These 8 Wyoming Towns Have The Silliest Names But Are So Worth A Visit
By Kim Magaraci|Published October 27, 2018
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Wyoming is such a unique state, and it’s a shame more people don’t see the mountains, valleys, and canyons beyond Yellowstone and the Tetons. Every town in Wyoming is full of history and character, and it’s easy to fall in love with any place here. Romanticism aside, there are a few towns that might make you scratch your head or laugh out loud when you hear their names. That doesn’t mean they aren’t worth a visit! Check out a few of our silliest, most charming towns.
Chugwater is a historic small town along the old Oregon Trail. Right now, only about 200 people call this place home. It got its name from an old buffalo hunt legend - when some bison were accidentally chased off a cliff, they landed in a river, making a water chugging sound. The name stuck.
Big Piney is named after the Big Piney creek, which got is name because it's big, and piney. Literally - there are a lot of pine trees, and pine needles fall into the creek. Also, Big Piney is one of the oldest towns in Wyoming, but since it's also one of the coldest, it's best to visit in the late summer so you can enjoy a warm weather hike.
Dubois isn't such a strange town name at first glance, but when you hear someone pronounce it in a way that rhymes with "cowboys", you've got to wonder. Turns out the original residents wanted to name the town "Tibo", after a Shoshone name. The Postal Service didn't agree, and decided to name the town after Idaho senator Fred Dubois. In protest, the town's residents rejected the typical French pronunciation.
Baggs, Wyoming is a quirky little town that's known for the Castle Shoppe. This little odds-and-ends trinket emporium is worth a visit whenever you're in town.
Meeteetse's name was derived from a Native American term for "meeting place". Today, the town name is mostly used to confuse tourists driving down from Cody as they pass through the town on WY-120. It's worth stopping to visit and see a rural, old west town in person - particularly if the Meeteetse Chocolatier is open!
I can't be the only one who loves to say "Kemmerer" right? The extra "er" just makes the name so smooth! This little town is the Fossil Fish Capital of the Country, and home to the original JC Penney's.
Thermopolis sounds more like a Greek city than a sleepy Wyoming town! This super cool city is actually super hot - it's home to the largest mineral hot springs you'll ever see. Visit the famous Wyoming Dinosaur Center while you're in town, too!
Ten Sleep got its name because it's really in the middle of nowhere. It took well over a week to get from this town to one of the main winter camps, and the Native Americans named this place "Ten Sleep" for that reason.
Have you visited any of these places? If you happen to be in Ten Sleep, take a detour to drive through one of Wyoming’s hidden treasures, Crazy Woman Canyon. It’s just a short drive from town, and won’t take you any sleeps at all to get there! This Hidden Spot In Wyoming Is Unbelievably Beautiful and you’ll fall in love with it.
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