Fremont County is located in the central part of Wyoming and is the second-largest county in the state by area, covering over 9,200 square miles. Established in 1884 and named after John C. Frémont, the famous explorer and military officer, the county is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Wind River Range, Absaroka Range, and parts of the Shoshone National Forest. Fremont County also encompasses the Wind River Indian Reservation, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes.
The county’s population is approximately 40,000 people, with its largest cities being Riverton, Lander, and Dubois. Fremont County’s economy is driven by agriculture, mining, tourism, and energy production, with the nearby mountains and outdoor recreation drawing visitors year-round. The region has a rich Native American heritage, as well as a history tied to the exploration and settlement of the American West.
Riverton
Geography and History
Riverton is the largest city in Fremont County, located in the central part of the county along the Wind River. Established in 1906, Riverton was originally built as a farming community, benefiting from an extensive irrigation system that made the arid land more productive. Over time, the city grew as a center for agriculture, mining, and energy industries. Today, Riverton serves as a commercial hub for central Wyoming and offers modern amenities along with easy access to outdoor recreation.
Riverton’s proximity to the Wind River Indian Reservation has shaped much of its culture, and the city celebrates its diverse heritage through local events and festivals. The area is known for its stunning landscapes, including views of the Wind River Range, and serves as a gateway for visitors heading to Yellowstone National Park.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Hub of the Wind River Basin”
- Area: 9.87 square miles
- Population: Approximately 10,000
- Elevation: 4,956 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82501, 82502
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Riverton is served by U.S. Highway 26 and Wyoming Highway 789, which connect the city to nearby towns and the broader region. The Riverton Regional Airport provides commercial air service with flights to Denver, making it an important transportation hub for central Wyoming. The city’s road network is well-developed, and the nearby highways make it easy to access larger cities like Casper and Lander.
Famous Landmarks
- Wind River Heritage Center: A museum showcasing the history of Fremont County and the Wind River Valley
- Riverton Museum: Features exhibits on local history and the region’s agricultural and Native American heritage
Lander
Geography and History
Lander is located along the Popo Agie River in the southwestern part of Fremont County. Founded in 1884, Lander was named after General Frederick W. Lander, a civil engineer who worked on the Oregon Trail. The city became an important stopping point for travelers heading west and later evolved into a center for ranching and mining. Today, Lander is known for its vibrant arts community and outdoor recreation opportunities, especially in the nearby Wind River Range and Sinks Canyon State Park.
Lander has a rich history that includes the discovery of gold in nearby South Pass City in the 1860s, which brought prospectors and settlers to the area. The city’s location at the base of the Wind River Range makes it a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Climbing Capital of Wyoming”
- Area: 5.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,800
- Elevation: 5,358 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82520
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Lander is accessible via U.S. Highway 287, which connects it to Riverton and other parts of Wyoming. Wyoming Highway 131 leads south to Sinks Canyon State Park and the Wind River Mountains. Although Lander does not have a commercial airport, it is just a short drive from the Riverton Regional Airport. Residents and visitors typically rely on personal vehicles for transportation, and the city is well connected to major road networks.
Famous Landmarks
- Sinks Canyon State Park: A unique geological area where the Popo Agie River disappears into a limestone cavern
- Museum of the American West: Exhibits focusing on Native American and pioneer history
- South Pass City: Historic mining town and state historic site
Dubois
Geography and History
Dubois is a small town located in the northwestern part of Fremont County, nestled between the Absaroka and Wind River mountain ranges. Originally founded as a frontier town in the late 1800s, Dubois has a rich history tied to ranching, logging, and the fur trade. The town was officially established in 1914 and named after Idaho Senator Fred Dubois, though it was initially called “Never Sweat” due to its dry climate.
Today, Dubois is known for its rustic charm and as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park. The surrounding wilderness offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The area is also famous for its petroglyphs and ties to Native American culture.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Gateway to Yellowstone”
- Area: 3.49 square miles
- Population: Approximately 950
- Elevation: 6,946 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82513
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Dubois is located along U.S. Highway 26, which provides access to the nearby Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park to the west, and Riverton to the southeast. Although Dubois does not have an airport, it is served by the Riverton Regional Airport for commercial flights, which is about 75 miles away. The town’s scenic location along the highway makes it a popular stop for travelers heading to Yellowstone.
Famous Landmarks
- Dubois Museum: Displays local history, including artifacts from Native American tribes and early settlers
- Togwotee Pass: A high mountain pass offering stunning views and a route to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
- National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center: Dedicated to the conservation of bighorn sheep and their habitat
Shoshoni
Geography and History
Shoshoni is a small town located at the junction of U.S. Highways 20 and 26, near Boysen Reservoir in the eastern part of Fremont County. Established in the early 1900s as a railroad town, Shoshoni quickly became a center for agriculture and ranching. The town’s name comes from the Shoshone Native American tribe, and the area has a long history of Native American presence.
Today, Shoshoni is known for its access to outdoor activities, particularly around Boysen State Park, which offers boating, fishing, and camping opportunities. The town is a quiet, rural community that serves as a gateway to the Wind River Canyon and Thermopolis to the north.
City Facts
- Nickname: “The Crossroads of Wyoming”
- Area: 3.52 square miles
- Population: Approximately 650
- Elevation: 4,780 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82649
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Shoshoni is located at the junction of U.S. Highway 20 and U.S. Highway 26, making it an important crossroads in central Wyoming. The town is also near the southern end of the scenic Wind River Canyon, with U.S. Highway 20 leading north toward Thermopolis. Shoshoni does not have its own airport, but it is within driving distance of the Riverton Regional Airport. The town’s highway connections make it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the region.
Famous Landmarks
- Boysen State Park: Popular for boating, fishing, and camping along the Boysen Reservoir
- Wind River Canyon: A stunning scenic area with towering cliffs and the rushing Wind River
- Shoshoni Petroglyphs: Ancient Native American rock carvings located near the town
Pavillion
Geography and History
Pavillion is a small farming community located in the western part of Fremont County, surrounded by fertile agricultural land. The town was incorporated in 1963 and has remained a tight-knit community focused on farming, particularly alfalfa and barley. Pavillion’s rural atmosphere and agricultural economy define its character, with many residents involved in local farming operations.
Despite its small size, Pavillion offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with easy access to the Wind River Range and other outdoor recreation areas in Fremont County. The town’s location within the Wind River Basin makes it a prime spot for agricultural production.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Heart of Farm Country”
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 230
- Elevation: 5,400 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82523
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Pavillion is located near U.S. Highway 26, which connects it to larger towns like Riverton and Shoshoni. The town itself is small, so most transportation revolves around personal vehicles. Pavillion is about 20 miles west of Riverton, where the Riverton Regional Airport provides commercial flights. The town is surrounded by agricultural land, and local roads serve the farming community by connecting to the main highways for transportation of goods.
Famous Landmarks
- Pavillion Community Center: A focal point for local events and gatherings in the small town
- Wind River Basin: Known for its fertile land and proximity to the Wind River Range, offering views and outdoor recreation
Hudson
Geography and History
Hudson is a small town located southeast of Riverton in central Fremont County. The town was established in the early 1900s as a coal-mining community, and much of its early growth was driven by the demand for coal in the region. Although the mining industry has largely disappeared, Hudson remains a quaint and historically rich town with a population that values its small-town charm.
Hudson has preserved much of its historical architecture, and the town’s quiet streets and scenic surroundings make it a peaceful place to live. It also serves as a gateway to the surrounding wilderness areas, offering outdoor enthusiasts access to hiking, hunting, and other recreational activities in nearby Wind River Range.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Small Town, Big History”
- Area: 0.25 square miles
- Population: Approximately 450
- Elevation: 5,140 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82515
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Hudson is connected to Riverton and Lander via Wyoming Highway 789, making it easily accessible from these larger towns. Though small, Hudson benefits from its proximity to Riverton, where residents can access the Riverton Regional Airport for commercial air travel. The town’s road network is simple and primarily serves local traffic, but it is well-positioned for travel to other parts of Fremont County.
Famous Landmarks
- Hudson Diner: A local favorite known for its historic ambiance and Western-themed decor
- Hudson Town Hall: A historic building that serves as a center for town meetings and community events