Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor
Wyoming’s best adventure starts in Wind River Country. Located in western Wyoming, just beyond Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton Mountains, Wind River Country is the place to go to get away from the crowds. Unplug, unwind and find room to roam in Dubois, Hudson, Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni or on the Wind River Indian Reservation, the only Reservation in the Cowboy State
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Celebrating 29 Years of Wind River Flywheelers Antique Engine and Tractor Show
07/24/2025
Celebrating 29 Years of Wind River Flywheelers Antique Engine and Tractor Show
In this month’s episode of Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera heads to Shoshoni for the 29th annual Wind River Flywheelers Antique Engine and Tractor Show. Recorded on location at East Park Rest Area, the episode brings listeners into the heart of this free, family-friendly celebration of rural heritage. With the scent of motor oil and grilled burgers in the air, guests share what fuels their passion for vintage machines—and what keeps this beloved event rolling year after year. The 2025 show was the Northwest Regional Gathering, and it drew even more engines, tractors and enthusiasts from across the region, turning Shoshoni into a buzzing hub of history, horsepower and hometown pride. Whether you're a collector, a curious newcomer or someone who just loves the sound of a well-tuned engine, this episode is a tribute to the folks who preserve and celebrate Wyoming’s mechanical past—one spark plug at a time.
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Mystery in the Mountains: John Mionczynski on Sasquatch and the Unknown
06/26/2025
Mystery in the Mountains: John Mionczynski on Sasquatch and the Unknown
In this captivating episode of Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera, Anthony Prate and Helen Wilson chat with renowned biologist and wilderness expert John Mionczynski. The setting is The Rock Shop Inn—a peaceful, rustic retreat nestled among towering pines and rugged mountain beauty. Surrounded by the serene sounds of nature, John shares compelling stories from decades of field research and wilderness exploration, including his intriguing encounters and investigations into the elusive legend of Sasquatch. With his signature mix of scientific insight and deep respect for the unknown, he reflects on unexplained phenomena, strange sightings and what points to the existence of this legendary creature. Listeners are treated not only to John's thought-provoking perspectives, but also to a musical interlude, as he sits down at the piano inside The Rock Shop Inn and fills the space with melodies. Whether you're a skeptic, a believer or simply curious about Wyoming’s wilder side, this episode is sure to stir the imagination and open the door to wonder.
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Unique Accommodations in Wind River Country
05/22/2025
Unique Accommodations in Wind River Country
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.
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Wild Mustangs: Wyoming’s Hidden Sanctuary
04/24/2025
Wild Mustangs: Wyoming’s Hidden Sanctuary
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 .
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Sheep, Scenery & Stories: The Bighorn Bash and Eco Tour with the National Bighorn Sheep Center
03/27/2025
Sheep, Scenery & Stories: The Bighorn Bash and Eco Tour with the National Bighorn Sheep Center
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 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!
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Racing to the Finish: Dubois Hosts the Final Stage of the Pedigree Stage Stop Race
02/27/2025
Racing to the Finish: Dubois Hosts the Final Stage of the Pedigree Stage Stop Race
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.
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Reeling in Winter Fun: Ice Fishing Derby Adventures at Boysen Reservoir
01/23/2025
Reeling in Winter Fun: Ice Fishing Derby Adventures at Boysen Reservoir
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.
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Dubois Cowboy Christmas: Parade, Western Decor & Holiday Cheer
12/26/2024
Dubois Cowboy Christmas: Parade, Western Decor & Holiday Cheer
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 .
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Exploring Wind River Country's Local Food Scene
11/28/2024
Exploring Wind River Country's Local Food Scene
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!
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Spirits of Riverton: Unveiling the Haunting Tales of Downtown
10/24/2024
Spirits of Riverton: Unveiling the Haunting Tales of Downtown
“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.
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Beneath the Boulders: Exploring Boulder Choke Cave in Sinks Canyon
09/26/2024
Beneath the Boulders: Exploring Boulder Choke Cave in Sinks Canyon
On Tuesday, September 10, Charene Herrera, Michael Morris and Helen Wilson headed underground into the Boulder Choke Cave with Skylar Sargent and Ella Sokolowski of Sinks Canyon State Park. The ⅛ mile long cave system, which ranges from 20 to 100 feet deep, was discovered in the 1990s by a Sinks Canyon State Park staff member. It is a series of limestone caverns that flood and drain every year with the spring melt. The entrance is hidden in a nondescript pile of boulders, and it requires both flexibility and bravery to squeeze through the 16” x 16” opening. Once adventurers are through the initial squeeze, they must crawl through a 20 foot tunnel before the cave system opens up to a room large enough to hold a group of 10 people comfortably. The largest room is over 80 feet wide, and includes a view of the Popo Agie River, as it flows underground. In addition to exploring the various rooms, Charene, Michael and Helen also had the opportunity to see fish living in the underground pools. These fish live with a complete absence of light and have therefore lost their pigment, so they appear white. Cave tours are available from mid-August to mid-April. The tour includes all caving gear, protective clothing, safety equipment and a trained cave guide. Participants learn about the geology of the cave system, unique microbial life forms called snottites and what it’s like to experience an absolute absence of light. Listen along as Charene, Michael and Helen explore the Boulder Choke Cave. For more information on cave tours, visit .
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Echoes of Uranium: Unearthing Jeffrey City's Ghostly Past
08/22/2024
Echoes of Uranium: Unearthing Jeffrey City's Ghostly Past
On Saturday, Aug. 10, the Riverton Museum hosted a Jeffrey City Adventure Trek as part of the Wind River Visitors Council’s Adventure Trek Series. Trip Leader, Zach Larson, who completed his thesis on uranium and the uranium mines in Wyoming, guided the tour. Jeffrey City was originally called "Home on the Range," and during the trek the group visited the original homestead, where they met the current owner, Bob Adams. Jeffrey City was once Fremont County’s third largest town—a bustling mining town complete with restaurants, a bowling alley, a movie theater and a swimming pool. The town saw an explosive growth beginning in the late 1950s and had an ultimate decline in the early 1980s. The town is now home to a few dozen residents, and a welcome stopover for cross-country cyclists. The Wyoming Jade Festival was taking place during the trek, which brought an unusual number of people to Jeffrey City, a contrast to its typical desolation. The group explored old lots that once housed hundreds of homes, most of which are now long gone. The remnants of Jeffrey City's once-vibrant community were starkly evident. The group discovered a charming bike hostel and took shelter there as the heavy rain began to pour. This hostel is a reminder of the area's lingering hospitality, despite its ghost town status. Tune in to step back in time to a once vibrant Jeffrey City. For more detailed information on Jeffrey City’s history and the uranium boom, visit .
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Exploring the Night: Sinks Canyon State Park's Journey to Dark Sky Designation
07/25/2024
Exploring the Night: Sinks Canyon State Park's Journey to Dark Sky Designation
On Saturday, May 25, Sinks Canyon State Park and the Wind River Visitors Council hosted a community celebration to recognize Sinks Canyon State Park’s recent designation as an International Dark Sky Park, which is the first designation of its kind in Wyoming. In this podcast, Jessica Moore, Superintendent of Sinks Canyon State Park, talks about why dark skies are important and how this designation was achieved. Kendall Jacobs, a mathematics instructor at the Casper College School of Science, and Dr. Andrew Young, a physics instructor, also at the Casper College School of Science, led a constellation tour, shared some historical perspectives and talked about a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a Nova explosion, which is visible in Wyoming until the end of September. Additional dark sky events are in the works, including an event on August 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. with astronomer Allen Corey and Sinks Canyon State Park staff. For more information, call (307) 332-3077. Love what you hear? Subscribe to our podcast and dive deeper into the beauty of Wind River Country. Discover more at .
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Hudson Daze 2024: Celebrating Community and Heritage in Wyoming’s Wind River Country
06/27/2024
Hudson Daze 2024: Celebrating Community and Heritage in Wyoming’s Wind River Country
On June 14 and 15, crowds gathered in Hudson, Wyoming for the 11th Annual Hudson Daze. In this month’s lively podcast, Charene Herrera explores small town USA with Mayor Sherry Oler, who provides a warm welcome before sharing her insights on the significance of Hudson Daze, the Town’s dedication to preserving its rich heritage and the importance of unity among its residents. Next, Charene chats with Shawn Carmack, a local car enthusiast whose expertise and passion for classic cars added a unique flavor to the event. We viewed vintage and new cars, and even had a couple rev up for us! Our podcast concluded with a delightful conversation with Maralyne Middour, who was working the gun show and greeting locals with her characteristic warmth and charm. Maralyne's dedication to the event and her joy in connecting with attendees highlighted the personal connections that are at the heart of Hudson Daze. Other Hudson Daze activities included a Flag Day Ceremony, a pancake breakfast, cornhole, live music, craft vendors, food and prizes. Whether you're a local resident or planning a vacation to Wyoming, be sure to check out events like Hudson Daze that showcase the heart and heritage of our community. Visit the Wind River Visitors Council website for a full calendar of events and discover all the exciting activities and locations that make this region special. Stay connected with us on our and follow us on and for updates and more.
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100 Years of Yellowstone Highway: The Historic Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway
05/23/2024
100 Years of Yellowstone Highway: The Historic Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway
Welcome to the premiere episode of "Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor," brought to you by the Wind River Visitors Council. Join your hosts, Charene The Adventure Queen and Helen Wilson, along with special guests Jackie Dorothy, a historian, and Kevin Scannell from the Riverton Museum. The Wind River Visitors Council partnered with the Riverton Museum, Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center and Hot Springs County Travel & Tourism Board to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Yellowstone Highway as part of National Travel and Tourism Week. To celebrate the anniversary, the Riverton Museum hosted historian Jackie Dorothy for this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series program. The day included interesting commentary about the Shoshoni jail, three tunnels and the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway (including how both the highway and the river got their names). Upon arriving in Thermopolis, the group visited the Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center, where they heard captivating stories of geology, saw historical displays and even heard a ghost story or two. Following a dive into history and culture, the group immersed themselves in the mineral waters of the Hot Springs State Park Bath House and then ended the day downtown in the One Eyed Buffalo Brewing Company. After a full day of activities, the group relaxed during the bus ride back to the Riverton Museum. Take a listen! Discover the stories and significance of what was once America's most expensive section of road. Subscribe to stay updated with Wyoming's Wind River Country! Visit us online at , follow us on Facebook at , and on Instagram @WyomingsWindRiverCountry
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Introducing "Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor" Podcast!
05/17/2024
Introducing "Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor" Podcast!
Welcome to "Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor" Podcast! We are thrilled to introduce you to the Wind River Visitors Council's brand-new podcast, "Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor." Join your hosts, Charene the Adventure Queen and Helen Wilson, as we embark on an exciting journey through one of Wyoming’s most captivating regions. In this short trailer episode you will hear from the hosts about the show as they are enjoying a walk along the Wyoming Heritage Trail in Riverton. This scenic trail, also known as Rails to Trails, spans 22 miles from Riverton to East US 26/20/East in Shoshoni. The trail provides the perfect backdrop for our introduction. Our podcast will cover a variety of topics, celebrating the rich history, stunning landscapes and unique experiences of Wind River Country. Here’s a sneak peek at some of our ideas... not sure what we will get into! 100 Year Celebration of the Yellowstone Highway: Join us as we commemorate this historic milestone. Dark Skies Podcast: Featuring an astronomer and park official, we’ll explore the breathtaking night skies of Wind River Country. Cave Tours: Discover the hidden wonders beneath the surface. Balloon Rally: Experience the magic of colorful hot air balloons filling the sky. Explore more about Wind River Country, its attractions and upcoming events by visiting . We can’t wait to take you on this adventure with us. See you in Wind River Country! Follow Us on Social Media: Stay updated with our latest episodes, events and behind-the-scenes content by following us on social media.
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