Lander, Wyoming

Lander, Wyoming, is located in Fremont County in the central part of the state [1]. With a population of 7,487 as of the 2010 census [1], Lander offers its residents and visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a close-knit community.

Situated along the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River, just south of the Wind River Indian Reservation, Lander is known for its stunning surroundings [1]. The town is nestled at an elevation of 5,360 feet (1,634 meters) and is surrounded by the picturesque Wind River Range [2]. This location makes Lander a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, hunting, and running [6].

Lander has gained recognition as an adventure town, being listed as one of America’s 100 best adventure towns by National Geographic [3]. It attracts visitors from all over who come to explore the natural wonders of the area. The town serves as a tourism center, with several guest ranches nearby, providing visitors with opportunities to experience the beauty of Wyoming’s landscape and immerse themselves in outdoor activities [1].

One of the notable features of Lander is its association with NOLS (formerly the National Outdoor Leadership School), whose headquarters are located in the town [4]. NOLS is an internationally renowned organization that offers wilderness education and leadership programs. The presence of NOLS has contributed to Lander’s reputation as a hub for outdoor education and adventure.

Despite its relatively small size, Lander offers a range of amenities and a welcoming community. The town has a charming downtown area with local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions [7]. Residents enjoy a sparse suburban feel and the majority of them own their homes [5]. The close-knit feel of the community, coupled with the beautiful natural surroundings, makes Lander an attractive place to live for families, young professionals, and retirees [5].

For those interested in history, Lander has a rich past rooted in the Wild West era. The area was settled in the 1870s and was home to forts Augur and Brown. The town itself was named after Colonel F.W. Lander, and it served as the seat of Fremont County since 1884 [2]. Visitors can explore Lander’s history by visiting the Museum of the American West and nearby South Pass City, a ghost town with a fascinating past [8].

In summary, Lander, Wyoming is a town that embraces its natural surroundings and offers a multitude of outdoor adventures. With its stunning location, proximity to the Wind River Range, and association with the National Outdoor Leadership School, Lander is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The town’s charming downtown, welcoming community, and rich history add to its appeal as a place to live or visit. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor activities, a close-knit community, or a glimpse into the Wild West era, Lander, Wyoming, has something to offer.

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[1] “Lander is a city in Wyoming, United States, and the county seat of Fremont County. It is in central Wyoming, along the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River, just south of the Wind River Indian Reservation. It is a tourism center with several nearby guest ranches. Its population was 7,487 at the 2010 census .” URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lander,_Wyoming

[2] “Lander, city, seat (1884) of Fremont county, west-central Wyoming, U.S., on the Popo Agie River, east of the Wind River Range, at an elevation of 5,360 feet (1,634 metres). Part of the traditional territory of the Shoshone people, the area was settled in the 1870s around Forts Augur and Brown and named for Colonel F.W. Lander.” URL: https://www.britannica.com/place/Lander-Wyoming

[3] “Aug 9, 2011 · Plan an outdoor adventure weekend getaway in Lander, Wyoming, one of America’s 100 best adventure towns as selected by National Geographic.” URL: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/lander-wyoming

[4] “Jan 23, 2020 · 1.8k. The West is full of quirky mountain towns that are well-known by outdoor lovers, like Jackson Hole, Boulder and Missoula. But there are plenty more that are lesser-known and have loads of charm. Lander, Wyoming is one such town. It is the headquarters of the National Outdoor Leadership School —commonly shortened to NOLS—which educates …” URL: https://thedyrt.com/magazine/local/lander-wyoming-adventure-town/

[5] “Lander is a town in Wyoming with a population of 7,551. Lander is in Fremont County and is one of the best places to live in Wyoming. Living in Lander offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Lander there are a lot of parks. Many families, young professionals, and retirees live in Lander and residents tend …” URL: https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/lander-fremont-wy/

[6] “Lander is the hidden gem of Wyoming. This small town has a close knit feel, located at the foothills of the gorgeous Wind River Mountains. The access to outdoor activities (fishing, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, hunting, running) is unbelievable.” URL: https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/lander-fremont-wy/reviews/

[7] “Sep 21, 2019 · Make some time to visit the charming town of Lander, Wyoming and you’ll find yourself having the time of your life. It’s no wonder so many people fall in love with this little Fremont County town! Visit the Lander Chamber of Commerce website here to learn more. For more information about Sinks Canyon, read You’ll Never Want To Leave This …” URL: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/wyoming/visit-lander-wyoming-wy/

[8] “Sep 27, 2016 · What to See and Do in Lander. The town has a fascinating Wild West history as Butch Cassidy was first convicted of the theft of horses here. He was later imprisoned at the territorial prison in nearby Laramie. Visit the Museum of the American West to learn about Lander’s past. Also nearby is South Pass City, a ghost town, and the grave of …” URL: https://www.carolineinthecityblog.com/2016/09/27/living-small-town-life-lander-wyoming/