Northwest Wyoming
Thriving Business Opportunities
Doing business in the heart of Northwest Wyoming offers a unique blend of opportunity. Anchored by a robust tourism economy driven by proximity to Yellowstone National Park and attractions like Cody’s Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Thermopolis’ Hot Springs State Park, the region sees strong visitor traffic that fuels local retail, hospitality, and recreation businesses.
Northwest Wyoming is home to a diverse and growing manufacturing sector that includes industry leaders like Crown Cork & Seal and Wyoming Sugar Company in Worland, as well as Y-Tex and Gunwerks in Cody—each demonstrating the region’s ability to support high-quality manufacturing with access to skilled labor, reliable infrastructure, and business-friendly local governments. Combined with a quality of life that draws talent and investment, this region of Wyoming is well-positioned for companies looking to grow in a place that works as hard as they do.
Industry Clusters
- Agriculture
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Firearms and Outdoor Product Manufacturing
- Tourism and Hospitality
Education in Support of Local Business
Northwest College offers educational programs designed for students interested in obtaining a two or four-year degree or wishing to enter directly into the workforce. Its Center for Training and Development provides quality training programs for communities and businesses throughout the area.
Success Stories
Demographics
Total Regional Population: 96,879
Total Regional Labor Shed (within a 100-mile radius): 96,879
Source: Applied Geographic Solutions
Counties within the Northwest Region
Transportation
Interstates & Highways
U.S. Highways 14, 16, 20, and 310 connect communities across the region, providing direct access to Interstates 90 and 25 and facilitating the efficient movement of goods to regional and national markets.
Airports
Railways
Public Land
79% (11,363 square miles) of the total land in Northwest Wyoming is public.
Popular Activities
- Cross-country, downhill, and backcountry skiing
- Mountain, road, and gravel biking
- Rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding
- Blue ribbon fishing
- Hiking and backpacking
- Motorsports like snowmobiling and ATVs
- Rock and ice climbing
Tourism Hotspots
- East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park: Epic scenic drive with views of Yellowstone Lake, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Tower Falls.
- Shoshone National Forest: The nation’s first national forest with 1,300+ miles of trails, 32 campgrounds, 11 picnic sites, and 4 scenic byways.
- Hot Springs State Park: Colorful, terraced hot springs, free bathhouse, 6.2 miles of accessible trails, picnic shelters, and a local bison herd.
- Buffalo Bill State Park: Recreation around Buffalo Bill Dam and reservoir with scenic camping, fishing, and boating opportunities.