10 Small Towns in Wyoming with Access to Iconic National Parks

For true nature lovers, there is nothing better than a day at one of the country's best National Parks. Between winding hiking trails, mountain views, lake access, ranger-led programs, and local wildlife, these parks offer outdoor adventures that are second to none. And when it comes to popular parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton, travelers will be pleased to find a handful of small towns in Wyoming that serve as gateways to these amazing parks. So the next time you find yourself in the Cowboy State, consider staying in one of these charming small towns.

Intro to Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was first established in 1872, making it the country’s first-ever national park. In addition to being first, this gorgeous 2.2 million acre stretch of land is also among the most visited national parks in the US. Travelers hoping to explore the park's hiking trails, wander through geothermal areas, and admire the “Grand Canyon” of the Yellowstone River will have plenty of chances to do so when they visit Wyoming. The Cowboy State features several small towns that serve as gateways or access points to the park. Other nearby small towns also offer plenty of their own outdoor adventures as well as easy access to the park. 

Cody

Cody is a small town that goes above and beyond to embrace Wyoming’s cowboy culture. Travelers will find all kinds of nods to the Old West here including the Cody Night Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, The Wild West Spectacular musical, the Cowtown Candy Company, and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. As for the park, Cody is located roughly 52 miles from Yellowstone’s east entrance, making it easy for visitors to enjoy a Yellowstone day trip. On your way to the park, don’t forget to also stop at the Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center. Here, visitors can admire the dam's beauty and learn more about its history as a National Civil Engineering Landmark.

Dubois

Nature lovers will adore the small town of Dubois. Located roughly 80 miles from Yellowstone National Park, the town offers plenty of fun things to see and do outside. To start, take a stroll through the Dubois Town Park where you can enjoy access to the river, a beautiful walkway along the water’s edge, and several areas for sports such as baseball, basketball, and tennis. The National Bighorn Sheep Center is another worthwhile attraction, especially for animal lovers. There are also a handful of interesting museums in town including The Dubois Museum which highlights the history of the Upper Wind River Valley, Fremont County, Western Wyoming, and the Rocky Mountain Region.

Powell

Powell, Wyoming sits approximately 70 miles from Yellowstone’s east entrance and is the perfect place to enjoy a balance of history and nature. Dive into the area’s past by visiting local museums including the Homesteader Museum and the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center. Those who enjoy a hands-on experience can head to Lamas Unlimiteda— local ranch offering visitors the opportunity to feed, ride, and interact with the lamas. The Powell Golf Club and the American Dream Drive-In Movie Theatre are also great local spots to explore when you need something relaxing to enjoy.

Intro to Grand Teton National Park

Located within the Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park is a popular mountain park where hiking, scenic drives, fishing, and boating are all on offer. The park spans ​​roughly 310,000 acres and encompasses the Teton Range as well as most of the Jackson Hole Valley. This national park is located relatively close to Yellowstone National Park and the two are connected by the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Similar to Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is also surrounded by charming small towns that provide easy access to the park and all its wonderful amenities. 

Jackson

Whether you’re looking to explore Grand Teton National Park or want to visit one of Wyoming’s best ski resorts, Jackson is the perfect home base for either activity. The town is located just 4.9 miles from the National Park and less than 1 mile away from the nearest ski resort—Snow King Mountain. During a visit to Jackson, travelers will find several other worthwhile activities to participate in. For starters, swing by the town square where shopping, guided tours, and regular community events are all on offer. For the animal lovers in your group, a visit to the National Elk Refuge or the National Museum of Wildlife are both excellent options.

Teton Village

Located just a short 12-mile drive from Jackson, and roughly 17 miles from Grand Teton National Park, travelers will find the charming Teton Village. The village is home to the popular Jackson Hole Mountain Resort where guests can enjoy skiing and other mountain-based sports. Those traveling to Teton Village to gain access to the National Park will be pleased to find a wide range of other outdoor activities to enjoy right in town. In the summer months, a ride on the Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a must. The tram ascends 4,139 vertical feet and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The tram will also take riders to Corbets Cabin—a small restaurant situated at an elevation of ​​10,450 feet with “top of the world waffles.” 

Moose

When talking about towns with easy access to Grand Teton National Park, it doesn’t get easier than Moose, Wyoming. The small town is situated entirely within the park's borders making exploring park highlights a breeze. Once in Moose, visitors will have easy access to the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center where you can choose to participate in ranger-led programs, admire exhibits, shop the park store, and watch an informative movie about Grand Teton National Park. Moose also offers easy access to many of the park's scenic driving routes including the Moose-Wilson Road and the ​​Teton Park Road.

Moran

Located a mere 2 miles from Grand Teton National Park, Moran, makes an excellent home base for park visitors. In addition to being a gateway for the national park, Moran is also well known for having amazing hiking trails and beautiful natural attractions including Jenny Lake. That said, many of the town's best hikes and attractions lie within the park’s borders. Oxbow Bend, for example, is a crescent-shaped section of river that is simply stunning to look at. While admiring the views here, you might also run into various animals including Great Blue Herons, otters, moose, and bears. Another Moran attraction located inside the park is the J.P. Cunningham Cabin—a historic building from the late 1800s, perfect for the history buff in your group.

Wilson

Wilson, Wyoming is a charming small town that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts. In the warmer months, Wilson serves as an ideal destination for mountain biking, while in the winter, back-country skiing is the main draw. The town is located roughly 12 miles from Grand Teton National Park, making it an excellent base location for eager park-goers. After a long day of hiking and exploring the national park, travelers can refuel at Stagecoach Bar—a beloved local watering hole with 70 years of history. Those who are visiting the area for the first time can also choose to book an excursion with Jackson Hole Vintage Adventures. 

Kelly

Mountain views and local wildlife encounters are just a few of the things that make Kelly, Wyoming a great place to visit. Located about 9.2 miles from Grand Teton National Park and bordered by the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, the town offers access to both iconic landscapes and outdoor adventures. Kelly is also a gateway to the Gros Ventre Wilderness, where visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking scenery. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Alpine

Alpine, Wyoming is an excellent destination for anglers, offering abundant fishing opportunities in both the summer and winter months. Outdoor recreation, in general, thrives in this small town, located roughly 40 miles outside of Grand Teton National Park. Visitors can explore the Palisades Reservoir for boating, fishing, and relaxing by the water. Winter enthusiasts will enjoy over 300 miles of maintained snowmobile trails, while wildlife lovers can visit the Alpine Feed Ground, where hundreds of elk gather between December and April. With its scenic views and diverse activities, Alpine is perfect for outdoor adventurers year-round.

In Conclusion

When setting out on a National Parks adventure, having a home base to return to and rest is essential to a great park experience. Luckily, for those looking to explore Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park, there are plenty of small gateway towns in the surrounding area. In addition to serving as your home base, these small towns are filled with their own attractions and things to do to keep you entertained for the whole trip.