Lander, WY may look cute and quaint but that doesn’t mean it’s sleepy and boring. In Lander there is always something to do, no matter what the temperature is outside. Located at the base on the Wind River range, and only a hop, skip, and a jump away from Sinks Canyon State Park we live in some of the most beautiful country in the state. And it is our job to make sure and enjoy the beautiful area we live in, no matter how hot OR COLD it may be.
In Wyoming our summers are always too short and our winters much too long. As temperatures drop and white flakes start falling from the sky it’s easy to fall into the winter slump and become bored waiting for summer activities to liven things up. But there are so many fun things to do in Lander around this time of year that you might as well get out an enjoy them. We put together a list of some of the fun things that you can do to get the most of this winter season. Don’t waste another day yearning for summer while on the couch. Get bundled up and give yourself a reason to enjoy this winter.
1. Go in Search of the Best Sledding Hills in Town
This one may be obvious, but how many people reading this have actually gotten out and done it this year? And if you have gone sledding have you given any new hills a try? Sledding is fun for adults and kids alike. That means it’s a perfect family activity, and a great reason to get the kids out to burn off some energy. Comment down below what hills you have found to be the best in town.
We’d love to know.
2. Go Ice Skating
The Ice Rink is open – and with Wyoming weather you never know how long it will stay open.
Get out there before it’s too late. Admission is only $1.50 per person and skate rentals are only $2.50. That makes for a fairly inexpensive and fun way to enjoy some time out of the house.
3. Go Fat Tire Biking
Fat Tire Biking is quickly becoming the fastest growing activity in cycling. Whether it’s the aesthetic of riding around a monster-truck of a bike, or the fact that they make biking in the snow more manageable and therefore more fun, giving Fat Biking a try is definitely worth it. You can enjoy biking around town or even hit a snow packed trail with these bad-$@# looking bikes.
You can rent Fat Tire Bikes locally at both Gannett Peak Sports or The Bike Mill.
4. Go Cross Country Skiing
In Lander and the surrounding area there are a multitude of great trails for Cross Country Skiing. With something for everyone, from the novice beginner, to the trail-tested professional.
Stop at Gannett Peak Sports for ski rentals and then head over to the Lander Golf Course and give it a try. Or if your up for more of a challenge head over to the Beaver Creek Ski Area and enjoy over 6 miles of groomed loops.
5. Snowmobiling
Who doesn’t want to hit the snow packed trails at over 30 mph? The answer to that is no one. And in Wyoming, snowmobilers take this activity quite seriously. Fremont County has an endless number of great trails to take the sleds out on. Grab a friend, grab a helmet, and get out and enjoy some of the more remote portions of beautiful Wyoming in the Winter.
6. Try out Ice Fishing
Fishing doesn’t stop when the lakes and river freeze up. Be adventurous, bundle up, and head out on the ice and try fishing through the ice. Ice fishing brings a whole new challenge to anglers, with different equipment needed, as well as a different strategy for catching fish. But it’s all worth it when you hook a fish and pull it through that circle in the ice.
7. Hoop and Holler for the Dog Sled Teams
Every year the Pedigree Stage Stop Sled race makes its way into Lander, WY. The race starts in Jackson Hole WY, with stops in Alpine, Pinedale, Kemmerer, Big Piney, Lander, and Driggs ID, before finally finishing up in Teton County WY. We are lucky to not only have the chance to cheer the teams on but also meet the teams and pet the gorgeous athletic dogs that make this sport what it is. This isn’t an event to be missed.
8. Visit a Museum Fremont County is jam packed with some truly amazing history, so it’s no surprise we have so many great museums located right here in Fremont County as well. Some of them include the Museum of the American West and Pioneer Museum here in Lander, the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois, the Wind River Heritage Center in Riverton, and the Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center in Fort Washakie. Stop in and learn about the epic history that made our home the great place it is.
9. Shop Local at a Winter Farmer’s Market When you think Farmer’s Market, generally you picture of open air, booth tents, and warm summer air. But here in Lander the Farmer’s Market doesn’t stop just because the temperature drop. Stop by the VFW on Saturday mornings in Lander and enjoy an indoor market that is just as enjoyable as their summer counterpart.
10. Take a Drive Up Sinks Canyon We all enjoy Sinks Canyon State Park in the summer time. Feeding the fish at the rise, a quick visit to the Sinks Visitor center, and a hike up to the Middle Fork Falls. It’s a summer staple. But when was the last time you took a drive up Sinks Canyon in the Wintertime? It may be colder but it’s just as beautiful.
Written by: Alyx Raven Zgurich
Great article but....... I would also throw out there the idea of renting snowshoes and finding some pristine quietness to lose yourself in! The beauty and stillness around us can fill the spirit!