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Wyoming has spectacular natural and man-made wonders, from Yellowstone National Park鈥檚 famed geysers to Grand Teton National Park鈥檚 towering mountain peaks. Beyond these two major tourist attractions are small towns within the Cowboy State that many people may not have heard of. From Meeteetse to Chugwater, these little communities may sound unusual, but they have histories behind them and significant meaning. Whether you are a history buff or want to learn something new, discover some of Wyoming鈥檚 most bizarre town names and how they thrive today.

Meeteetse

Meeteetse is a small community over 30 miles from Cody, founded in the 1890s. Its name comes from a traditional Shoshone phrase that means 鈥渕eeting place鈥� or 鈥渘earby.鈥� The town鈥檚 original name was Dry Creek, after a branch of the Shoshone River that empties into the Greybull River. Meeteetse is known for its rich history, wooden boardwalks, and Western heritage. To gain a sense of life in the past, visit the Meeteetse Museum, which features artifacts, photographs, and a historical archive from when homesteaders and cattlemen first settled in the area.

Meeteetse offers more than just a glimpse into the past. The Cowboy Bar and Caf茅, one of Wyoming鈥檚 most well-known outlaw bars, is a must-visit for those interested in the state鈥檚 Wild West history. On the other hand, the Meeteetse Chocolatier is a treat for the senses, offering a range of artisanal chocolates and confections. The Wood River Valley Ski Park, a ghost town adventure in Kirwin, and a Fiddle Back Ranch fishing retreat provide ample outdoor exploring opportunities. And for those looking for something more, Yellowstone National Park is just 80 miles away.

Guernsey

Guernsey, a small Wyoming town, is named after Charles A. Guernsey, a New Yorker who visited the region in 1880 and bought land there. Guernsey was a multi-talented man who worked as a mining promoter, rancher, and lawmaker. He also wrote "Wyoming Cowboy Days," a book describing the lives of cowboys in Wyoming. Guernsey played a key role in constructing the Guernsey Dam, a significant part of the town鈥檚 history.

The Guernsey Visitor Center and Museum, located within Guernsey State Park, provides visitors with insight into the town鈥檚 historical significance, enhanced by its location along the famous Oregon Trail. The town also boasts rivers, lakes, a golf course, and walking and biking trails. The annual Duck Daze festival, an Independence Day celebration, and a summer music and film series are just a few of the events that unite the community.

Ten Sleep

Located in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, Ten Sleep鈥檚 bizarre name stems from its location between two significant Native American camps. One camp, the Old Sioux Camp, was near the Platte River near Casper. The other camp was near the Clark Fork River and Bridger, Montana. These camps served as crossroads, with trails branching out in all directions. Ten Sleep got its name because it was halfway between these two camps, with the distance measured by the number of sleeps it took to travel to each main camp.

Ten Sleep, a popular tourist destination, offers diverse activities for all adventurers. The region is ideal for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, while fishing, boating, and horseback riding are among the most popular activities in the warmer months. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, sip artisan beers at Ten Sleep Brewing Co., visit the Ten Sleep Pioneer Museum, or attend the annual Fourth of July parade and rodeo, often considered one of the best small-town rodeos in the country.

Thermopolis

Founded in 1897 in the Bighorn Basin of northwest Wyoming, Thermopolis could only be reached by wagon trains through rocky mountain passes until the railroad arrived in 1910. Its name, derived from the Greek phrase 鈥渉ot city,鈥� alludes to the town鈥檚 well-known hot springs. The largest mineral hot spring in the 麻豆AV is located in Hot Springs State Park, one of the town鈥檚 most notable landmarks. The park features hotels, a bathhouse, walking trails, picnic shelters, boat docks, flower beds, mineral terraces, and a suspension footbridge across the Bighorn River.

Thermopolis offers more than just hot springs. The Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center houses one of Wyoming鈥檚 most important collections of Native American artifacts. Another highlight is the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, which features interactive geology and paleontology exhibits. The center is particularly unique because it is one of the few dinosaur museums in the 麻豆AV with dig sites nearby.

Medicine Bow

Medicine Bow, with its distinctive name and deep historical roots, is a town that piques curiosity. Native American tribes in southeast Wyoming reportedly found mountain mahogany trees in the Medicine Bow Mountains. These trees were used to make bows for hunting and ceremonial dances, and their bark was also utilized for medicinal purposes, which is even more bizarre. Medicine Bow is notable for its connection to Owen Wister鈥檚 novel "The Virginian," set in and around the town.

From the historic Virginian Hotel to the distinctive Dinosaur Fossil Cabin and the paleontological haven of Como Bluff, Medicine Bow and its surrounding area offer plenty to explore. The Medicine Bow Museum, located in a former railroad depot, features exhibits and displays relating to the town鈥檚 past. Outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and disc golf make Medicine Bow an excellent place for recreation.

Chugwater

Chugwater is perhaps the most bizarre town name in Wyoming. It is located along Chugwater Creek and has a long history tied to Native American lore. The word 鈥渃hug鈥� refers to the sound of buffalo falling from a bluff or the chalky earth striking the water below. The area was initially called Chug Springs and later became Chugwater. The town was officially established in 1877 but wasn鈥檛 incorporated until the early 20th century.

Today, Chugwater offers plenty to do. Visitors can explore the Chugwater Museum to learn about the history of Mountain West ranching and participate in scavenger hunts and photography workshops. The town鈥檚 historic Chugwater Soda Fountain, the oldest operating soda fountain in the state, is also worth a visit. Built in 1914, it has remained a cherished landmark where visitors can enjoy sodas, old-fashioned malts, burgers, and hot dogs.

Discover Wyoming鈥檚 Most Unusual Towns

The next time you find yourself in Wyoming, whether visiting Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park, consider stopping in these small towns. Step inside a well-known outlaw bar in Meeteetse, visit fascinating state parks in Guernsey and Thermopolis, attend one of the best small-town rodeos in the country in Ten Sleep, tour a historical museum housed in a former railroad depot in Medicine Bow, and experience Wyoming鈥檚 oldest soda fountain in Chugwater. While their names may sound unusual, each town offers something unique to discover.