Wyoming’s landscapes hold a rich tapestry of Native American history and living culture. From sacred sites to vibrant powwows, ancient petroglyphs to interpretive museums, these eight destinations offer immersive ways to understand and celebrate the state’s Indigenous legacy.
1. Wind River Indian Reservation
Covering more than 2.2 million acres, the Wind River Indian Reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Visitors can experience authentic culture through public powwows—especially the Eastern Shoshone Indian Days in June and the Northern Arapaho Powwow in August. Outside of ceremonies, the reservation also offers guided tours, dance exhibitions in nearby towns, and insights into traditional and modern life.
2. Sacajawea and Chief Washakie Gravesites
Both sites are found on the Wind River Reservation. Sacajawea, renowned for guiding Lewis and Clark, is believed to be buried at Fort Washakie, as is Chief Washakie, the respected leader of the Eastern Shoshone. Visiting these graves provides a human connection to the history and resilience of Wyoming’s Native peoples.
3. Plains Indian Museum (Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody)
This museum is among the nation’s best for learning about the art, traditions, and ongoing stories of the Plains Indian cultures. With extensive collections, hands-on interpretive programs, and contemporary Native voices, visitors gain a well-rounded perspective on both history and living culture.
4. Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark
Located atop the Bighorn Mountains, the Medicine Wheel is a sacred, ancient stone circle used for vision quests and ceremonial gatherings. Still a pilgrimage destination, it’s a place for reflection—and, during summer months, visitors may observe traditional rituals.
5. Devils Tower National Monument (Bear Lodge)
America’s first national monument, Devils Tower holds profound spiritual significance for many Plains tribes and continues to host ceremonies and prayer offerings throughout the year. June is especially notable for respectful observation of spiritual practices.
6. Petroglyph Sites: Castle Gardens, Legend Rock, White Mountain, Medicine Lodge
Wyoming boasts remarkable rock art sites showcasing ancient petroglyphs and pictographs. Castle Gardens, Legend Rock, White Mountain, and Medicine Lodge each reveal unique histories and artistic traditions stretching back thousands of years. Some, like Legend Rock, also have visitor centers to help interpret the ancient symbols.
7. Vore Buffalo Jump
An archaeological marvel, this site in northeast Wyoming gives a window into prehistoric hunting methods and the vital role of bison in Native culture. You can tour active excavations and learn how tribes used the natural landscape to sustain their communities.
8. Washakie Museum & Cultural Center (Worland)
Alongside exhibits on the region’s natural history, the Washakie Museum features Shoshone artifacts and interactive learning about Native life, from ancient tools to contemporary stories, making it ideal for families and school groups.
These sites, both ancient and contemporary, embody the Indigenous culture woven into Wyoming’s wild soul. Whether attending a powwow, gazing at sacred landscapes, or admiring centuries-old rock art, each visit deepens appreciation for the living, resilient heritage of Wyoming’s Nativeive peoples.
Sources
[1] https://windriver.org/destinations/wind-river-indian-reservation/
[2] https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/wyoming-sacred-landscapes-native-american-history
[3] https://travelwyoming.com/blog/stories/post/learn-about-cultures-past-present-at-these-native-american-sites/
[4] https://centerofthewest.org/our-museums/plains-indians/
[5] https://centerofthewest.org/explore/plains-indians/
