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Washakie County
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Washakie County pairs Bighorn River farmland, Worland heritage, Ten Sleep Canyon and wide-open Wyoming landscapes for scenic outdoor travel.

Washakie County occupies a broad, high valley in north-central Wyoming, where the Bighorn River threads through the arid landscapes of the Bighorn Basin. The county is centred on Worland, a practical agricultural town with deep connections to irrigation, sugar-beet farming and regional trade, while Ten Sleep lies farther east at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. Smaller communities including Hyattville and Manderson reveal the county's rural scale and its dependence on river valleys, ranches and open distance.
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The landscape changes markedly from west to east. Around Worland, irrigated fields form striking green bands beside the Bighorn River, contrasting with pale badlands, dry benches and sagebrush country. East of Ten Sleep, Ten Sleep Canyon leads towards the Bighorn Mountains and the extensive public lands of Bighorn National Forest. This is a region for scenic road journeys, fishing, hiking, climbing, wildlife watching and unhurried exploration rather than a dense sequence of urban attractions.
Human history reaches back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence in the county records Indigenous occupation, hunting and seasonal movement long before ranching and farming transformed the river valleys. The county's name honours Washakie, the prominent Shoshone leader whose life is associated with the wider history of the eastern Great Basin and northern Rocky Mountains. Later trails, homesteads, irrigation schemes and rail connections helped establish the communities that remain today.
Worland provides the county's main services, museums and everyday shopping, with a compact centre and access to the Bighorn River corridor. Ten Sleep has a more distinctly mountain-oriented character, with outfitters, cafés, lodging and access to canyon recreation. Around Hyattville, historic ranching landscapes meet archaeological and geological interests, while the rural roads between communities offer broad views across the basin. Distances are part of the experience: allow time for fuel, weather changes and stops at viewpoints rather than treating the county as a quick crossing.
Local food reflects Wyoming's agricultural economy, with beef, lamb, grains and locally grown produce appearing alongside familiar American café and steakhouse fare. The clearest sense of place comes outdoors, especially in the changing light over the basin, along the Bighorn River and beneath the cliffs of Ten Sleep Canyon. Summer is the principal season for hiking, camping and mountain recreation, while spring and autumn bring cooler conditions, quieter roads and strong contrasts between the irrigated valley and surrounding dry country.

Getting to and around Washakie County

How to get there

Washakie County is reached primarily by road. US Highway 20 runs through Worland and connects the county with Thermopolis to the south and communities farther north in the Bighorn Basin, while US Highway 16 links Ten Sleep eastwards through Ten Sleep Canyon towards Buffalo and the Bighorn Mountains. Worland Municipal Airport serves general aviation rather than regular scheduled international flights. Visitors normally reach the area by driving from larger Wyoming or regional gateway cities; Casper, Cody and Billings, Montana, are outside the county and should be treated as separate access points whose practicality depends on the itinerary.

Transportation

A private car is the most practical way to explore Washakie County because communities, trailheads, archaeological sites and mountain roads are widely separated and public transport is limited. Worland and Ten Sleep are small enough to navigate locally on foot, but rural attractions generally require driving. US 16 through Ten Sleep Canyon is scenic but can be winding, with changing weather and seasonal restrictions at higher elevations beyond the county. Cyclists and motorcyclists should plan carefully for distance, exposure, limited services and strong winds. Confirm forest-road conditions before entering Bighorn National Forest.

Destinations in Washakie County

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Washakie County

Washakie County's attractions are shaped by contrasts between irrigated farmland, dry basin geology and the rising Bighorn Mountains. In Worland, the Washakie Museum and Cultural Center provides a useful introduction to local archaeology, Indigenous history, agriculture and community development. The Bighorn River corridor offers opportunities for fishing, birdwatching and quiet drives through cultivated valley country. East of Ten Sleep, Ten Sleep Canyon is the county's principal outdoor focus, with limestone cliffs, creek scenery, hiking, climbing and access routes towards Bighorn National Forest. Around Hyattville, Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site combines river scenery, camping and protected evidence of long human occupation. Rural roads reveal changing views of badlands, sagebrush benches and mountain fronts, while winter and shoulder seasons bring excellent clarity and fewer visitors. Activities are predominantly self-guided and weather-dependent, so visitors should check access conditions, carry water and distinguish public land from private ranch property.

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Best landmarks in Washakie County

The Bighorn River is Washakie County's defining natural landmark, its watercourse explaining both the settlement pattern and the intensely cultivated strips around Worland. Ten Sleep Canyon is the county's most recognisable geological feature: pale limestone walls and a narrow mountain corridor mark the transition from basin to Bighorn uplands and create a memorable approach to Ten Sleep. The historic agricultural landscape around Worland, with canals, shelterbelts and fields set against arid benches, is itself a significant expression of twentieth-century irrigation. Medicine Lodge Creek and the protected archaeological landscape at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site provide a tangible link between present-day scenery and much older human occupation. In Ten Sleep, the small-town streetscape and surrounding canyon gateway convey the relationship between ranching settlement and modern outdoor recreation. These places matter less as isolated monuments than as evidence of how water, geology, travel and human use have shaped the county.

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Explore Washakie County on the map

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Best restaurants in Washakie County

Dining in Washakie County is informal and closely tied to the needs of small agricultural communities and road travellers. Worland has the widest choice of cafés, family restaurants and places serving familiar Wyoming and wider American favourites, including burgers, steaks, sandwiches and breakfast plates. Ten Sleep's food scene is smaller and oriented towards residents, climbers, campers and passing travellers, with casual meals, coffee and hearty fare rather than a large concentration of formal restaurants. Beef, lamb, grains, hay and irrigated valley produce reflect the county's farming economy, although menus vary by season and establishment. Rural food stops can be widely spaced, so do not assume that every highway stretch will offer a meal. Local shops and seasonal growers' sales are useful for picnic provisions, while a traditional bar-and-grill setting is often more representative of the area's dining culture than elaborate destination dining.

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Best bars in Washakie County

Nightlife in Washakie County is modest and community-oriented rather than centred on nightclubs. Worland offers the broadest choice of bars, casual evening restaurants and social venues, while Ten Sleep's evening life is influenced by its small-town setting and seasonal outdoor visitors. Traditional pubs and bars may serve as places for conversation, food and televised sport, but entertainment and opening arrangements can vary. Live music or community events appear periodically rather than forming a permanent nightlife circuit. In rural areas, evenings are more likely to involve a meal, a campground gathering or a quiet night beneath clear skies than late-night dancing. Visitors should arrange transport in advance, avoid drinking and driving on long rural roads, and remember that small communities value consideration for neighbours and accommodation hosts.

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Best nightclubs in Washakie County

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Best shops in Washakie County

Shopping in Washakie County is practical and locally scaled, with Worland providing the greatest concentration of everyday shops, groceries, outdoor supplies and services. Ten Sleep has a smaller selection of provisions and visitor-oriented goods, particularly useful for canyon and mountain trips, while Hyattville and other rural areas have limited retail. Look for locally produced food, Western clothing, outdoor equipment, books, artwork and souvenirs that reflect the Bighorn Basin rather than generic resort merchandise. Seasonal farm sales and community events may offer produce or handmade items, but their timing is not guaranteed. The county is not a conventional luxury-shopping destination; its appeal lies in independent local businesses, agricultural products and useful supplies for road travel. Stock up before heading into remote areas, and remember that specialist equipment or a broad choice of gifts may require a larger regional centre outside Washakie County.

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Washakie County essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD), as throughout Wyoming. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in established shops, accommodation and restaurants in Worland and Ten Sleep, but a modest cash reserve is sensible for smaller businesses, rural stops, occasional service limitations and unexpected changes of plan. There are fewer financial services outside the principal towns, and mobile coverage can be inconsistent in canyons and mountain areas. Notify your bank before travelling and retain a card with a PIN for unattended fuel or similar transactions.
Safety
Washakie County is generally quiet, but visitors should take ordinary precautions with vehicles, valuables and outdoor equipment. Summer heat, intense sun, dehydration, thunderstorms and sudden temperature changes are realistic hazards in the basin, while mountain areas can be cool, snowy or icy outside summer. Keep a safe distance from wildlife and livestock, watch for animals on roads and use care near cliffs, loose rock and fast-moving water. Remote roads may have limited phone coverage, so share plans and carry water, food, suitable clothing and a charged navigation device.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance emergencies in Washakie County and throughout the United States. Tell the operator your road, nearest community, landmark or public-land access point, since a precise street address may not be available in rural areas. For outdoor incidents, rescuers may need time to reach canyon or mountain locations; avoid relying solely on mobile coverage. For non-urgent medical needs, ask accommodation staff or local authorities about the nearest appropriate facility, particularly when travelling far from Worland or Ten Sleep.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect private ranch land, close gates, observe posted access rules and leave archaeological and fossil resources where they lie. Do slow down for livestock, wildlife, farm machinery and changing road conditions. Do keep noise controlled near homes, campgrounds and small communities, and follow fire restrictions during dry weather. Do not assume an unfenced landscape is public land, and do not enter mines, abandoned structures or unstable canyon areas. Tipping in restaurants and for customary service is a normal United States practice, while amounts should reflect the service received.
Local Tips
Worland is the best all-purpose base for museums, provisions and the irrigated Bighorn River valley, whereas Ten Sleep is better placed for canyon and mountain recreation. Download maps before leaving town because reception can disappear in canyons and remote stretches. Early mornings are often the most comfortable time for low-elevation walks in summer. Ask locally about current road, fire and trail conditions rather than assuming that a route shown on an older map remains accessible.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[haʊdi]
GoodbyeSee ya[si jə]
YesYup[jʌp]
NoNah[nɑ]
Please/You're welcomeSure thing[ʃʊr θɪŋ]
Thank youThanks a lot[θæŋks ə lɑt]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me[ˈpɑrdən mi]
How are you?How's it going?[haʊz ɪt ˈgoʊɪŋ]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[ɡʊd ju]
Do you speak English?You speakin' English?[ju ˈspikɪn ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
I don't understandI ain't got it[aɪ eɪnt ɡɑt ɪt]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[kæn aɪ si ðə ˈmɛnju]
I don't eat meatI'm a vegetarian[aɪm ə ˌvɛdʒəˈtɛriən]
Cheers!Cheers![ʧɪrz]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[kæn aɪ ɡɛt ðə ʧɛk]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![hɛlp]
Go away!Leave me be![liːv mi bi]
Call the Police!Call the cops![kɔl ðə kɑps]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![ɡɛt ə ˈdɑktər]
I'm lostI'm turned around[aɪm tɜrnd əˈraʊnd]
I'm illI ain't feelin' well[aɪ eɪnt ˈfiːlɪn wɛl]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[aɪ ˈwɑnə baɪ]
I'm just lookingJust browsin'[dʒʌst ˈbraʊzɪn]
How much is it?What’s the price?[wʌts ðə praɪs]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit pricey[ðæts ə bɪt ˈpraɪsi]
Can you lower the price?Can you bring it down?[kæn ju brɪŋ ɪt daʊn]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What's the time?[wʌts ðə taɪm]
It's one o'clockIt's one[ɪts wʌn]
Half past (10)Half past ten[hæf pæst tɛn]
MorningMornin'[ˈmɔrnɪn]
AfternoonAfternoon[ˌɑf.tərˈnun]
EveningEvenin'[ˈivnɪn]
YesterdayYesterday[ˈjɛstərdeɪ]
TodayToday[təˈdeɪ]
TomorrowTomorrow[təˈmɔroʊ]
1One[wʌn]
2Two[tu]
3Three[θri]
4Four[fɔr]
5Five[faɪv]
6Six[sɪks]
7Seven[ˈsɛvən]
8Eight[eɪt]
9Nine[naɪn]
10Ten[tɛn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[wɛrz ðə]
What's the address?What's the address?[wʌts ði ˈædrɛs]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?[kæn ju pɔɪnt ɪt aʊt]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[wɛnʔs ðə nɛkst bʌs]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ...[ə ˈtɪkɪt tə]

History of Washakie County

Indigenous Landscapes and Archaeology

The Bighorn Basin has been occupied by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, and archaeological sites in and around present-day Washakie County record hunting, tool-making and seasonal use of river valleys and upland routes. The Bighorn River and mountain passages provided water, wildlife and movement corridors. Later historic associations include the Crow, Shoshone and Northern Arapaho peoples, whose homelands and political histories extend well beyond modern county boundaries. Archaeological places should be understood as protected cultural resources rather than scenic curiosities or collecting opportunities.

The Shoshone Leader Washakie

Washakie County takes its name from Washakie, the influential Shoshone leader whose long life connected the eastern Great Basin, the Wind River country and the northern Rocky Mountains. He is remembered for leadership during a period of intense change, including expanding United States settlement, military pressure and treaty negotiations. His name appears throughout Wyoming, including in the county and in the nearby Wind River region. The county name reflects this wider Indigenous history, although Washakie's life was not confined to the modern county's boundaries.

Trails, Trade and Early Settlement

Before modern highways, the Bighorn Basin was crossed by Indigenous routes, trading paths and trails linking the plains with mountain country. Later emigrant, military and freight movements followed some of these corridors, although the best-known overland trails generally passed through the wider Wyoming region rather than directly defining every part of Washakie County. Ranchers and homesteaders gradually established settlements along dependable water sources. Worland and Ten Sleep emerged from this broader process of transportation, land use and commercial exchange in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Worland and Irrigated Agriculture

Worland developed as an agricultural and commercial centre in the early twentieth century, supported by irrigation and transport improvements in the Bighorn River valley. Water transformed portions of the otherwise dry basin into productive farmland, enabling crops such as sugar beet, beans, hay and other field produce. Irrigation also shaped the county's visual identity: green fields and shelterbelts form narrow, cultivated bands against the surrounding sagebrush and badlands. Agriculture remains central to the local economy and explains the location and character of many county communities.

Ten Sleep and the Mountain Gateway

Ten Sleep grew as a small ranching and service community near routes leading from the Bighorn Basin into the mountains. Its name is commonly linked to the historic travel practice of measuring distance by the number of overnight camps, with different accounts describing the number of 'sleeps' to another settlement. The town's position below Ten Sleep Canyon later gave it renewed importance as a base for outdoor recreation, including climbing, hiking, camping and access to Bighorn National Forest.

County Formation and Modern Change

Washakie County was created in 1911 from part of Big Horn County, reflecting the growth of settlements and agricultural interests in the central Bighorn Basin. During the twentieth century, roads, irrigation infrastructure, schools and changing farm technology reshaped the relationship between Worland, Ten Sleep and smaller rural communities. The county remains sparsely populated, but its economy now combines agriculture with tourism, outdoor recreation, public services and energy-related activity found across the wider basin. Historic buildings, museums and working landscapes preserve parts of this transition.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Washakie County

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  • History of Washakie County and travel essentials
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Embark on an unforgettable journey through Washakie County, Wyoming, with Evendo, the premier app-based travel guide that unlocks the county's hidden gems. From the stunning scenery of the Bighorn Mountains to the rich history encapsulated in the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center, every aspect of your trip is covered. Discover iconic landmarks like the Hot Springs State Park, where you can soak in natural mineral waters, or explore the vibrant culture of Ten Sleep, known for its annual music festival and picturesque landscapes.

Satisfy your culinary cravings with Evendo's curated list of top-rated restaurants, including the local favorite, Brass Plum, renowned for its delectable farm-to-table offerings. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast eager to hike the trails of the Cloud Peak Wilderness or a history buff interested in the fascinating tales of early settlers, Evendo offers detailed insights and local tips to enhance your experience.

Plan your stay effortlessly with direct bookings for hotels and tours, ensuring you have more time to enjoy Washakie County's unique attractions. Whether it's discovering local shops in Worland or enjoying a night out at a cozy bar, Evendo makes it simple with its user-friendly interface and 'Near Me' feature. Download Evendo today and let the adventure begin!

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