Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were from Wyoming
Nestled in the high plains and rugged mountains of Wyoming, the small town of Cody, located about an hour east of Yellowstone National Park, offers visitors a gateway to the West and a surprising connection to iconic figures from entertainment history. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a sprawling complex of five museums, celebrates the legacy of William F. Cody himself, but it also offers a lens into the lives of others who have roamed these lands. While Buffalo Bill’s name draws crowds, the museum’s extensive Western art gallery features works inspired by stars like Jackson Pollock, who was born in Cody. Pollock’s abstract expressionism can feel worlds away from Wyoming’s wide-open landscapes, but the museum’s setting grounds his art in the very terrain that shaped his early life. Visiting in late spring or early summer reveals the center’s gardens in full bloom, contrasting beautifully with the glassy skies often captured in Pollock’s paintings.
Heading west to Jackson, about 30 minutes from Grand Teton National Park’s south entrance, visitors find a vibrant town that has attracted numerous celebrities, including the late actor and singer Slim Pickens. Known for his iconic rodeo roles, Pickens spent part of his childhood in the area. The National Museum of Wildlife Art, perched on a bluff overlooking the National Elk Refuge, offers a unique way to trace this heritage through its expansive collection of Western and wildlife art. The museum’s sculpture trail winds through native sagebrush and ponderosa pines, encompassing over 250 sculptures outside. Art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike will appreciate the blend of culture and landscape. The best time to visit is in early fall when elk herds gather in the refuge, providing a living backdrop to the art indoors and out.
In the southwestern corner of Wyoming lies the city of Rock Springs, about 90 miles west of Rawlins and an important hub during the coal and railroad booms. Rock Springs is linked to celebrated singer-songwriter and actor Jim Beaver, known for his roles in television westerns. The Rock Springs Historical Museum provides a fascinating look into the region’s diverse history, including the multicultural roots that influenced its residents. Exhibits here highlight the immigrant experience, mining life, and cowboy culture, all of which shaped the community that produced talents like Beaver. Visiting in the summer offers access to the nearby Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, but the museum itself is a year-round anchor for understanding the character of the place and its people.
Traveling north to Casper, Wyoming’s second-largest city, about 45 minutes from the Casper Mountain Recreation Area, reveals connections to early Hollywood personalities like the silent film star Tom Horn. Casper Mountain offers trails like the Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park loop, a moderate 3.8-mile hike through ponderosa and aspen forests with panoramic views of the Casper skyline. The park commemorates Wilkins, a Wyoming state senator, but the mountain itself was a favorite retreat for many early Wyoming residents, including those who later gained fame outside the state. Exploring the trails in late spring or early autumn rewards hikers with wildflowers or brilliant fall foliage, providing a perfect backdrop to reflect on the rugged individualism that defined both the landscape and its famous sons.
Farther northwest, in Sheridan about 90 miles north of Casper along the Bighorn Mountains, one finds the Brinton Museum, dedicated to Western and American Indian art. Sheridan’s connection to actor Jim J. Bullock, who grew up in the area, complements the museum’s commitment to storytelling through art. The Brinton’s extensive collections span from traditional Native American crafts to contemporary paintings, all set in a stately ranch-style building surrounded by rolling foothills. Visitors can stroll the gardens and trails on warm summer days, experiencing firsthand the same landscape that inspired many artists and performers. The museum’s quiet beauty contrasts with Sheridan’s lively downtown, creating a well-rounded cultural stop in northern Wyoming.
In the southeastern corner of the state near Cheyenne, the Wyoming State Museum offers a comprehensive overview of the state’s cultural and natural history, including displays about the life of actor and cowboy star Ken Curtis, best known for his role on the television series Gunsmoke. Located just a short drive from downtown Cheyenne, the museum’s exhibits range from dinosaur fossils to pioneer artifacts, weaving a narrative that connects the Old West to modern times. Springtime visits reveal the museum’s outdoor spaces blooming with native plants, offering a peaceful complement to the engaging indoor collections. This museum serves as a reminder of how Wyoming’s heritage has permeated American popular culture through figures like Curtis.
Finally, in Laramie, about 50 miles west of Cheyenne and home to the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site provides a glimpse into the rough-and-tumble past that shaped many Wyoming-born celebrities’ characters. The prison’s preserved cell blocks and interpretive programs shed light on the harsh realities of frontier justice. Actor and country singer Chris LeDoux, who spent time in this region, drew heavily on such stories in his songwriting. Walking through the prison grounds on a crisp fall day, with the nearby Snowy Range Mountains as a backdrop, visitors can feel the tension and resilience emblematic of Wyoming’s enduring spirit, the same qualities that have propelled many of its natives to stardom beyond state lines.