Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor

In this episode of Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor, listeners head just outside Lander to discover a piece of local history that is still growing—the historic Ed Young Apple Orchard. The trek begins at Ed Young's original home, beneath some of the very trees he planted more than a century ago. From there, listeners hear the story of Young and his efforts to grow apples in the Lander Valley, including the ingenuity it took to keep his orchard thriving in Wyoming's dry climate. Along the way, the group visits the site of the old water wheel Young used to bring water up from the river before modern irrigation was available and makes its way through what remains of the orchard. At its height, the property was home to more than 3,000 apple trees. Today, more than 300 remain, along with historic buildings that offer another glimpse into the orchard's past. Young's influence reaches well beyond the property itself. If you come across an apple tree in Wind River Country, there's a good chance it is a descendant of one of Ed Young's trees. The orchard's story continues today. When the harvest allows, apples from the property are put to use during Apple Fest at the Pioneer Museum in Lander each September. Listen in as the podcast follows the Ed Young Orchard Trek, shares the stories behind this unique piece of Lander history and explores how one man's apple trees put down roots throughout Wind River Country.

In the latest episode of Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson head to Dubois, where Liz Furman of the Black Bear Inn shows them around town. Following the Your Day, Your Adventure pocket guide, they experience some of the many ways to explore Dubois—from taking in the views at the Dubois Scenic Overlook and stepping into local history at the Dubois Museum to visiting the Fish Hatchery, grabbing a drink at the Rustic Pine Tavern and stopping by the iconic Antler Arch. Listen in for a firsthand look at Dubois and discover how the Your Day, Your Adventure pocket guide can help you make the most of your time in this unique corner of Wind River Country. Listen in and start planning at WindRiver.org.

In this episode of Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor, listeners travel back to 1838 to experience one of Wind River Country's most treasured traditions—the 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous, held yearly on the original rendezvous site in Riverton. Once a gathering place for mountain men, traders and Native peoples, the annual rendezvous played an important role in the history of the American West. Today, that history comes alive through living history demonstrations, period camps, traditional skills and the dedicated volunteers who work to preserve this unique chapter of Wyoming's past. Throughout the episode, you'll hear from some of the people who bring the rendezvous to life, sharing their passion for history and the importance of keeping these traditions alive for future generations. Visitors can explore trader tents, visit with artisans, watch demonstrations and browse vendors offering handcrafted goods inspired by the era. Families can try tomahawk and knife throwing, one of the event's most popular activities. In this episode, we talk with one of the longtime demonstrators who has spent years introducing both children and adults to the sport while sharing the history behind it. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a fan of living history events or simply looking for a unique Wyoming experience, the 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with the stories that helped shape Wind River Country.

In this episode of Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor, listeners are invited to discover Wind River Country through a different lens—one shaped by local flavors, community creativity and the stories that connect people to place. This spring, the Wind River Visitors Council partnered with Wyoming Whiskey and local venues to launch the Wind River Country Community Cocktail/Mocktail Project, inviting residents to create original beverage pairs inspired by the landscapes, cultures and experiences that make this region unique. What began as a friendly community competition quickly became something more: a celebration of local pride and destination storytelling. Throughout the episode, listeners hear from participants, partners and community members who helped bring the project to life. From the first submissions to the final tasting events, each beverage reflected a personal connection to Wind River Country. During National Travel and Tourism Week, community tasting events were held in Dubois, Lander and Riverton, where residents gathered to sample the entries and vote for their favorites. Whether you're interested in craft beverages, community traditions or the stories that shape a destination, this episode offers a unique look at how Wind River Country's character can be expressed through something as simple—and as meaningful—as a shared drink.

In this episode of Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor, listeners are invited to explore the region on horseback—an experience that captures the essence of Wyoming's wide-open spaces, rugged beauty and authentic Western spirit. Horseback riding in Wind River Country isn't just recreation—it's a way to connect with the land and its stories. From open sagebrush flats and alpine meadows to the shadowed slopes of the Wind River Mountains, riders can trace the same trails once traveled by ranchers, explorers and Native peoples. It's a chance to slow down, breathe deeply and see Wyoming the way it was meant to be seen—from the saddle. For this episode, the team joined a two-hour trail ride with Said Creek Outfitters of Arcady Ridge Ranch near Dubois. The small-group ride offered a true wilderness experience, winding through pine forests and aspen groves with sweeping views of the mountains. Each guest was thoughtfully paired with a horse suited to their skill level. Whether you're an experienced rider or trying it for the first time, outfitters across Wind River Country offer a variety of guided rides—from gentle, one-hour loops perfect for families to full-day and multi-day adventures deep into the backcountry. Many, like Arcady Ridge Ranch, keep their groups small to ensure safety and personal attention, allowing riders to build confidence and truly connect with their horses and surroundings. In Wind River Country, every ride tells a story. You might spot pronghorn grazing in the distance, cross cool mountain streams or follow trails once used by early settlers and Indigenous travelers. So whether you're saddling up for a sunset ride, joining a family outing or venturing deep into the wilderness, horseback riding in Wind River Country is more than an activity—it's an unforgettable way to experience the West. Ready to see Wyoming from the saddle? Start planning your own horseback adventure in Wind River Country at windriver.org, where you'll find more on trail rides, outfitters and ways to experience the West.