From the renowned geysers of Yellowstone National Park to the majestic mountain peaks of Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming is home to many breathtaking natural and man-made wonders.
Small settlements in the Cowboy State that many people may not be familiar with can be found outside these two popular tourist destinations. These small towns, which range from Meeteetse to Chugwater, may seem strange, but they have important histories.
Explore some of Wyoming’s most unusual town names and how they survive today, whether you’re a history buff or just want to learn something new.
Ten Sleep
Ten Sleep, which is in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, gets its strange name from the fact that it is situated between two important Native American encampment. The Old Sioux Camp was one of the camps close to Casper, by the Platte River.
The other camp was located close to Bridger, Montana, and the Clark Fork River. With routes leading off in all directions, these camps functioned as crossroads.
Given that the distance between these two camps was determined by the number of sleeps it took to go to each main camp, Ten Sleep received its name.
For all adventurers, Ten Sleep, a well-liked tourist site, provides a variety of activities. While fishing, boating, and horseback riding are some of the most popular activities in the warmer months, the area is perfect for skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
Meeteetse
Established in the 1890s, Meeteetse is a small village located more than 30 miles from Cody. Its name is derived from a traditional Shoshone expression meaning “nearby” or “meeting place.”
Dry Creek, a Shoshone River tributary that drains into the Greybull River, was the town’s original name. Western heritage, wooden boardwalks, and a rich history are what make Meeteetse famous.
Meeteetse provides more than just historical context. For anyone interested in Wyoming’s Wild West past, the Cowboy Bar and Café, one of the state’s most famous outlaw bars, is a must-see.
However, the Meeteetse Chocolatier, which offers a variety of handcrafted chocolates and confections, is a sensory delight.
Guernsey
Charles A. Guernsey, a New Yorker who traveled to the area in 1880 and purchased land, is the namesake of Guernsey, a small town in Wyoming. A multi-skilled individual, Guernsey served as a legislator, rancher, and mining promoter.
In addition, he penned “Wyoming Cowboy Days,” a book that chronicles Wyoming cowboy culture. An important aspect of the town’s history is the Guernsey Dam, which was built in large part thanks to Guernsey.
With its location along the well-known Oregon Trail, the town’s historical significance is further reinforced by the Guernsey Visitor Center and Museum, which is housed within Guernsey State Park.
In addition, the town has lakes, rivers, a golf course, and paths for bicyclists and walkers.
Thermopolis
Until the railroad came in 1910, Thermopolis, which was founded in 1897 in the Bighorn Basin of northwest Wyoming, could only be accessible by wagon trains across rugged mountain passes.
The town’s famous hot springs are referenced in its name, which is derived from the Greek word “hot city.”
One of the town’s most famous monuments, Hot Springs State Park, is home to the biggest mineral hot spring in the world.
Hotels, a bathhouse, walking paths, picnic areas, boat docks, flower beds, mineral terraces, and a suspension footbridge across the Bighorn River are all elements of the park.
There is more to Thermopolis than merely hot springs. One of Wyoming’s most significant collections of Native American artifacts is kept in the Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center.
Chugwater
In Wyoming, Chugwater is arguably the most peculiar town name. It has a lengthy history connected to Native American legend and is situated across Chugwater Creek.
The sound of buffalo dropping from a bluff or the chalky dirt hitting the lake below is referred to as “chug.”
Chug Springs was the original name of the location, and Chugwater was the new name. Although the town was formally founded in 1877, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that it was incorporated.
Chugwater has a lot to offer these days. In addition to taking part in scavenger hunts and photography classes, visitors can explore the Chugwater Museum to discover more about the history of Mountain West ranching.
It’s also worthwhile to see the town’s historic Chugwater Soda Fountain, which is the state’s oldest still in operation.
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