage for panoramic views.
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Although if hiking is on your to-do list, trails like the six-mile trek to Lily Lake are sure to be a highlight of your visit.
To enjoy family-friendly hiking closer to town, try a casual, paved jaunt along the Bear River Greenway or around the Bear River Pond.
Evanston, Wyoming/Facebook
The north part of town houses the sweeping expanses of Bear River State Park. Over 300 acres of vibrant, rolling terrain, rocky riverbanks, and meandering trails greet visitors in this overlooked slice of the state.
Evanston Wyoming/Facebook
The park offers incredible opportunities for families to enjoy the sights and wildlife (including a few bison and elk herds), hike, learn, and immerse themselves in a quiet corner of Cowboy Country that feels farther afield than it actually is.
Bear River State Park/Facebook
Make sure to check out the on-site Visitor Center at BRSP as well while you're here. For even more natural beauty and history all in one, Fort Bridger and Fossil Butte Historic Site are both less than an hour's drive away.
But while the town's gorgeous surroundings beckon to be both admired and explored, the town was originally founded as a pit stop for the Union Pacific Railroad on its way through Wyoming.
Evanston Wyoming/Facebook
Evanston's history is, at its core, inseparable from its rail town origins, which means no visit here is complete without spending some extra time at the historic Depot Square and Roundhouse Railyard.
Evanston Wyoming/Facebook
Evanston was originally named after Union Pacific engineer James A. Evans. The railroad's division point was intended for nearby Wasatch, but complications with sourcing water moved the U.P. line to Evanston in 1868, where the eventual Roundhouse was built to service locomotives. From there, a hotel, restaurant, and a saloon gave rise to the town we know and love today.

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In addition to dining and on-site community events, you'll find a treasure trove of historic buildings to explore.
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Photo ops abound in this corner of the city, with quaint, storied vignettes hiding around every corner.
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For even more glimpses of Evanston's past and present, the Uinta County Museum is housed in the historic Carnegie Library building on Front Street.
Gregory Kelly/GoogleMaps
The museum features both permanent and changing exhibits on local and regional history. Even if history isn't your cup of joe, this museum manages to enlighten and delight far more than your average small-town collection!
Speaking of museums, the Joss House Museum nearby offers a fantastic glimpse into the lives of the area's Chinese immigrants in the 19th Century.
Peter Shank/GoogleMaps
The original Joss House was built in 1874, with each member of the Chinese community contributing in some way to its construction. In addition to learning more about the challenges and triumphs of this minority population, visitors will be captivated by the lush, zen-like grounds.
And, of course, Wyoming's plentiful prehistoric history makes an appearance in Evanston too. Kids of all ages will love exploring the many nooks and crannies where fossils, rocks, and dinosaur remnants can be found.
David Beecher/Google
But don't stop with the town's museums! Fans of architecture in all its many forms will find a number of both lovingly restored and original buildings to ogle around Evanston, including the Uinta County Courthouse, Old Town Hall, St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Union Presbyterian Church, and many more.
Evanston Wyoming/Facebook
Finally, take a stroll through Evanston's historic district and colorful downtown for some major charm and nostalgia, as well as plentiful shopping opportunities.
Evanston Wyoming/Facebook
From winter Christmas carolers to summer parades to lively harvest farmers markets, there's an incredible number of things to do in Evanston, Wyoming and every season is the perfect opportunity to visit this enchanting town!
Evanston Wyoming/Facebook

There’s no denying the charm and history of this fantastic town! We didn’t even touch on the dining, shopping, and accommodation options here, but know you’ll find the options to be the epitome of cozy and hospitable.

If you’ve ever spent some time in Evanston, Wyoming, let us know your favorite stops along the way and how to make the most of your time here.

While you’re in the area, hop on over to Flaming Gorge for some wow-worthy sights without the crowds. Then, hop on over to this tranquil waterfront cabin to rest up for another day of adventuring through SW Wyoming.

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More to Explore

Evanston, Wyoming

Jennifer | January 31, 2024

What is the history of the railroad in Wyoming?

Wyoming's railroad history dates back well over a century, so there's a lot of ground to cover! Some important moments and facts about Wyoming's rail history include:

  • The Union Pacific Railroad (UP) was the first to enter Wyoming in 1862, as part of the Transcontinental Railroad project that connected the east and west coasts of the United States.
  • Cheyenne was established as one of the first major hubs and maintenance facilities, where it also maintained a steam fleet, including the famous Big Boy locomotives.
  • The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) was the second transcontinental railroad to cross Wyoming, starting in the 1890s. It sought to utilize the state’s timber, coal, and iron resources, as well as to access the Pacific Northwest markets.
  • The CB&Q built lines to serve towns like Newcastle, Sheridan, Gillette, Cody, Powell, Worland and Thermopolis. It also had a branch to Yellowstone National Park.
  • Today, Wyoming’s rail network is mostly dominated by the Union Pacific and the BNSF Railway, the successor of the CB&Q. They haul large amounts of coal from the Powder River Basin, as well as other commodities.

 

Where can I learn more about Wyoming's railroad history?

Perhaps the better question is where to start! Check out this train-themed road trip to kick off your journey.

  • Cheyenne Depot Museum, located in the historic UP depot, features exhibits, artifacts, and models of Wyoming’s railroads.
  • Cody Heritage Museum, which houses a replica of the Cody Special, a luxury train that carried visitors to Yellowstone in the 1920s.
  • Laramie Railroad Depot, which was built in 1924 by the UP and is now a museum and visitor center.
  • Sheridan Railroad Historic District, which includes the CB&Q depot, roundhouse, shops, and other structures that date back to the early 1900s.

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Evanston, WY 82930, USA