My first visit to Dubois in 2012 blew me away with the dramatic and colorful badlands that surround the town for miles in almost every direction. I was on a tight schedule at that time, so didn't get to fully explore the area. I've been wanting to come back ever since, so now it has finally happened.
Beyond the badlands, Dubois is surrounded by the Wind River Mountains to the south and southwest, and by Shoshone National Forest to the north. Grand Teton National Park is about 50 miles to the west, while Yellowstone National Park is about 85 miles away. The Wind River runs right through town before merging with several other rivers to form the Bighorn River.
This area might have been a prime candidate for national park status, for it certainly matches or exceeds the features of Badlands N P in South Dakota. However, the Indian Reservation and European settlers got here first and claimed the land. Ranchers and homeowners have developed properties right up against the colorful formations, and who can blame them...such views are rarely available.
West of town is an overlook that not only affords great views, but allows for hiking and mountain biking.
The town considers itself a cowboy town, which is undeniable, but it also caters to tourists, most of whom stop on their way to the national parks farther west. The architecture is mostly "log cabin style" and much of the street art reflects the cowboy theme. Businesses carry such names as "Cowboy Cafe", "Outlaw Saloon" and "Branding Iron Grill".
One museum displays historic buildings, another features bighorn sheep and a third is called the National Military Vehicle Museum, housing more than 450 artifacts. Some of the very nice folks I met in Dubois are there for the summer as volunteer docents at the latter museum.
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