by Deanna Tolliver
If you have plans to head to Yellowstone or the Tetons this season, may I suggest a bit of a detour to Dubois (say it like “cowboys”), Wyoming?
Located along the Wind River, Dubois is a quirky, yet Old West kind of town, with some great museums, art galleries, Friday night rodeo, many good eateries, 9-hole golf course, hiking, trout fishing, horseback riding … plenty to do for anyone. Or, just sit on the bank of the Wind River and enjoy the views of the Wind River Mountains, the tallest mountain range in Wyoming. The town itself sits at almost 7,000 feet in elevation.
One of my favorite places in Dubois is the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center. The purpose of the Center is to educate the public about the biology and habitat of the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. The largest herd of this species winters in the Whiskey Basin of the Whiskey Mountain, near Dubois in the Shoshone National Forest. The people behind the Center are fiercely dedicated to preserving the species, and my hat is off to them. While there, ask how to get to the petroglyphs above town (they’ll even draw you a map). These rock “drawings” were created by the Sheepeaters, a Native American tribe (part of the Shoshones), who were proficient at hunting bighorn sheep.
The Dubois Museum and Wind River Historical Center is small but packed with history, including many Native American artifacts. The staff there is more than happy to help you with guided tours and seminars.
Dubois is located on Highway 26, about an hour and half from both Jackson Hole and the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park. When driving to either, you’ll cross the Continental Divide at Togwotee Pass. From the south, you can get to Dubois from either Lander or Riverton. I’ve driven up Hwy. 26 to Dubois from Riverton pulling my fifth wheel, and it was an easy, though uphill, drive. From there, I did day trips to the Tetons and Yellowstone.
There are a several RV parks near and in Dubois. I’m familiar with the Dubois KOA and the Longhorn Ranch Motel and RV Resort. Both get very good reviews on RV Park Reviews. I stayed at the Longhorn the last time I was there. “A river runs through it,” as they say – the Wind River, to be exact. It’s beautiful and well-kept, and right on the edge of town. Other parks to check out include Lava Mountain Lodge, Solitude, Windhaven RV Resort, and Dubois Campgrounds.
For those requiring fewer amenities, there are a few USFS and state campgrounds, but do your homework before heading up to them: The roads could be challenging with an RV.
I hope you have a chance to visit Dubois. It’s on my list for a return trip.
For more information, visit duboiswyoming.org.
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What tour company are you using to visit Alaska?
While you are in Dubois, visit Tom Lucas’ Gallery. Tom is a true mountain man and cowboy. He is featured in a video in the museum as one of the last to create archery bows out of bighorn sheep horns. Many days Tom is at the gallery painting or just visiting. Nobody leaves as a stranger. His art ranges from paintings to obsidian knives and everything in between. He even has a book out narrating his life. If you’re looking for a true slice of Americana, you can find it here.
Thanks Mike! I’ll put that one on the list for next time.
Hi Steven,
I’m not planning an Alaskan tour yet, but if you are, use our search engine and look for “RV Tours.” Several options will pop up.
Dubois is also the home of Marine LCpl Chance. If you have seen the movie (on Netflix) “Taking Chance” with Kevin Bacon (as the Marine Officer who escorted Chance’s remains home from the war) you will know what I am talking about. You can get a new appreciation of the town and its people as well as visit the VFW hall and his grave site. I was very impressed with this. And if you have never seen the movie I suggest you watch it.
Hi Don,
You know, I DID know that and should have included it in my article. Great movie. Thanks!
Yes, do not miss the rodeo. Doesn’t get any more real or down-home than this. Love Dubois and can’t wait to return.
Dubois, Wyoming is located on famous US Hwy 287. This US Hwy is still (mostly) intact from the Houston, TX area to upper Montana. If you stay the night in Dubois, and you can leverage yourself out of the bed early enough, then you can sit on the west side of Togwotee Pass and watch the sunrise greet the Tetons to the west. It is one of the most awe inspiring sights ever as they light up from top to bottom with the sunrise and Jackson Lake at their base. There is a pull out just on the west side of the pass which is perfect for the viewing.
Thank you, Leroy. That sounds absolutely wonderful!