In this episode of Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson explore three unique lodging facilities.

First, they visit the yurts in Sinks Canyon State Park, where Park Superintendent Jessica Moore shares insights about this camping experience. The yurts combine comfort with nature and feature cozy interiors, furnishings and heating for year-round stays. Nestled among stunning landscapes, visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing and exploring the nearby river while immersing themselves in serene surroundings.

Next they visit The Rock Shop Inn, a tranquil retreat offering luxury cabins with easy access to trails in the Shoshone National Forest. Anthony Prate shares his experiences of owning the historic inn and explains how guests can partake in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and cross country skiing. The on-site saloon provides a cozy atmosphere for drinks and live music, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure.

Finally, they highlight The Lander Motel, where owner Krista Lobera discusses the joy of revitalizing this local landmark. The retro motel features a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. With friendly service, a welcoming atmosphere and an easy check-in process, it’s a fun choice for those exploring the Lander area.

On Saturday, March 22, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson met with Odessa Oldham of the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary for an ATV tour. The Sanctuary is located on a 1,400 acre working cattle ranch. It is the home of 250 wild horses and is one of only four public off-range pastures in the United States. It is the only one located on an Indian Reservation (the Wind River Indian Reservation).

Join Charene and Helen as Odessa takes them to the center of the action. Surrounded by beautiful views of the Wind River Range, Helen and Charene learn about the Sanctuary, the horses and opportunities to adopt a horse or get involved.

Find more information and ways to enjoy Wind River Country by clicking here.

On Saturday, January 11, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson headed to Dubois, Wyoming for the National Bighorn Sheep Center’s 31st Annual Bighorn Bash. This event serves as the Center’s largest single fundraising event of the year. It took place at the Headwaters Arts and Conference Center and included great food (provided by 3 Spear Ranch), lots of socializing, live and silent auctions and games.

The following day Charene and Helen joined the Center’s Executive Director, Amanda Verheul and Guide, Ben Verheul on one of the Center’s popular Eco Tours. We had the opportunity to hear some local history and explore a canyon that is very popular with the wild sheep in the area. Along the journey were petroglyphs, sheep, antelope, deer, friendly locals and absolutely incredible scenery. Take a listen, and then sign up for a tour of your own.

Discover more about the National Bighorn Sheep Center and its incredible mission at bighorn.org and fnd out more on how you can book your own edo-tour! And don’t forget to follow the Wind River Visitors Council for more stories, adventures, and travel tips from this wild and wonderful region!

On Saturday, February 8, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson headed to Dubois for Stage Seven of the 2025 Pedigree Stage Stop Race. The race has been taking place since 1996, and this year, it had stops in Jackson Hole, Pinedale, Big Piney/Marbleton, Kemmerer, Lander and Dubois.

Dubois was the final stop, and activities included a Musher Meet & Greet, Winterfest, Dogsled Demonstrations, Movie Night and, of course, the Pedigree Stage Stop Race.

In this podcast, Charene and Helen chat with numerous people, including Sara Anderson, Liam Conner (Canada), Cathy Rivest (Canada), Anny Malo (Canada), Alix Crittenden and sister Jessie (Wyoming), Dan Carter (Race Director), Suzanne Osegueda (Dubois Chamber of Commerce) and Dave and Liz Furman (Dubois). Charene and Helen also hopped on a dogsled for a ride with Continental Divide Dogsled Adventures. With blue skies, fresh powder and some very eager dogs, it was a howling good time.

On Saturday, January 18, Charene Herrera headed to the ice to celebrate winter at the Boysen Ice Fishing Derby. This event is an annual tradition that has brought anglers together for generations.

In this podcast, Charene chats with John Bass, Park Superintendent of Boysen State Park. John highlights winter recreation in Wind River Country and the importance of the Derby. Charene also speaks with Rich Mittlesdorf and Georgia Epperson, the owners of the Boysen Marina Campground Bar & Restaurant and Bruce Davidson and Jackie Stone of the B&K Shoreline Stop. They talk about the event, the Marina and keeping tradition alive.

Grab your warm coat, hat and gloves, and take a listen.

On Sunday, December 1, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson headed to Dubois, Wyoming for their Dubois Cowboy Christmas event. The evening included a parade and lighting ceremony, as well as a friendly competition amongst Dubois Chamber of Commerce members to see who could decorate the best plywood Christmas tree cut-out in true western fashion. These trees will be displayed through January 2. The weather was incredible, and hot chocolate with all the fixings (and the smiles that accompanied them) made the evening cozy.

In this podcast, we chat with the chamber’s Executive Director, Suzanne Osegueda and well as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Locals, visitors and the Mayor explored the downtown area and its restaurants and shops, as many stayed open late to participate in the festivities.

The Wind River Visitors Council wishes you and yours a very happy holiday season. See you in 2025! For more information on events and adventures in Wyoming’s Wind River Country, visit windriver.org.

This special Thanksgiving podcast dives into the wonderful world of local food in Wyoming’s Wind River Country. Charene Herrera visits Lander to chat food with the Meadowlark Market & Kitchen team, Annelise Wright (Market Manager), Joanne Slingerland (Member Education and Outreach Coordinator) and Bridget Pokorny (Meadowlark Kitchen Intern).

In Riverton, Charene visits Fremont Local Market to catch up with Jack Schmidt, who shares his knowledge about the Wyoming Food Freedom Act. He discusses how this legislation enables markets like Fremont Local Market and Meadowlark Market & Kitchen to thrive.

Of course, a podcast on local food wouldn’t be complete without some tasty sourdough bread, and local breadmaker, Alma Law, talks about ancient sourdough-making techniques while sharing insights on the art of traditional sourdough.

The Wind River Visitors Council wishes you and yours a happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season!

“Do you believe in ghosts?” is the question that was asked at the beginning of a tour of the haunted history of Riverton with local educator, historian and collector of ghost stories, Alma Law.

Alma greeted us in the Riverton Museum holding a doll named Amelia, and while Amelia’s mysterious history points to a potential haunting, there was something quite captivating and beautiful about her.

After taking a deep dive into the history of the Riverton Museum, we traveled to the Masonic Temple, where Ken Watts joined us and added his insights and stories to the haunted history narrative of the Temple. Then we made our way to the old jail to meet with Bart Ringer, who worked as a sergeant at the jail for many years. Bart and Alma talked about the jail’s spooky past and the role that it served in the community.

Grab a warm beverage, a cozy blanket and your favorite mysterious doll, and listen along as Alma tells stories of people from long ago, an orange tabby cat and a mysterious jogger. And then you can decide, “do you believe in ghosts?”

For more information about Alma Law’s haunted downtown walking tours, contact Alma directly at (307) 240-9403. Tours are available year-round.