The lineup of fantastic venues that planners can book for memorable off-site functions throughout Wyoming includes both rustic options you’d expect to find in this picturesque Western state, such as barns and ranches, as well as more refined settings located at museums and gardens.
Following are several great representations of the facilities available to accommodate any type of gathering a planner can dream up.
Center for the Arts, Jackson Hole
Conveniently located two blocks from Jackson Hole’s town square is Center for the Arts, home to 19 local nonprofit organizations, a 500-seat theater and a variety of meeting spaces.
“The proximity of the center to town square makes it a popular venue for special events, fundraisers, lectures, performing arts, film screenings, concerts and more,” said Anne Bradley, the facility’s marketing director. “The adjacent park and amphitheater are prime locations for outdoor tented events during the summer months.”
Inside, planners can book various spaces, including the theater, small breakout rooms and the theater lobby, which offers views of Snow King Mountain through its south-facing wall of windows.
“The lobby is a lovely gathering place for receptions,” said Bradley.
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, Cheyenne
Next year, as it celebrates 40 years in operation, Cheyenne Botanic Gardens will open the Grand Conservatory, which will include many rental spaces for group events of all kinds, including meetings, receptions and banquets.
Among them are the Orangerie meeting space and a large outdoor patio, both on the first floor. A classroom and a dressing room will be available on the second floor, and the top floor will feature an observation deck.
“The observation deck may be the most spectacular place in Cheyenne, with views of Sloans Lake, Lions Park and on a clear day you can see the Rocky Mountains,” said Tina Worthman, community relations manager at Cheyenne Botanic Gardens.
Interested groups may plan on a docent-led tour to coincide with an event at the Grand Conservatory.
Barn in Big Horn, Big Horn
The Barn in Big Horn, which opened in November 2015, hosts meetings, banquets, corporate retreats and “just about anything anyone wants to celebrate,” said Owner Tom Harper.
Located at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains just six miles south of Sheridan, this unique rustic events venue boasts a clear view of the mountains to the south.
“We are able to accommodate 100 guests in the indoor venue and another 100 using the attached outdoor venue,” said Harper.
The Brinton Museum, Big Horn
Situated on the 600-plus acre Quarter Circle A Ranch nearby Sheridan in Big Horn is the Brinton Museum, where groups can browse fine Western art, American Indian art and more.
“Where else can you have a meeting on a ranch, take in the best of the history and art the area has to offer and dine with unobstructed views of the Bighorn Mountains,” said Barbara R. Schuster, the museum’s assistant director/development.
By spring 2017, the renovated and expanded on-site education facility will open with a fully equipped early-1900s leather shop, a fine art print studio, a meeting hall and classroom space.
Among the other spaces for group gatherings here are Brinton Bistro, an event tent with mountain views and a reception gallery with art on the walls.
“We also offer docent-led tours of the grounds, nature walks and bird-watching with experienced guides,” said Schuster. “We can arrange artist workshops for painting, and, starting next year, printmaking and leatherworking demonstrations or hands-on workshops.”
Backwards Distilling Company, Casper
The main gathering spot at Backwards Distilling Company, home to Wyoming’s first vodka, gin and rum, is the Tasting Room, where craft cocktails are served during regular business hours.
“This space is decorated with speakeasy/industrial decor, creating a quirky and classy atmosphere,” said Amber Pollock, co-owner, director of the Tasting Room. “Included in this space is our lounge, a semi-separate room that features a couch and leather armchairs along with Edison bulb chandeliers and a wall of gilded mirrors.”
There is also the distillery facility featuring two copper stills and oak barrels, which make for an interesting backdrop for group gatherings.
“Group tours are also available by request and can easily be included as part of an event,” said Pollock. “We also offer cocktail-making classes and other hands-on experiences.”
Durham Bison Ranch, Gillette
Groups interested in mingling with buffalo should consider holding an event at Durham Bison Ranch.
According to John Flocchini, ranch owner/operator, group tours to pasture areas where the herd is located, and where attendees may snap up-close photos, can coincide with an on-site gathering.
Bison barbecue cookouts, including everything from bison burgers with all the fixings, to bison steaks and roasts, are very popular at the ranch.
“They’re usually done on picnic tables in the Quonset hut,” said Flocchini. “The group could also do bonfires under the stars if the weather cooperates.”
Interested attendees can check out the on-site retail store that sells bison products, including everything from horn jewelry and clothing to edible items.
Vee Bar Guest Ranch, Laramie
The circa-1891 Vee Bar Guest Ranch, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, hosts group events nine months per year.
“This is the perfect place for small meetings and conferences, dinner parties, special occasion gatherings and destination corporate retreats,” said Manager Kari Kilmer.
The Vee Bar’s main meeting space is the main lodge’s dining room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows, a stone fireplace and Western decor.
“Groups may also gather in the John Wayne Saloon for meetings, or better yet, a cocktail hour prior to their dinner,” said Kilmer. “The Island is another popular gathering place; groups often choose this casual setting for a barbecue-themed dinner and a comfortable outdoor experience.”
During summer, the Vee Bar operates as an all-inclusive guest ranch and only welcomes corporate groups that want a retreat experience including horseback riding, hiking, fishing, horse-drawn wagon rides and more.
“During the rest of the year, the Vee Bar staff works with each group to tailor their experience to their desires,” said Kilmer.
