What’s in a name? A lot! In fact, we scoured the state and compiled a list of Wyoming towns with names that are unique, interesting, and, sometimes, baffling. Even more interesting than the monikers, though, is the meaning behind these Wyoming towns.
- Meeteetse
Flickr/@andrewghayes One of the oldest settlements in Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country, Meeteetse is an Indian phrase that means “meeting place.”
- Arapahoe
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM Arapahoe is in Fremont County, and the name comes from the Pawnee word for “trader.”
- Wapiti
Flickr/Jay Runquist Located in Shoshone National Forest, Wapiti is derived from the Cree Indian word for elk. The name literally translates to “white rump,” referring to the pale rump and tail of the American elk.
- Thermopolis
Flickr/m01229 Thermopolis means “hot city,” and, of course, it’s located in Hot Springs County and is home to many natural hot springs.
- Teton Village
Flickr/Brood_wich This moniker has both European and Indian roots. In French, Teton means “breast.” However, many believe Teton Village is named after the Teton Sioux tribe.
- Spotted Horse
Flickr/Ralph Combs Spotted Horse is in the Campbell County and Gillette Metro Area. It’s named after an Indian chief.
- Shoshoni
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn Located in Fremont County, Shoshoni is named after a Native American tribe. Shoshoni translates to “high growing grasses,” which makes sense, as the Shoshoni tribes were often called Grass House People because their homes were made out of tall grass.
- Osage
Flickr/Kevin Dooley Located in Weston County, Osage is named after the midwestern Native American Siouan speaking tribe. An ancient moniker, Osage means “mid-waters.”
- Cheyenne
Flickr/Kevin Dooley Cheyenne is the capital city of Wyoming and is located in Laramie County. The city was named for the Cheyenne Indians and is a term meaning “people of different speech” or “red talkers.”
- Crowheart
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn Crowheart is located in Fremont County. The name of the town stemmed from a battle between the chiefs of the Shoshone tribe and the Crow tribe. The chief of the Crow tribe lost the battle and his heart was cut out and placed on the end of a lance.
So, did you already know the meaning behind these Wyoming towns? Know of any other Wyoming towns with weird names? Tell us!
Flickr/@andrewghayes
One of the oldest settlements in Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country, Meeteetse is an Indian phrase that means “meeting place.”
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Arapahoe is in Fremont County, and the name comes from the Pawnee word for “trader.”
Flickr/Jay Runquist
Located in Shoshone National Forest, Wapiti is derived from the Cree Indian word for elk. The name literally translates to “white rump,” referring to the pale rump and tail of the American elk.
Flickr/m01229
Thermopolis means “hot city,” and, of course, it’s located in Hot Springs County and is home to many natural hot springs.
Flickr/Brood_wich
This moniker has both European and Indian roots. In French, Teton means “breast.” However, many believe Teton Village is named after the Teton Sioux tribe.
Flickr/Ralph Combs
Spotted Horse is in the Campbell County and Gillette Metro Area. It’s named after an Indian chief.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Located in Fremont County, Shoshoni is named after a Native American tribe. Shoshoni translates to “high growing grasses,” which makes sense, as the Shoshoni tribes were often called Grass House People because their homes were made out of tall grass.
Flickr/Kevin Dooley
Located in Weston County, Osage is named after the midwestern Native American Siouan speaking tribe. An ancient moniker, Osage means “mid-waters.”
Cheyenne is the capital city of Wyoming and is located in Laramie County. The city was named for the Cheyenne Indians and is a term meaning “people of different speech” or “red talkers.”
Crowheart is located in Fremont County. The name of the town stemmed from a battle between the chiefs of the Shoshone tribe and the Crow tribe. The chief of the Crow tribe lost the battle and his heart was cut out and placed on the end of a lance.
Want to learn more about the charming towns in Wyoming? Click here.
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Address: Meeteetse, WY 82433, USAAddress: Arapahoe, WY, USAAddress: Wapiti, WY, USAAddress: Thermopolis, WY 82443, USAAddress: Teton Village, WY 83025, USAAddress: Spotted Horse, WY 82831, USAAddress: Shoshoni, WY 82649, USAAddress: Osage, WY 82723, USAAddress: Cheyenne, WY, USAAddress: Crowheart, WY 82512, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Meaning Behind These Wyoming Towns April 27, 2021 Daniella DiRienzo What are the most charming towns in Wyoming? There are lots of charming towns in Wyoming, including Lander. A small town that’s bound to make a big impression, it’s brimming with history, charm, recreational opportunities, and more. History buffs will love the numerous historic sites and museums that fill Lander. For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s Sinks Canyon State Park, which boasts amazing hiking and biking trails. The Wind River Mountains, which are ideal for rock climbing, are also among the options for outdoor fun in Lander. Ten Sleep is another charming town that shouldn’t be missed. Located in Bighorn Basin and surrounded by ranches, it’s the perfect place for a rustic retreat. The opportunities to get out and enjoy the scenic surroundings are plentiful and include hiking at Ten Sleep Canyon, taking in panoramic vistas at James T. Saban Lookout, and fishing at Tensleep Creek. Are there any other Wyoming towns with weird names? There are several Wyoming towns with weird names. Chugwater is easily among the most unusual monikers. The small town of about 200 is named after The Chug, a stream that runs through the area. Its unusual moniker isn’t the only interesting thing about Chugwater, though. The town’s true claim to fame is its most famous resident, a rodeo horse named Steamboat, who is actually the inspiration for the bucking bronco on the Wyoming state license plate. Which quirky places in Wyoming are worth a visit? The state’s oddities aren’t limited to Wyoming towns with weird names. Quirky attractions are scattered throughout the state, and one that shouldn’t be missed is Mel Gould’s Buryville in Cheyenne. The brainchild of Mel Gould, a self-taught inventor, the sprawling site includes countless creations, which run the gamut from adorable animals to an oversized carousel. The grounds also include an underground workshop made from a camper, bus, 55,000-gallon gas tank, and silo. For more information, click here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Meaning Behind These Wyoming Towns
April 27, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
What are the most charming towns in Wyoming? There are lots of charming towns in Wyoming, including Lander. A small town that’s bound to make a big impression, it’s brimming with history, charm, recreational opportunities, and more. History buffs will love the numerous historic sites and museums that fill Lander. For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s Sinks Canyon State Park, which boasts amazing hiking and biking trails. The Wind River Mountains, which are ideal for rock climbing, are also among the options for outdoor fun in Lander. Ten Sleep is another charming town that shouldn’t be missed. Located in Bighorn Basin and surrounded by ranches, it’s the perfect place for a rustic retreat. The opportunities to get out and enjoy the scenic surroundings are plentiful and include hiking at Ten Sleep Canyon, taking in panoramic vistas at James T. Saban Lookout, and fishing at Tensleep Creek. Are there any other Wyoming towns with weird names? There are several Wyoming towns with weird names. Chugwater is easily among the most unusual monikers. The small town of about 200 is named after The Chug, a stream that runs through the area. Its unusual moniker isn’t the only interesting thing about Chugwater, though. The town’s true claim to fame is its most famous resident, a rodeo horse named Steamboat, who is actually the inspiration for the bucking bronco on the Wyoming state license plate. Which quirky places in Wyoming are worth a visit? The state’s oddities aren’t limited to Wyoming towns with weird names. Quirky attractions are scattered throughout the state, and one that shouldn’t be missed is Mel Gould’s Buryville in Cheyenne. The brainchild of Mel Gould, a self-taught inventor, the sprawling site includes countless creations, which run the gamut from adorable animals to an oversized carousel. The grounds also include an underground workshop made from a camper, bus, 55,000-gallon gas tank, and silo. For more information, click here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are lots of charming towns in Wyoming, including Lander. A small town that’s bound to make a big impression, it’s brimming with history, charm, recreational opportunities, and more. History buffs will love the numerous historic sites and museums that fill Lander. For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s Sinks Canyon State Park, which boasts amazing hiking and biking trails. The Wind River Mountains, which are ideal for rock climbing, are also among the options for outdoor fun in Lander. Ten Sleep is another charming town that shouldn’t be missed. Located in Bighorn Basin and surrounded by ranches, it’s the perfect place for a rustic retreat. The opportunities to get out and enjoy the scenic surroundings are plentiful and include hiking at Ten Sleep Canyon, taking in panoramic vistas at James T. Saban Lookout, and fishing at Tensleep Creek.
Are there any other Wyoming towns with weird names?
There are several Wyoming towns with weird names. Chugwater is easily among the most unusual monikers. The small town of about 200 is named after The Chug, a stream that runs through the area. Its unusual moniker isn’t the only interesting thing about Chugwater, though. The town’s true claim to fame is its most famous resident, a rodeo horse named Steamboat, who is actually the inspiration for the bucking bronco on the Wyoming state license plate.
Which quirky places in Wyoming are worth a visit?
The state’s oddities aren’t limited to Wyoming towns with weird names. Quirky attractions are scattered throughout the state, and one that shouldn’t be missed is Mel Gould’s Buryville in Cheyenne. The brainchild of Mel Gould, a self-taught inventor, the sprawling site includes countless creations, which run the gamut from adorable animals to an oversized carousel. The grounds also include an underground workshop made from a camper, bus, 55,000-gallon gas tank, and silo. For more information, click here.
