Nestled in the heart of Wyoming, Wind River Country is an idyllic destination for adventurers and anyone seeking to escape into a serene winter wonderland. Follow this three-day Wind River itinerary to experience small-town charm, rich history, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Day 1: Arrive in Riverton
Fly into Riverton Regional Airport
We took a short direct flight from Denver to Riverton Regional Airport and arrived at night. We seamlessly picked up our rental car from Priceless Car Rentals, who we had been in contact with before arriving, so we quickly found our car and headed to get some rest.
Stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Riverton
We enjoyed a restful night at this cozy hotel with a convenient location and comfortable amenities.
Day 2: Explore Riverton and Boysen State Park
Breakfast at Brown Sugar Coffee Roastery
Kick off Wind River Itinerary with a visit to this local gem. Brown Sugar Coffee Roastery. This is a cozy spot for a delicious cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the adventures ahead!
Riverton Museum
Dive into the area’s history at the Riverton Museum. We enjoyed learning about the Northern Arapahoe and Eastern Shoshone tribes of the Wind River Indian Reservation as well as learning the heritage and fascinating stories of Fremont County.
They also had a variety of artifacts from the early and mid 1900s like beauty products, medicine, cash registers, and even a car which was very interesting!
Lunch and Ice Fishing at Boysen State Park
Enjoy a picturesque drive to Boysen Marina before getting lunch at the marina. We met with John Bass, the superintendent of Boysen State Park, who taught us how to ice fish.
Even though we didn’t catch a fish, it was really fun to learn how it all works and the views were beautiful. If you’re interested in ice fishing, don’t forget to purchase your fishing license in advance from Wyoming Game and Fish.
Quick drive through Wind River Canyon
After ice fishing, we recommend driving through Wind River Canyon for some incredible winter views! The canyon is just north of Boysen State Park for about 20 minutes before turning around and heading back.
On our way back, we stopped for a stunning sunset overlooking Boysen State Park before heading to the next town on your Wind River Itinerary, Lander.
Check into The Mill House in Lander
Say goodbye to Riverton and head to Lander, where you’ll check into The Mill House, a charming boutique property, conveniently located in downtown Lander.
Shopping in downtown Lander
There’s a number of cute stores in downtown Lander including thrift stores, souvenir shops, and many outdoor stores. I found a backpack on sale that I’m super excited about!
Dinner at Pushroot Brewing Company
Lander’s newest brewery offers locally crafted brews and rotating food truck options for a laid-back dining experience. We were really impressed with the beer and would consider this a must stop on your Wind River itinerary!
Day 3: Lander’s Scenic and Cultural Highlights
Breakfast at Whitebark Café
Begin your day with breakfast at this beautiful café. We loved the warm atmosphere and the coffee was our favorite of the trip. Do yourself a favor and get a pastry!
Cave Tour at Sinks Canyon State Park
Gear up for an epic underground adventure in Boulder Choke Cave. A tour is required to enter the cave and it’s well worth the $20/person. Discovered in the 1990s, the cave extends approximately 1/8 mile and varies in depth from 20 to 100 feet.
The cave serves as the underground pathway for the Popo Agie River and floods every summer which gives the cave walls a unique texture. You can even see water droplets on the ceiling!
Tours are available mid-August to mid-April and you can even see the river inside of the cave. The tour includes all caving gear, protective clothing, safety equipment and a trained cave guide.
Lunch at Bali Thai Kitchen
Savor an array of flavorful dishes at this local favorite, offering a delightful blend of Thai cuisine. The portions are huge and both dishes we tried were delicious, but we would highly recommend the pumpkin curry!
Wind River Indian Reservation Audio Tour
Immerse yourself in the stories and history of the Wind River Indian Reservation with this self-guided audio tour from TravelStorys. The app syncs to your location and will narrate what you’re seeing as you drive.
This was such an incredible way to learn about the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes at our own pace. The self-guided drive takes about two hours. We learned so much, but the most memorable part of the tour for us was seeing Sacagawea’s gravesite.
Dinner at Cowfish
Right across the street from The Mill House, you’ll find Cowfish which has a diverse menu featuring steak, seafood, and pasta dishes. I got the miso glazed sea bass and Myles got the scallop risotto and it was by far the best meal of our trip! Reservations are recommended on weekends.
Day 4: Horses and Say Goodbye
Breakfast at The Middle Fork
Treat yourself to a delectable breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients. This popular eatery serves coffee, breakfast, brunch, and lunch. I highly recommend the shakshuka!
Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary Tour
While visiting the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary, we learned that BLM land has a problem with overpopulation of wild horses.
Some of the wild horses are sent to the sanctuary and there are incentives to adopt and raise the horses. There are some permanent horses who live at the sanctuary and we highly recommend a tour to see them.
Hike at Sinks Canyon State Park
If you have time, end your Wind River itinerary with a scenic hike through the trails of Sinks Canyon, taking in stunning views of the surrounding winter landscape. There are around 7 miles of hiking trails and some of the trails feature suspension bridges.
Depart for Riverton
Say farewell to Wind River Country and make your way back to Riverton for your flight home.
This thoughtfully curated itinerary offers the perfect mix of adventure, history, and relaxation. Whether you’re ice fishing, touring caves, or savoring local flavors, you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime!
