Prepared By: Sierra Winters, Content Creator for Visit USA Parks.
There’s no wrong way to experience Dubois; rather, there’s no shortage of great ones. Here are six of our favorite activities, both in and out of town.
This story was created in partnership with Visit USA Parks.
In Dubois, you’ll find yourself so immersed in activities like cross-country skiing and fly fishing that you might not even notice when you move in and out of phone service. Exchange roaming data for roaming horses, and you’ll be well on your way to a nervous system reset.
At the same time, there’s plenty of rewarding experiences to be had in town itself, forming connections with locals and other likeminded travelers. You might strike up a conversation with your Airbnb host that inspires future vacations, or you could gain a new perspective on societal trends while browsing one of the town’s insightful museums. There’s no wrong way to experience Dubois; rather, there’s no shortage of great ones. Here are six of our favorite activities, both in and out of town.
On the grid: Watch bulls buck and horses gallop at the Dubois Friday Night Rodeo
Taking place weekly during the summer, the Dubois Friday Night Rodeo is nothing short of thrilling. It will engage all your senses, transferring all that tension from your head and placing it in your two hands that will be gripping the edge of your bleacher seat. After all, you won’t be able to hear the ding of your phone over the roar of the crowd and the thundering of hooves. It’s a family-friendly event and an excellent opportunity to connect with the residents of Dubois.
Photo credit: Jenny McDaniel
Off the grid: Cast a line on the Wind River
The Wind River Valley is renowned for its myriad fishing spots, where you can catch trout, burbot, bass, catfish, sturgeon, and more. Driving along the roads, it’s not unusual to see folks waiting patiently for fish to bite. Fly fishing is especially popular on the Wind River. This sport is a unique art requiring special equipment, so if you’ve never dabbled in it before, book a guided trip. Even if you’re an experienced fisher, seek out locals’ advice regarding the best sites. And don’t discount the winter season, either; ice fishing is spectacular around Dubois.
Photo credit: Robert Betts
On the grid: Muse over life at Dubois’ museums
When visiting Dubois, you don’t need to feel guilty for staying indoors, even when the sun is out. Sure, innumerable adventures await you outside, but the town’s museums are enriching in their own right. There’s the Dubois Museum, where you can learn about the area’s geology, Indigenous tribes, and history of modern settlement. Then there’s the National Museum of Military Vehicles, where you’ll gain a new appreciation for our country’s veterans. And finally, the National Bighorn Sheep Center educates visitors on how to protect local wildlife populations.
Using history as your teacher, you’ll unearth clues regarding how to navigate modern life at these three museums. How can folks of different backgrounds come together peacefully and productively? How can your wanderlust co-exist with the sensitive environments of the places you visit? Don’t underestimate the perspectives you can gain from browsing these well-curated museums.
Photo credit: Stephen Jay Lunsford
Off the grid: Take part in a retreat at a dude ranch
Dubois is a town known for offering quiet, affordable accommodations in comparison to that which can be found closer to the national parks.
Read more of this amazing article from Visit USA Parks here and start planning your Dubois adventure today!
