With one of the most charming main streets in Wyoming and some of the planet’s best climbing in the Wind Rivers, this small town ponies up and Delivers big rewards.
EAT
A wholesome, hearty breakfast is essential for any big adventure day, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at The Middle Fork (themiddleforklander.com)—a bustling Main Street eatery serving colorful culinary delights. Order the Banana Bread French Toast, or a plate of Eggs Benedict—both highly recommended by the locals. Post-adventure, settle in on the inviting patio at Cowfish (cowfishlander.com), and refuel with a juicy burger or menu composed of elegant pasta offerings, and an array of seafood and meat-forward dishes. Cowfish shares a space with the Lander Brewing Company, so carbs on carbs.
SLEEP
The Mill House Inn (millhouselander.com), built in 1888, is a former flour mill now beautifully renovated into a boutique hotel that blends the building’s history with a modern farmhouse look. Rates start at $110 per night. If you want out-the-door adventure, head to the Sinks Canyon State Park campground (bit.ly/2Nthffj), just south of Lander. It’s small, open year-round, and overnight camping permits for non-residents run a very reasonable $18 per night.
PLAY
Home to the renowned National Outdoor Leadership School (nols.edu), Lander and its surroundings are flush with natural beauty and ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The landscape in the Lander area is rich in limestone and granite rock walls, which makes it a revered destination for climbers. Sinks Canyon State Park (sinkscanyonstatepark.org) is just a short drive from downtown Lander, and holds more than 300 trad and sport routes. Lander has garnered such a reputation amongst the climbing community that the town hosts the International Climbers’ Festival (climbersfestival.org) every July. Sinks Canyon State Park also offers a variety of mountain biking and hiking trails, with the three-mile round-trip Middle Fork Falls hike being a favorite to view the Popo Agie River melodiously cascading into Sinks Canyon. Avid anglers will also find excellent fishing on the Popo Agie River in the Park.
