Before heading up to the Grand Tetons and a five-day stint of boondocking (camping without any electric or water connections), I spent two nights at a KOA in Dubois, Wyoming, doing errands, using their wifi to finish some work, and stocking up on groceries and gas.
First off, the town’s name is pronounced DO-boys, with the accent on “DO”. Of all the ways I thought you could pronounce it, this wasn’t one I’d thought of, but the three ladies at the P.O. all said it that way and they are the local authorities on such things.
The KOA has tepees you can camp in, should your trailer or their cabins not made you feel authentic enough. I have no ideas if these tepee designs are actually ones the local natives long ago might have used but they were fully booked during my stay so I didn’t get a chance to peek inside and see if the families were sleeping on the ground or if the KOA had upgraded them to comfy American-style beds.
I was a bit disappointed that the KOA had their own laundry because I didn’t have an excuse to hang out at this place, which also boasted a car wash and a truck wash. There might have been a dog wash in there somewhere, too.
This old building used to be a day car, closed now, but you could start your own little business if you just sign a lease. Right on Main Street, steps from everything.
I couldn’t resist checking out this place. Good selection of tourist stuff and some nice Wyoming Jade as well. The owner is retiring the end of this year, so I wonder if it will sell or close its doors.
And, like most small towns in Wyoming that I’ve passed through on this trip, there is a motel, locally owned and run. This one, unlike some of the others, was hopping, although they still had a few rooms if you came into town without a plan.
Dubois also has restaurants, a few bars, a drive-up liquor store (!), and three gas stations. It clearly makes its living being the gateway to the Tetons if you’re coming from the east. And it’s also home to the Wyoming jackalope.
If a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and just be one.
Calamity Jane
I was in the Spread Creek area across from the park boundary. I think Campendium has a good couple of write-ups on this spot
Sounds like you had a great visit! I was surprised how charming a town it is, didn’t expect much in those parts.
Wow, small world! And Alan said much the same on the FB post of this 🙂 Glad you know where I was!
I’ve been there! My sister used to manage a ranch in Dubois. Can’t remeber the name but it had a great lodge and was popular for horse riding in the summer and as a snow machine stop in the snowier months.
My husband and I visited Dubois a few year ago on a rainy, sleety day from the Tetons. Had lunch in an amazing cowboy cafe that served 20 different homemade pies with such exotic combos as strawberry jalapeño! Also the little variety store had a wealth of really cool western wear. A town worth visiting especially since the ride to and from the Tetons is spectacular.
Dubois is a common family name in Quebec!
Have à Nice day
Nice read!
Great quote! I’d love to hear where you end up boondocking. Happy trails.
That was a great snapshot of a small Wyoming town Annie. Loved it. Keep being the legend you are and supplying us with your stories and wonderful photos!