Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor

Charene the Adventure Queen
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Monthly

Wyoming's best adventure starts in Wind River Country. Located in western Wyoming, just beyond Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton Mountains, Wind River Country is the place to go to get away from the crowds. Unplug, unwind and find room to roam in Dubois, Hudson, Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni or on the Wind River Indian Reservation, the only Reservation in the Cowboy State

  1. May 28

    Saddle Up in Wind River Country: Riding Through Wyoming's Wild Heart

    In this episode of Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor, listeners are invited to explore the region on horseback—an experience that captures the essence of Wyoming's wide-open spaces, rugged beauty and authentic Western spirit. Horseback riding in Wind River Country isn't just recreation—it's a way to connect with the land and its stories. From open sagebrush flats and alpine meadows to the shadowed slopes of the Wind River Mountains, riders can trace the same trails once traveled by ranchers, explorers and Native peoples. It's a chance to slow down, breathe deeply and see Wyoming the way it was meant to be seen—from the saddle. For this episode, the team joined a two-hour trail ride with Said Creek Outfitters of Arcady Ridge Ranch near Dubois. The small-group ride offered a true wilderness experience, winding through pine forests and aspen groves with sweeping views of the mountains. Each guest was thoughtfully paired with a horse suited to their skill level. Whether you're an experienced rider or trying it for the first time, outfitters across Wind River Country offer a variety of guided rides—from gentle, one-hour loops perfect for families to full-day and multi-day adventures deep into the backcountry. Many, like Arcady Ridge Ranch, keep their groups small to ensure safety and personal attention, allowing riders to build confidence and truly connect with their horses and surroundings. In Wind River Country, every ride tells a story. You might spot pronghorn grazing in the distance, cross cool mountain streams or follow trails once used by early settlers and Indigenous travelers. So whether you're saddling up for a sunset ride, joining a family outing or venturing deep into the wilderness, horseback riding in Wind River Country is more than an activity—it's an unforgettable way to experience the West. Ready to see Wyoming from the saddle? Start planning your own horseback adventure in Wind River Country at windriver.org, where you'll find more on trail rides, outfitters and ways to experience the West.

    20 min

  2. Apr 23

    Dancing the Night Away: Tuesday Night Square Dancing at the Rustic Pine Tavern

    In this episode of Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson head to Dubois to experience a beloved local tradition—Tuesday Night Square Dancing at the Rustic Pine Tavern. Every summer, locals and visitors gather for this lively weekly event, where the community comes together to dance, laugh and celebrate the spirit of Wind River Country. With live calling and energetic tunes, the evening offers fun for dancers of all ages and skill levels—no experience required. Listeners will hear about the history of this cherished Dubois tradition, tips for first-time dancers and why this event has become a must-do summer activity for anyone visiting the area. Whether you're swinging your partner or just watching from the sidelines, Tuesday Night Square Dancing is a joyful way to connect with the community and experience the unique culture of Wind River Country.

    14 min

  3. Mar 26

    Your Day, Your Adventure: Riverton—A Pocket Guide to Exploring Wyoming's Wind River Country

    In the latest episode of Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson explore Riverton in real time with Cindy Olsen-Roden of the Riverton Chamber and Visitors Center, alongside Mayor Hancock and other local voices. Following the Your Day, Your Adventure pocket guide, they experience what you can do in just one hour—from the Riverton Museum and downtown walking tour to the Riverwalk, City Park and skate park—offering a firsthand look at the experiences that shape the community. They also highlight how these guides help you make the most of your time, whether you have an hour, three hours or half a day to explore. Listen in and start planning at WindRiver.org.

    31 min

  4. Feb 26

    Winter in Motion: The Pedigree Stage Stop Dog Sled Race in Lander

    In this episode of Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson take you to one of winter's most exhilarating traditions, the Pedigree Stage Stop Dog Sled Race in Lander. Earlier this month, the sound of eager sled dogs and cheering spectators filled the crisp winter air as the race returned to town. We were there for the Meet the Mushers event in Lander City Park on February 6, where families gathered around a bonfire, kids leaned in to pet the dogs and mushers shared stories about life on the trail. Seeing these incredible canine athletes up close—their focus, their energy and the bond between each musher and team—makes the sport feel both powerful and personal. The following morning, we headed to South Pass, where the dogs launched from the Louis Lake Road parking lot at 9 a.m. One by one, teams burst off the starting line, sled runners gliding over packed snow as spectators cheered them into the wide-open landscape. The excitement builds quickly, along with a deep appreciation for the endurance and teamwork required to compete at this level. The race brings world-class competition to communities across western Wyoming each winter, but what stood out most was the sense of connection, between musher and dog, between neighbors gathered along the course and between this event and the rugged winter character of Wind River Country. It was one of those bright, cold Wyoming mornings that reminds you why winter here is something to celebrate.

    24 min

  5. Jan 22

    Behind the Scenes at the National Museum of Military Vehicles

    In this episode of Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson visit with Dan Starks, owner of the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois, Wyoming. Dan shares the story behind this world-class museum, its remarkable collection and the vision for its future.  The conversation also highlights the museum's conference center (Poolaw Building) and Liberty Lodge, a hotel currently being built that will provide visitors with even more ways to experience Dubois.  Adding to the adventure, Charene and Helen get an exclusive look inside a real tank—offering listeners a behind-the-scenes peek at what makes the museum such a unique destination.  This episode invites you to discover the history, innovation and hospitality that make the National Museum of Military Vehicles a must-see in Wind River Country. Explore more at windriver.org.

    28 min

  6. 12/25/2025

    Pushroot Valley Harvest: A Celebration of Local Flavor and Community (Part Two of Two)

    In this two-part episode of Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor, listeners are invited to experience the tastes and stories of the Lander Valley at the Pushroot Valley Harvest–Dinner and Farm Tours. This special event celebrates the region's deep agricultural roots and the people who bring its bounty to life. The day began with guided farm tours at four local, family-owned farms, where participants got an up-close look at the valley's vibrant produce, livestock and land stewardship. Guests met the farmers and took part in hands-on activities. As the sun dipped behind the Wind River Mountains, the celebration moved to the CWC Alpine Science Institute for a farm-to-table dinner prepared by the CWC Culinary Program. Diners enjoyed locally sourced dishes, live music, drinks and storytelling that captured the spirit of the season.

    24 min

  7. 11/27/2025

    Part 1 of Pushroot Valley Harvest: A Celebration of Local Flavor and Community

    In this episode of Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor, listeners are invited to experience the tastes and stories of the Lander Valley at the Pushroot Valley Harvest–Dinner and Farm Tours. This special event celebrates the region's deep agricultural roots and the people who bring its bounty to life. The day began with guided farm tours at four local, family-owned farms, where participants got an up-close look at the valley's vibrant produce, livestock and land stewardship. Guests met the farmers and took part in hands-on activities. As the sun dipped behind the Wind River Mountains, the celebration moved to the CWC Alpine Science Institute for a farm-to-table dinner prepared by the CWC Culinary Program. Diners enjoyed locally sourced dishes, live music, drinks and storytelling that captured the spirit of the season. Part 2 will feature a local flower farm, ASI and the community dinner.

    39 min

  8. 10/23/2025

    Stories in the Shadows: Lander's Haunted History Walking Tour

    In this episode of Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor, listeners join storyteller Alma Law for a Haunted History Walking Tour of Lander. As part of the Bookmarked Story Festival—a three-day celebration of Wyoming's writers and readers—this eerie evening adventure invites participants to explore the city's shadowy corners and captivating past. Beginning at Centennial Park, the tour winds through downtown Lander, where Alma shares spine-tingling tales of historic buildings, legendary locals and unexplained happenings that have become part of the town's lore. Listeners will get a sense of the atmosphere that fills Lander after dark—where every creaking floorboard and flickering light seems to whisper a story from long ago. From its rich frontier history to its mysterious folklore, this haunted walk reveals a side of Wind River Country you won't soon forget.

    23 min
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About

Wyoming's best adventure starts in Wind River Country. Located in western Wyoming, just beyond Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton Mountains, Wind River Country is the place to go to get away from the crowds. Unplug, unwind and find room to roam in Dubois, Hudson, Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni or on the Wind River Indian Reservation, the only Reservation in the Cowboy State

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