**Top 5 Cities to Film in Wyoming**
Wyoming, with its wide-open landscapes, stunning natural beauty, and rich history, is a filmmaker’s dream. From rugged mountains to charming small towns, Wyoming offers a variety of scenic backdrops for different types of films. Many filmmakers are drawn to the state for its breathtaking views and unique filming opportunities. In this article, we will explore the top five cities to film in Wyoming. Movieinsure.com is a proud provider of short term film production insurance and annual film production insurance for the state of Wyoming. These cities are known for their film-friendly communities, iconic locations, and natural beauty.
1. **Jackson**
Jackson is perhaps the most famous city in Wyoming when it comes to filmmaking. Nestled in the Jackson Hole Valley, this city is surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the country. The Grand Teton Mountains and nearby Yellowstone National Park provide a stunning backdrop for any film project.
One of the reasons Jackson is so popular among filmmakers is its incredible outdoor scenery. From snow-capped mountains to vast open plains, Jackson offers a variety of natural settings. Many westerns and adventure films have been shot in the Jackson area because of its rugged and untamed look.
Additionally, Jackson has a charming downtown area with wooden boardwalks and old western-style buildings. This makes it a great location for films set in the old West or for modern films that want to capture a rustic, small-town feel.
While Jackson’s natural beauty is a major draw, the city is also very welcoming to filmmakers. There are many local resources available for production crews, and the community is film-friendly. Because Jackson is used to hosting tourists and visitors, it has plenty of accommodations for film crews as well.
2. **Cody**
Cody is another top city for filming in Wyoming. Located near the eastern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Cody is known for its strong connection to the Old West. The city was founded by the famous Buffalo Bill Cody, and it has kept its western heritage alive.
Cody offers filmmakers a variety of iconic locations, including the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which is a complex of museums dedicated to western history and culture. The city also has many old western-style buildings and historic ranches that are perfect for period films or westerns.
In addition to its rich history, Cody’s location makes it ideal for filmmakers looking for outdoor scenes. The nearby Absaroka Mountain Range and Shoshone National Forest provide beautiful wilderness settings. Whether you need mountains, forests, or rivers, Cody has it all.
The local government in Cody is very supportive of the film industry. The city has worked with many film crews in the past and is well-equipped to help with permitting and logistics. Cody’s friendly community is also a plus, as locals are often excited to see their city featured in films.
3. **Cheyenne**
Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming, is another great place to film. As the largest city in the state, Cheyenne offers a mix of modern amenities and historic charm. The city is known for its cowboy culture, and every year it hosts Cheyenne Frontier Days, one of the largest rodeos in the world.
Cheyenne’s downtown area is filled with beautiful historic buildings, including the Wyoming State Capitol and the Historic Plains Hotel. These locations are perfect for films that need a mix of old-world elegance and modern urban settings. The city also has several parks and open spaces that offer a more natural feel for outdoor scenes.
While Cheyenne has a rich history, it also offers modern conveniences for filmmakers. The city’s infrastructure is well-developed, making it easy for film crews to find everything they need, from accommodations to equipment rentals.
Cheyenne’s government and community are both supportive of the film industry. The city has a film commission that works to attract filmmakers to the area and helps with permits and location scouting. Cheyenne’s film-friendly atmosphere makes it a great choice for productions of all sizes.
4. **Laramie**
Laramie is a charming college town located in southeastern Wyoming. Home to the University of Wyoming, Laramie has a youthful and energetic atmosphere. The city offers a mix of historic and modern locations, making it a versatile filming destination.
One of the things that make Laramie stand out is its historic downtown area. The city has preserved many of its old brick buildings, giving it a classic small-town feel. These buildings are perfect for period films or for scenes that require a more vintage look. Laramie also has several parks and outdoor spaces that offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and plains.
The University of Wyoming campus is another popular filming location in Laramie. The campus is filled with beautiful architecture, including the iconic Old Main building. Whether you’re filming a college drama or just need a scenic backdrop, the university offers plenty of options.
In addition to its great locations, Laramie is also known for its friendly and welcoming community. The city’s small size makes it easy to work with local officials and secure the necessary permits for filming. Laramie’s supportive atmosphere and beautiful settings make it a great place to film in Wyoming.
5. **Thermopolis**
Thermopolis may be a smaller town, but it offers some unique locations that make it a great choice for filmmakers. Located in central Wyoming, Thermopolis is best known for its hot springs, which are some of the largest in the world. The town’s Hot Springs State Park features stunning mineral terraces and colorful pools that provide a truly unique backdrop for any film.
In addition to the hot springs, Thermopolis has several other outdoor locations that are perfect for filmmakers. The nearby Wind River Canyon offers dramatic cliffs and a winding river, creating a perfect setting for adventure films or nature documentaries. The area is also home to several dinosaur fossils and dig sites, which can add a unique element to any film project.
Thermopolis may be a small town, but it is very welcoming to filmmakers. The local government is eager to work with production crews, and the town’s residents are proud of their unique natural features. Filming in Thermopolis allows filmmakers to capture one-of-a-kind landscapes that can’t be found anywhere else.
Wyoming is a state filled with incredible landscapes, historic towns, and a supportive film community. Whether you’re looking for rugged mountain views, charming small towns, or unique natural features like hot springs, Wyoming has something to offer. Jackson’s stunning mountain scenery, Cody’s rich western history, Cheyenne’s mix of modern and historic locations, Laramie’s classic small-town feel, and Thermopolis’s unique natural features make these five cities the top places to film in Wyoming. With its friendly communities and film-friendly atmosphere, Wyoming is the perfect destination for filmmakers looking to bring their stories to life.
