2025 Travel and Relocation Guide -FINAL for online version2 by Lander Chamber of Commerce

Elevation

Community Profile

5,358 feet above sea level

Climate

Warm-summer humid continental, 240 days of sunshine per year, 11 in. of rain per year, 58 in. of snow per year.

People

Total population - 7,435

Median age - 39.11

Sex Distribution

Male - 50.83%

Female 49.17%

Income and Spending

Households earn a median yearly income of $73,692. 34.38% of households earn more than the national average. Household expenditures average $74,177 annually. The majority of earnings get spent on shelter, transportation, food/beverages, health care, and utilities.

Income Distribution

< $10 K 87

$20-30 K 284

$40-50 K 178

$60-75 K 317

> $100 K 1,071

$10-20 K 205

$30-40 K 270

$50-60 K 243

$75-100 K 459

Owners vs. Renters

Own - 69.41%

Rent - 30.59%

Transportation

Residents spend an average of 16 minutes commuting to work.

Lander is served by 2 airports: Hunt Field (General Aviation) 0 miles Central Wyoming Regional Airport (RIW) (Commercial Aviation) 30 miles

Businesses and Jobs

Lander has a total of 441 businesses. In 2024, the leading industries in Lander were education, retail, health care, and social services, and public administration.

Top Industries by Jobs

1. Education: 847 jobs, 18 establishments

2. Retail: 554, 59 establishments

3. Health Care and Social Services: 484 Jobs, 60 Establishments

Employees per Business

1-4 Employees 66.44%

5-9 Employees 15.87%

10-19 Employees 8.39%

20-49 Employees 6.12%

50-99 Employees 2.49%

100+ Employees 0.68%

“Where the Trails Begin”

Lander is the kind of place you visit and say, “I wish I could live here.”

Nestled in Wyoming’s Wind River Country where the high desert meets the foothills of the Wind River Mountains, you’re always minutes away from adventure. Whether enjoying the serenity of alpine forests and lakes or winding through pinion pines and junipers along the desert’s colorful draws and ridges, you’ll see why Lander earned the reputation of being the place “where the rails end and the trails begin.”

Many who’ve traveled to Lander for adventure have stayed to build a life. A world-renowned rock climbing mecca, many climbers are now established business owners. Attending Wyoming’s newest 4-year private college as well as a trailbreaking community college system, a new generation is planting its roots and staking its claim in Lander and throughout Fremont County.

Come to play; stay to live! We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Lander!

Photo: Brad Christensen

Owen Sweeney CEO Lander Chamber of Commerce

Photo: Brian Fabel

Photo: Jared Steinman

From Campsite to Cowboy Line

Once simply a campsite, Lander has a long history as a waypoint and travel hub for early explorers and pioneers. Incorporated in 1890, the city was named for Frederick W. Lander, the engineer responsible for the Lander Trail: a wagon road travelled by thousands of emigrants headed West. The gold rush in nearby South Pass City drew miners and speculators to the area, building the economy of the one-horse town. When the Chicago & North Western Transportation Company chose Lander as the western terminus of its “Cowboy Line” railway in 1906, the city earned the slogan “where the rails end and the trails begin.”

Photo: Fremont County Museums

Care without compromise.

Challenging ourselves is second nature.

Whatever goals you’re working towards, we’re here to help along the way.

When you live life to the fullest, you deserve care without compromise–and that's exactly what St. John's Health brings to our community.

St. John's Health - Lander

175 N. First St. Lander, WY 82520

307.332.2189

www.stjohns.health/lander

With a comprehensive range of high-quality healthcare services, we have everything you need to work, live, and play here with conﬁdence.

The Wonder of Sinks Canyon

Just south of Lander lies Sinks Canyon State Park, so named for “the Sinks” where the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River (that’s po-PO-shuh) disappears into a cave of porous limestone. It mysteriusoly rises a quarter-mile down the canyon in “the Rise,” where massive trout roil the water in a feeding frenzy for fish food thrown from visitors. One side of the canyon boasts a pine forest while the other features barren limestone cliffs known to rock climbers the world over. Camping, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and skiing are popular activities with locals and visitors alike. A popular trail at the end of the canyon takes you to the Popo Agie Falls natural water slide in the Shoshone National Forest.

The power of the Popo Agie crashing into the Sinks is thrilling, and the tranquility of the Rise is amazing! Feeding the trout at the Rise is more fun with every return trip—it is always on the top of anyone's must-see list.

Carol King Associate Director Lander Chamber

of Commerce

Photo: Scott Copeland

Photo: Sinks Canyon State Park

Photo: dayvayen

RECREATION

Wind River Mountains G

et into the Winds however you can, and prepare to never look at Wyoming the same again. Lions (mountain), tigers (well, actually wolves), and bears (yup) oh my, indeed… the almost-mythical golden trout, wildflowers so epic that even the saltiest of cowboys call home to gush, and climbing and hiking and oh-just-stop-reading-already-and-get-outthere. More beta: Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s tallest peak at 13,804 feet, is just one of 40+ summits above 13K throughout 735,000 acres of contiguous wilderness area (the largest such designation in the continental United States).

NAVIGATORS BY REGION

REGION 1: Campbell, Cook, Johnson, Sheridan, Weston counties

• Nancy Drummond - 307-461-9099, nancy@enrollwyo.org

• Stephanie McAuley - 307-461-9572, stephanie@enrollwyo.org

REGION 2: Converse, Natrona, Niobrara counties

• Festi Edwards - 307-292-0387, festi@enrollwyo.org

REGION 3: Albany, Goshen, Laramie, Platte counties

• Brady Arnoldi, 307-316-2431, brady@enrollwyo.org

REGION 4: Carbon, Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, Uinta counties

• Katie Befus - 307-352-9109, katie@enrollwyo.org

REGION 5: Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park, Washakie counties

• Leandra Rasmussen, 307-254-9639, leandra@enrollwyo.org

REGION 6: Wind River Reservation, Fremont and Teton counties

• Molly Holt - 307-240-9053, molly@enrollwyo.org

PROJECT SPECIALIST

• Abby Pratt - 307-214-0786, abby@enrollwyo.org

PROJECT DIRECTOR

• Jason Mincer - 307-633-7299, Jason@enrollwyo.org

LEAD NAVIGATOR

• Parker Anderson - 307-509-0508, parker@enrollwyo.org

MARKETING DIRECTOR

• Caleb Michael Smith – (work) 307-209-4896, (cell) 307-371-6790 caleb@enrollwyo.org

Enroll Wyoming Navigators Are Here To Help You:

- Understand everything about health insurance that is so confusing.

- Understand what Marketplace insurance is and why it is the best solution for those who qualify.

- Get you a quote on what health insurance would cost you

- With your application at healthcare.gov, whether you are stuck in an application you have started or have never been to healthcare.gov before.

Connect With Us In Person, Over The Phone or Online www.enrollwyo.org

Check out our newsletter: https://enrollwyo.org/the-buzz/

Photo: Kyle Duba

LIVING YOUR DREAM

The Alpine Science Institute offers:

Bachelor of Applied Science with focus on Outdoor Leadership

Certificates in Trail Building and Mountain Bike Professional AA, AAS and AS degrees in Outdoor Recreation, Expedition Science and Regenerative Food Systems

Loop Road and Red Canyon

The scenic 28-mile “Loop Road” begins at Sinks Canyon State Park, climbs switchbacks in the Shoshone National Forest into the Wind River Mountains, and provides ample access to hiking, fishing, boating, off-roading, picnicking, and hunting. After the paved switchbacks you’ll top out near Worthern Reservoir (at 8,822 feet) and have a groomed dirt road to Fiddlers and Louis lakes— all accessible by vehicle. You will arrive at Highway 28, less than 30 miles from downtown Lander. As you cruise back to town for that delicious grass-fed burger and hop-fed beer, you will see the heart-racing Red Canyon, designated a National Natural Landmark and one of the most memorable views in Wyoming.

Photo:Kyle Duba

World Renowned Climbing Mecca

If you know any rock climbers, then they know Lander. Internationally renowned Wild Iris and Sinks Canyon are expansive sport climbing areas. Backcountry mountaineers make the Cirque of Towers in the Wind River Mountains a personal athletic mecca. For more than three decades the International Climbers’ Festival, held annually in July, brings in hundreds and builds community through climbing. That’s not all: ample youth clinics in town guarantee your entire family can get on the rock no matter your experience—for the day or for the rest of your life. Best yet, surrounded by miles of weathered, ash-white Bighorn Dolomite and Wind River Granite and more than 1,500 routes— Lander averages more than 330 pleasant climbing days per year.

I love the climbing and community in Lander. Always nice to settle in a bit and savor!

Alex Honnold Professional Climber

Photo: Kyle Duba

Scenic Trails & Backcountry Routes

In 2022, Lander-South Pass City was designated as a Gateway Community for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT). Established by Congress in 1978, the Trail spans 3,100 miles between Mexico and Canada, traversing five states and connecting countless communities along the spine of the Rocky Mountains. The CDT travels more than 100 miles through the Wind River Range, with easy access to nearby communities, including Lander and South Pass City. Another trail that stretches across the Cowboy State is the new Wyoming Backcountry Discovery Route. Ideal for both dual-sport and adventure motorcycle adventures, the Route’s highlights include deserts, prairies, and mountains. This long-awaited route features dramatic and rugged landscapes as it winds its way through Wind River Country.

Fishing

We’re not supposed to talk about it, but some of the best fishing in North America is found in Wind River Country. With 626 lakes and reservoirs, and 2,057 miles of river, there are lifetimes worth of fishing day trips and destination vacations. Grab a license and get your cast on in the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie, several lakes easily accessible from the Loop Road, or, with special permits, on the Wind River Indian Reservation. It is worth investing in a Wyoming gazetteer and creating your very own secret favorite spot.

From high mountain lakes to productive freestone streams the Lander area boasts an abundance of fishing opportunities.

Steven Brutger

Rocky Mountain Director of Developement at Trout Unlimited Writer and Photographer, Stalking the Seam

Photo: Steven Brutger

Hiking and Backpacking

From Lander’s downtown Greenway (an urban walking trail along the Popo Agie), BLM trails at Johnny Behind the Rocks, to the backcountry wilderness of the Wind River Mountains, there are ample trail and off-trail systems for all skill levels and ambitions. Avid birders, wildlife watchers, photographers, philosophers, scientists, geologists, and epic athletes alike enjoy a plethora of wilderness, varying both in remoteness and challenge. Put on flip-flops, mud boots, sneakers, trail shoes, or snowshoes and enjoy the vibrantly changing and humbling landscape. Stop into any outfitter on Main Street, the Chamber of Commerce, or the USFS office for maps and recommendations. Insider tip: ask a local where their favorite spot is to hike and you’ll be hard pressed to get the same answer twice.

Photo: Kyle Duba

Photo: Scott Copeland

Biking

Hand-in-hand with hiking, Lander has miles of trails for any bike you like. Road cycling up South Pass, fat tire biking in snowy Sinks Canyon, mountain biking absolutely everywhere (have you looked around?)... there’s plenty of options for the beginner to the professional athlete. Indicative of the unparalleled scenery and terrain, Lander supports two well-outfitted bike shops and hosts thousands of bike tourists each summer through various events, festivals, and personal touring. Lander is such an up-and-coming mountain biking mecca, that our local community college offers a Mountain Bike Professional Certificate program!

Today, Lander sits quietly at the tipping point of becoming a legitimate mountain bike destination in the West. With a number of fantastic trails already on the ground, an ambitious master plan has dozens more in their final planning stages.

Tony

Ferlisi Adventure Mountain Bike Guide, Trek Travel Executive Director, Mountain Bike the Tetons

Photo: Jared Steinman

Hunting and Outfitters

Well it is Wyoming, so heck yes we’ve got wildlife, hunting, and outfitters to help experience it all. Highly popular game are mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and elk—filling many freezers and attracting amateur and professional sportsmen. Several area ranches provide hunting guide services from deer to pheasant to fish—and if you’re lucky enough to draw a license and catch a break, sometimes even moose and bighorn sheep. Most notably, Lander is home of the One Shot Antelope Hunt, an annual festival drawing thousands of returning visitors to raise conservation funds for the Water for Wildlife Foundation and Evans Dahl Memorial Museum.

Lander is a close knit community that is filled with friendly, hard-working people and families that enjoy our great surroundings and live the American dream. What more is there?

Ron Hansen Owner, Wind River Outdoors and One Stop Market

Photo: Steven Brutger

Winter Sports

Winter in Lander is unlike winter in many other places: although we get 100 inches of snow on average, the sun shines close to 300 days a year and the temperatures are moderate. Lander Nordic Ski Association grooms trails on the golf course and miles of skiier-only wilderness trails in Beaver Creek, while the Lander Cycling Club grooms even more trails in Sinks Canyon and Willow Creek. Snowshoe miles and miles of routes where the skiers and fatbikers play throughout the surrounding wilderness areas. If backcountry skiing is your thing, you basically have the entire state as your playground. Like winter sports with an engine? Enjoy the ultimate destination in snowmobiling on the 360-mile tour of the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail, which begins in Lander and ends in Yellowstone National Park. For shorter excursions, there are 75+ miles over the Continental Divide Trail to choose for your adventure.

From touring at Willow Creek and Sinks Canyon to groomed classic and skate skiing at Beaver Creek and the golf course, Nordic skiing in the Lander area offers an amazing opportunity to experience Wyoming wildlife and landscape.

Emily Tilden NSCA-CPT Trainer, Elemental Performance + Fitness

Photo: Lander Cycling Club

Photo: Drew Leemon

Photo: Jared Steinman

Lander Schools Lander Schools

Excellence in Education

Our Vision — “By setting high expectations and providing diverse learning opportunities, we will empower students to succeed in careers, college, and life.”

Fremont Co School District #1 comprises six schools with an enrollment of 1,560 K-12 students.

We are a relationship- and collaborative-oriented district that strives for student excellence and continuous improvement.

We offer a wide selection of student options, including AP courses and dual HS/college credit courses.

We focus on growing the whole child through offerings in fine and performing arts, career/tech ed, and a broad selection of extracurricular opportunities.

Lander performs above the state average in almost all indicators on our state assessment.

Our students lead the state in University of Wyoming Trustee Scholarship awards. Class of 2024 graduates earned over $3M in scholarship awards.

We offer a robust array of special education services and educational tech resources

Our Family Resource Center

New to Lander? Our Parent Liaison helps parents get information and support to ensure their child’s academic and social success. We can assist with student registration, agency referrals, teacher contact, and much more.

For general inquiries: (307) 332-4711, information@landerschools.org

Superintendent: Mike Harris, Superintendent@landerschools.org

Parent Liaison: Matt Jacobson, ParentLiasion@landerschools.org

Our Website: landerschools.org

Fremont#1 on FB: facebook.com/ landerschools

Recreation in Lander

If organized teams, groups, and classes are your motivator, Lander Parks and Recreation department compiles an excellent resource guide for year-round opportunities around town. From toddlers to seniors, from volleyball, basketball, softball leagues, and Olympic-style sword fencing, there is programming for all ages and abilities. A sampling of the programming for all ages includes baseball, soccer, football, and basketball, as well as swimming, climbing and cycling clubs. The Lander swimming pool has an open swim, aquatic education, and several classes. The City of Lander offers multiple outdoor City Parks that house a skate park, dirt bike park, outdoor ice rink in the winter, soccer and baseball fields, ultimate frisbee, and rugby team opportunities. There is also a bowling alley and indoor and outdoor shooting ranges. Top that off with an 18-hole golf course, and there’s a constant stream of activities to join and enjoy for all seasons in Lander. For more information see the City website at https://www. landerwyoming.org/parks-and-recreation.

Photo: Mission Possible

The Library Welcomes You!

The Fremont County Library System has branches in Lander, Riverton, and Dubois. Its mission is to enrich lives and engage minds through our collection, services, and programs. We offer free access to public computers and wireless internet, including wi-fi access outside the building after business hours. Copying and printing service is available for a modest fee, and scan-to-email is available free of charge. When you need local information or simply a comfortable place to relax and check email, please come see us at the library! Need a good book for the road? Each branch offers Honor Books for you to borrow without a library card. When you relocate to Fremont County, come on in for your library card. All you’ll need is a photo ID and proof of your Fremont County address.

Lander Library 451 N. 2nd Street

Hours: Tues-Thurs, 10-7 Fri, 10-5

Riverton Library 1330 W. Park Avenue

Hours: Tues-Thurs, 11-7 Fri, 11-6

Dubois Library 202 1st Street

Hours: Wed, 11-6

Thurs & Fri, 11:-5

Closed for lunch 1-2

Lander’s Business Climate

Imagine a magical world where you can work where you play ... and then stop imagining and start living it here. Whether you launch your own or become part of an established business, Lander has a diversity of industry, infrastructure, and opportunity. From a thriving Main Street to working cattle ranches, Lander’s business climate is a unique blend of service and action industries: education, healthcare and social services; city and county public administration; and agriculture, mining and construction. Plus, Lander’s remarkably high concentration of non-profits per capita may be one of its most distinguishing attributes.

Photo: Maven Outdoor Equipment Company

Leading Industry: Education

Education is a major theme in the community of Lander: from community art and swim classes, day care programs, public education, community college, to an outdoor leadership school—Lander is all about enriching community. Our public school system consists of six schools serving nearly 2,000 students (pre-K through grade 12) operated by Fremont County School District #1. Central Wyoming College, a public community college, has campuses both in Riverton and Lander and offers 4-year and 2-year degrees. CWC’s Alpine Science Institute, located in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains, is a living, learning field school. Private schools include Academy of the Winds, Cornerstone Christian School, nationally-recognized fouryear liberal arts degree-accredited Wyoming Catholic College, and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), the global leader in leadership wilderness education. Child Development Services offer physical, speech and language, occupational therapies and developmental screenings.

Photo: NOLS

Photo: Wyoming Catholic College

Photo: Lander Valley High School

An Old West Main Street

Classic meets modern West: Lander’s Main Street is an enduring example of oldmeets-new, showcasing 100+ small businesses with a unique mountaintown appeal, with not just hometown local, but also county, national, and international reach. You can network in coffee shops, enjoy fine dining worthy of any big city, take in a firstrun movie, peruse a music store, gift stores, or clothing boutiques. You can expand your awareness from environmental and social advocacy groups, stretch your body, mind, and soul at the yoga studio, museum, or art center, so be sure to plan an extra day to take it all in.

Photo: Brad Christensen

City of Bronze with a Heart of Gold

Akey indicator of the strength of a community is the presence and energy of non-profit organizations—and Lander is a tractor beam for 1) great work 2) truly dedicated, smart human talent and 3) community philanthropy and volunteer service. The Lander Community Foundation resources donations and volunteers to address specific community needs by empowering and fostering new agencies, such as Wyoming Catholic College, Wyofile, and the International Climbers’ Festival. Nationally and globally recognized NPO’s also call Lander home: The Nature Conservancy, Wyoming Wildlife Federation, Wyoming Outdoor Council, National Outdoor Leadership School, Water for Wildlife -- just a sampling of the 50+ nonprofit organziations agencies that leverage, advocate, and support causes locally and beyond.

My kind of liveable! Wide open skies, open windows all summer long, lots of adventure, and a place where my kids can bike to school.

Ami Vincent Lander Community Officer

LOR Foundation

Leading Industry: Service

From tourism to health care to municipalities, one common thread is service. Lander is home to more than 30 restaurants, more than 30 hotels and short term vacation rentals, all providing hospitality services to the active tourism industry. SageWest Health Care is a comprehensive health care system with two campuses (Lander and Riverton) serving Fremont County. The Wyoming Life Resource Center is a state-run 90-acre therapeutic residential community for residents with mental and physical disabilities that has been in operation since 1912. As for the government, major employers include city and county administration as well as the Bureau of Land Management, Department of Enviromental Quality, U.S. Forest Service, and Wyoming Game and Fish.

Photo: Kyle Duba

Photo: Brad Christensen

Leading Industry: Agriculture

Just outside city center, throughout the foothills and canyons you will notice an abundance of farms and irrigation systems amongst ecosystems of high desert and red rock. Agriculture plays a major role in Fremont County, with one thousand farms and ranches (totalling 1.2 million acres) and generating $136 million in production. Fun fact: Fremont County is first in hay and alfalfa production for all of Wyoming and ranks third in cattle numbers. In Lander agriculture is an intrinsic part of life—you’ll find several greenhouses, backyard and communal gardens, twice-weekly summer farmer’s markets, farmto-table restaurants, and multigenerational family-owned cattle ranches.

From the first ranches in the 1870s to over 1,000 farm and ranch units with 2.5 million acres and the largest number of irrigated acres in Wyoming today, Lander and Fremont County continue to strengthen and grow in the agricultural industry.

Jeff Young Past Board Member, Lander Chamber of Commerce Young Land and Livestock, Owner

Photo: Jared Steinman

Photo: Whitney Nicole Kinney, Wink Photography

Resources for Businesses

The character of a town can be found in the composite of businesses, and Lander has a variety of groups that address our economic needs and growth. In addition to the Lander Chamber of Commerce, the Wyoming Business Council provides a variety of services and funding programs; the Workforce Development Training Fund offers training for individuals; and the Small Business Development Center provides developmental, financial, and business planning expertise. The Lander Community Foundation fosters our non-profit sector, while the Lander Chamber of Commerce and LEDA (Lander Economic Development Association) are drivers comprised of community and industry leaders, breaking trail for Lander’s economic landscape.

The Small Business Development Center was instrumental in getting our business started on the right foot. They were genuinely invested in our business’ success and we have utilized their expertise and training extensively. Truly, a wonderful resource for small businesses in Wyoming.

Nyssa Whitford Owner, The Bike Mill

Photo: Brad Christensen

Photo: Wyoming Tourism

Photo: Brad Christensen

LEED-Certified Meeting Facility

The Lander Community & Convention Center is a spacious and lightfilled first-class facility with all the amenities and technology for conferences, trainings, meetings, and weddings. The Center is centrally located in Wyoming on the Lander Golf Course and less than a mile from Lander’s Hunt Field general aviation airport. With ready access to Wind River Country and the great outdoors, Lander is excited to host your next event no matter how big or small. View, plan, and book online at landercommunityconvention.com.

The Lander Community & Convention Center is a firstclass facility with all the amenities and technology for conferences, training, meetings, and weddings. The Center is centrally located in Wyoming, with ready access to Wind River Country and the great outdoors. Lander is excited to host your next event no matter how big or small.

RaJean Strube Fossen Mayor's Assistant, City of Lander

Past President, Lander Community Foundation

Past Board Member, Lander Economic Development Association

Photo: Lander Chamber of Commerce /Brad Christensen

Photo: City of Lander

People Make This Place Home

Lander is a “mosaic of cultural identity” where you will easily find an old, hardened cowboy sharing lively conversation with a wide-eyed New Age rock hound at a local watering hole. Solidified with a rich history of both Native American and pioneer/cowboy culture, Lander’s community proudly offers an abundance of museums, arts and music programming, cultural exhibits and performances, food and dining, entertainment, and, notto-not-mention, a sweet lineup of events and festivals. Lander is a city with small town appeal, where wordto-mouth, a handshake, and a good word are king—and it is the people and celebrations that make this place uniquely home.

Photo: Wind River Country

Experience Pioneer History

South Pass City & Atlantic City: did you ride the Pony Express in a past life? Ever wish you could grow a beard that scared off a grizzly? Ever fantasize about panning for gold and blasting anvils? South Pass City State Historic Site is a historically restored gold mining ghost town featuring over 25,000 original artifacts from the 1860s to 1940s with interpretive exhibits, living history demonstrations, an authentic general store, and visitor’s center. Nearby Atlantic City is a gold mining town from the 1860s that still has a small active resident population with restaurants, saloons, and rental cabins. But before you end up tasting such divinity, explore the Pioneer Trails (the Oregon, Mormon, and Pony Express) by car, mountain bike, horseback, or wagon, and go where over 350,000 emigrants travelled between 1841 and 1866 on some of the most pristine and well preserved sections of Pioneer Trails in the state.

Photo: South Pass City / The Carissa Mine

Photo: South Pass City

Native American Heritage

Close to Lander, you’ll find the two-million-acre Wind River Indian Reservation, established in 1868. Today, it is home to 4,000 Eastern Shoshone and nearly 9,000 Northern Arapaho tribal members. A number of tribally-based businesses to improve local economy including guide services (fishing, rafting, horseback riding, hunting), cultural centers, museums, and historical sites located in Fort Washakie, Ethete, Arapaho and St. Stephens, preserving and sharing important aspects of the Native American heritage. In the summer months, visitors are invited to experience major pow wows and weekly outdoor dancing exhibitions.

Photo: Jennie Hutchinson

Photo: Michael Chingman

A Thriving Art Scene

The Lander Art Center was founded in 2003 educate and engage the Fremont County community in the arts through learning opportunities and quality exhibitions that foster a strong arts community. LAC has developed into an organization focused on providing the entire community with ways to connect to the arts: exhibitions, classes, open studios, artist panels, artist residency programs, cultural development, and professional resources designed to uplift and enrich the residents of Fremont County. Our two annual fundraisers, Riverfest and Art in the Afternoon, feature unique artwork from local, regional, and national artists. Visit landerartcenter.com for LAC’s exhibition schedule, and to register for classes and open clay studio passes.

Food and Shopping

You like to wine, dine, and shop? So do we. Lander has several eating establishments, from a rustic saloon to elegant dining—(bonus: every place lets you wear your cowboy boots). Grass-fed burgers, delicious local greens, chicken fried steak, Vietnamese pho, Thai entreés, quesadillas, chimichangas, and tater tots are just a start to get you salivating. Before, after, or even during fueling up, take a look at our local shops: housewares, appliances, local artisan-crafted gifts and framed art, or your very own stuffed Jackalope. Lander has plenty to sip, taste, and purchase to commemorate your visit.

“In Wyoming, a World-Class Burger and an Honest Butcher”

I’ve always been interested in how the choices we make about food can affect others. But I didn’t think that eating a hamburger in Lander, Wyo., would change my notions about how these choices can impact entire communities....It happened to be one of the finest burgers I have ever eaten. Ben Towill, New

York Times columnist

Concerts and Performances

Excellent music is easy to find in Lander. The Fremont Symphony Orchestra is a “big group that plays big music,” bringing classics to Lander. Musicians come from all over Wyoming for the opportunity to play and perform two concerts a year. Now in its 78th year, Lander Performing Arts hosts eight performances annually ranging from jazz, Irish quartets, comedy, to touring Chinese acrobats. That’s not all: in the summertime you’ll find live music in the the local bars and a whole lot of boot-stomping at annual events and festivals like the ever-popular Lander Brewfest -- The Best Little Brewfest in the West -International Climbers’ Festival, and Lander Presents summer concert series, all held in Lander’s beloved City Park. Lander is full of yearround entertainment opportunities that make our town shine!

Photo: Brad Christensen

Fly to Lander!

Sitting over a mile high at an elevation of 5,587 feet above sea level, Hunt Field (LND) is Lander's city-owned general aviation (GA) airport. With more than 11,000 yearly aircraft operations, an average of 30 per day, Hunt Field has an annual local economic impact of more than $8,000,000.

According to the Wyoming 2020 Aviation Economic Impact Study, Hunt Field helps support 46 jobs with an annual payroll of $2.8 million. The total annual economic activity reported was $8.2 million based on the impact categories of airport operations, private and business tenants, visitors who arrive by air and workers and airports supported jobs. The total impact includes investments of $1.4 million in a new runway and other airport construction activities over the last 5 years which now include the reconstruction of Taxiway A.

Local employers rely regularly on the airport including local car dealerships, construction companies, oil field service companies, the local hospital, life flight operators, and multiple educational providers. Hunt Field also supports local fire-fighting activities during tthe dry summer months.

An active and growing local GA pilot community enjoys Hunt Field and is the key support behind the popular Wings and Wheels air and car show that is hosted by Lander Area Pilot and Hangar Owner Association (LAPAHOA). Hunt Field is home to Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1020 which hosts a variety of social and educational activities, including Young Eagles rallies, fly-ins, building seminars and more to build awareness in the community.

Events and Festivals

Lander hosts a myriad of events as diverse as the culture of our local community. We have aircraft fly-ins, sled dog races, Native American pow wows, an epic brew fest, an international rock climbers' gathering—there is always something to celebrate. But if you have to choose, pick the Pioneer Days Fourth of July: a two-day-pageant featuring a half-marathon, BBQ, the beloved Lander parade, the oldest paid rodeo in the country, all topped off with the best 360-degree firework show you’ll ever see.

INTERNATIONAL PEDIGREE STAGE STOP SLED DOG RACE Drawing top mushers from around the world for the largest sled dog race in the Lower 48, the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race begins in Jackson and follows the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail through Lander and other Wyoming communities.

WYOMING OUTDOOR WEEKEND

A weekend destination event that includes a consumer show, clinics, and field trip demos.

LANDER BREWFEST presented by Fremont Toyota

Hosted by the Lander Chamber of Commerce, this two-day festival -- The Best Little Brewfest in the West -features 30+ Rocky Mountain region brewers, live music, local vendors, and a certified tasting competition.

LANDER PRESENTS

This free summer cncert series is an initiative to bring live music, film, and events to audiences in the foothills of the Wind River Range. Concerts and events run June through September.

4TH OF JULY PIONEER DAYS RODEO AND PARADE Since 1894, Lander celebrates the Fourth of July like no other. Two two-day rodeos, a Challenge for Charities half marathon, pancake breakfast, buffalo BBQ, parade, and epic fireworks.

LANDER COMMUNITY PIG ROAST Held in Lander City Park, this event features a free pig roast lunch and music.

NATIVE AMERICAN POW WOWS

Traditional dancing, music, and food celebrate the history, culture, and heritage of Shoshone and Arapahoe tribes on the Wind River Indian Reservation.

INTERNATIONAL CLIMBERS’ FESTIVAL

The world famous International Climbers Festival is a four-day event bringing climbers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world to Lander to try their skill at climbing, enjoy famous athletes and slide shows, vendors, workshops and entertainment.

SOUTH PASS CITY’S GOLD RUSH DAYS

A three-day historical event featuring a vintage baseball tournament, Wyoming State Mining Championships, cowboy poetry, gold panning, and live music and entertainment.

LANDER RIVERFEST

Hosted by the Lander Art Center, Riverfest is an exciting arts festival featuring original handcrafted art sold by regional artists, demonstrations, live music, food, and entertainment.

ONE SHOT ANTELOPE HUNT

A three-day series of events culminating in the historical legacy hunt and celebratory banquet, drawing sportsmen from around the world in a competition to harvest an antelope with one single shot.

JURASSIC CLASSIC MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL With simple roots in gathering together to ride bikes, on sweet trails with friends in a really awesome town, the Jurassic Classic has grown into a festival we look forward to every summer. Demo bikes, watch films, dance to live music and get to know new people!

WYO131 GRAVEL RIDE

The WYO131 is the ultimate gravel ride, well known for its 5 star gravel in the most remote and least densely populated regions of the Midwest. This 131-mile ride is one of the best with over 10,000 feet of climbing and beatiful views all around.

*Dates are subject to change. Please check individual websites.

‘25-‘26 Destination Lander Travel & Relocation Guide

Layout and Editing

Carol King, Melanie Limpus, Brian Fabel, Owen Sweeney

Contributing Photographers

Kelsey Ball, Tom Bol, Steven Brutger, Kristy Cardinal, Michael Chingman, Brad Christensen, Scott Copeland, County 10, Kyle Duba, Julli Anna Eckley, Brian Fabel, Bryce Giesmann, Ron Hanson, Shane Hart, Jennie Hutchinson, Whitney Nicole Kinney, Ryann Koivupalo, Drew Leemon, Paula McCormick, Kirk Rasmussen, Mei Ratz, Jared Steinman, Jesse Webb, Stacy Wells, and Wyoming’s Wind River Country.

Cover Photographers

Scott Copeland, Lander Chamer of Commerce, Wyoming’s Wind River Country - Brad Christensen, Jared Steinman

Copyright © Copyright 2025 Lander Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. No part of the Destination Lander Travel & Relocation Guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including a photocopy, recording, or any information retrieval system, without the written permission of the Lander Chamber of Commerce, 100 N 1st Street, Lander, WY 82520-2836.

Lander Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors and Staff

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Tom Davis, Chairman, Fremont Therapy Group

Ryan Preston, Vice Chairman, Hampton Inn & Suites ~ Riverton

Jennifer Hamilton, Treasurer, SageWest Healthcare

Chris VonHoltum, Past Chairman, Central Bank & Trust

DIRECTORS

Brian Rohrbacher, Atlantic City Federal Credit Union

Joseph Susanka, Wyoming Catholic College

Tiffany Hartpence, Home Source Realty

Helen Wilson, Wind River Visitors Council

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Owen M. Sweeney Jr., IOM, CEO

Carol King, Associate Director

Meghan Manning, Program & Event Coordinator

Caeli Sweeney, Graphic Design & Social Media

Lander Chamber Visitor Center & Business Complex

100 N 1st Street, Lander, WY 82520-2836

info@landerchamber.org | (307) 332-3892 | landerchamber.org

Index of Advertisers

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W H O W E A R E

T h e W y o m i n g L i f e R e s o u r c e C e n t e r i s a W y o m i n g D e p a r t m e n t o f H e a l t h f a c i l i t y i n L a n d e r , W Y t h a t i s h o m e t o r e s i d e n t s w i t h d u a l - d i a g n o s i s , i n t e l l e c t u a l a n d d e v e l o p m e n t a l

d i s a b i l i t i e s a s w e l l a s m e n t a l h e a l t h i l l n e s s W e o p e r a t e a n I n t e r m e d i a t e C a r e F a c i l i t y ( I C F )

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O U R M I S S I O N

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( W L R C ) i s a s a f e t y n e t f o r t h e c i t i z e n s

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h i g h - l e v e l i n t e r m e d i a t e a n d l o n g -

t e r m c a r e a n d s e r v i c e s t o i n d i v i d u a l s i n W y o m i n g w h o a r e h a r d t o p l a c e ,

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v o c a t i o n a l t r a i n i n g b u i l d i n g s

J O I N O U R T E A M

W e t a k e p r i d e i n s u p p o r t i n g F r e m o n t

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2025 Travel and Relocation Guide -FINAL for online version2

Community Profile

“Where the Trails Begin”

From Campsite to Cowboy Line

Care without compromise.

Challenging ourselves is second nature.

St. John's Health - Lander

The Wonder of Sinks Canyon

RECREATION

Wind River Mountains G

NAVIGATORS BY REGION

LIVING YOUR DREAM

Loop Road and Red Canyon

World Renowned Climbing Mecca

Scenic Trails & Backcountry Routes

Fishing

Hiking and Backpacking

Biking

Hunting and Outfitters

Winter Sports

Lander Schools Lander Schools

Excellence in Education

Our Family Resource Center

Recreation in Lander

The Library Welcomes You!

Lander’s Business Climate

Leading Industry: Education

An Old West Main Street

City of Bronze with a Heart of Gold

Leading Industry: Service

Leading Industry: Agriculture

Resources for Businesses

LEED-Certified Meeting Facility

People Make This Place Home

Experience Pioneer History

Native American Heritage

A Thriving Art Scene

Food and Shopping

Concerts and Performances

Fly to Lander!

Events and Festivals

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‘25-‘26 Destination Lander Travel & Relocation Guide

Lander Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors and Staff

Index of Advertisers