Places to Visit: Riverton Wyoming

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Riverton Wyoming

Known as an historic crossroads for Native Americans, Explorers, Cowboys, and Travelers, Riverton lies along the 'Yellowstone Highway' and is a favorite stop-over for visitors to Yellowstone and Jackson Hole.

  • Located east of the Wind River Mountains and Jackson Hole, Riverton is known as the Rendezvous City
  • Enjoy outdoor recreation in the nearby Wind River Valley and Mountains
  • The famous Mountain Man Rendezvous is held annually during July
  • Experience Native American culture at Castle Gardens, regional Pow-wows, and weekly dance exhibitions

Overview

Historically a crossroads and meeting place, Riverton is known as the Rendezvous City.  As a hub city of Central Wyoming and a common stop-over for visitors to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, Riverton offers amenities of a city.  Cultural attractions and outdoor recreation in the nearby Wind River Mountains, along the Wind River Valley, and the Boysen Reservoir are enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.

Location

Tucked between Owl Creek and the Wind River Mountains, Riverton lies southeast of Dubois in the Wind River Valley.  Although technically located within the Wind River Indian Reservation, Riverton is a separate entity. 

Amenities

Because Riverton is the commercial and lodging hub of Wind River Country, there are numerous hotel, motels, and RV campgrounds throughout the area.  A variety of dining options, grocery stores, shopping, and conference sites are also available.

Activities

Abundant wildlife attracts visitors interested in fishing and hunting.  Hiking and rock climbing are also within a short drive.  If you prefer water sports, consider white water rafting down the Wind River Canyon or a visit to Boysen Reservoir, which offers diverse fishing, swimming, and boating. 

People can also enjoy biking or four-wheeling along the Wyoming Heritage Trail, which is part of the Rails to Trails program with end points in Riverton and Shoshoni. 

Attractions

Castle Gardens
Located 45 miles east of Riverton, the Castle Garden is a petroglyph site featuring Native American rock art among outcroppings of sandstone.

Mountain Man Rendezvous
Held each year during the first week of July, on the site of the original 1838 Rendezvous, this event features a week long re-creation of the trappers and traders encampment and features games of skills, food, dancing, and entertainment.

Native American Pow-wows
Regional pow-wows and weekly Indian dance exhibitions offer a glimpse of traditional Native American customs.  The season usually lasts from May through August, with the dance exhibitions held in Riverton's City Park.

Getting Here

Riverton is located approximately 164 miles from Jackson, on the other side of the Wind River Range and Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests. The most scenic route to and from the Jackson Hole area is along Highway 26/287 through Dubois and over Togwotee Pass, which divides the Wind River and Absaroka Mountain Ranges.

In the Spotlight

Other Riverton Wyoming Resources

City of Riverton, Wyoming

Official site for the City of Riverton, Wyoming.

Riverton Recreation

Information on the recreation department and facilities in Riverton.

Custer South Dakota

Custer South Dakota is the home of Crazy Horse National Memorial.