Just Wright
With a population around 1,800, Wright, Wyoming seems like it might be too good to be true. A picturesque pond in the center of the town, one of the nation’s premiere bison ranches, a quaint summer festival, and a rodeo hub all in one tiny town can’t be right. But it’s Wright. Panther Pond is a small fishing pond visible from the highway that has enough charm to bait even the toughest catch. Just outside of town, visit the Durham Bison Ranch to peek into life as a cowboy on a Wyoming ranch. One of the nation’s largest bison operations, more than 2,500 bison are raised here, and its meat is shipped across the nation and brought down the street. The Open Range Steakhouse is a classic Wyoming steakhouse experience, made even more authentic by the Durham Ranch. Order a Buffalo Ribeye or a Buffalo Flat Iron Steak for a meal worthy of the Wyoming mascot (if you’re just stopping through town, try the Durham Buffalo Burger at Hank’s Roadside Bar & Grill). Your bison steak is the perfect preamble to a rodeo at the Southern Campbell County Agricultural Complex. For history, visit Wright’s Centennial Museum, which opened July 10, 1990 on Wyoming’s statehood centennial. The museum commemorates everything Campbell County, ranging from pioneer history and Westward expansion to the mining and energy industries. Home to an original Jacob William Benson painting, sheep wagons, historic tools and a special map of the area’s 100+ year old centennial ranches, you’ll connect with the pioneer spirit that established our country. If you’re still trying to decide when to visit, block out the third weekend of June for Wright Days, the quintessential small town festival with a parade, barbecues, yard games, and some of the friendliest locals in the West. Teddy Roosevelt has even been known to make an appearance. Accommodations are available at any Wright hotel.
