The Namesake
Visit Powell, Wyoming and you will learn it is named for a man; however, it is a man who never stepped foot on the land of his namesake. He died before the town was created, but without his life’s work, the source of Powell’s vibrancy and community connectedness wouldn’t exist.
John Wesley Powell’s portrait hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. The son of a preacher from England, he moved through his life with a curiosity toward the natural world, and looked to science for answers to improve society. He was the second Director of US Geological Survey, the founding Director of the Bureau of Ethnology at the Smithsonian Institute, and one of the thirty-three founding members of the National Geographic Society. John Wesley Powell created the Cosmos Club in his home, whose stated goals were to advance its members in science, literature, and art. Powell had enlisted in the Union Army as a cartographer and military engineer, and fought in four major battles in the Civil war. He subsequently lost half of his right arm in battle. He was a professor, a geologist, and an adventurer.
In his “Report on the Lands of the Arid Regions of the United States,” and in many lectures and speeches to politicians, he outlined the need for the orderly development of irrigable land in the American West. Powell insisted that a community should maintain the irrigation systems within an arid dry climate to maintain orderly control of water rights. He also outlined that the average ranch needs to be 2,560 acres to graze in a climate like Powell’s. The City of Powell embodies so many qualities of the man named John Wesley Powell.
Heart Mountain is a geological wonder. Firstly, the top of the mountain originated 40 miles away, it had landed on its current site 49 million years ago. Secondly, the Big Horn Basin is home to ancient migrations of wildlife and Native Americans, with historic sites like the Medicine Wheel, Legend Rocks, Yellowstone Lake, and more. There is much to enjoy during your time when you visit Powell.
The History
Educational System
We have prioritized education and technology and our schools consistently rank at the top in the nation. For example, every K-12 school has an active robotics club. Powell is the home of Northwest College and offers degrees in agribusiness, outdoor rec, and nursing, among other programs.
Adventure is our weekend plan and Powell is our basecamp to Wyoming’s outdoor recreation mecca. During your time when you visit Powell, you will have access to hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities everywhere.
Outdoor Recreation
Dine while you Visit Powell
So, what are you in the mood to eat today? In other words, let’s map it out and get your dining itinerary squared away. You can try a local favorite while you visit Powell, on the other hand, you can play it safe with a known establishment. Either way and most importantly, we’ve got you covered here in Powell, Wyoming. We are happy to serve you breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but above all, you will get your meals with a smile and some local western banter.
Uncommon Grounds
The most uncommon things about Uncommon Grounds is the friendly service and the coffee, of course. Get a cup of joe and a tasty treat. This place is great to meet a client, a friend, or your special someone.
Gestalt at the Polar Plant
Gestalt is more of an arts center and supply store then a coffee shop. That said, they have a killer coffee bar and very tasty treats to eat.
Skyline Café
Powell’s local greasy spoon is the Skyline Café on Alt 14A. It has been in business forever. Sit at the bar or in a booth, order the pancakes (they are huge), and chat with a true local.
Einstein Brothers Bagels
Venture onto Northwest College’s campus, home of the Trappers. Not sure what a trapper is, that is another conversation. Get a bagel and a coffee to-go or pull up a chair, there is plenty of seating in this enormous Einsteins.
Pepe’s Mexican Restaurants
Pepe’s serves traditional American breakfast as well as Mexican style breakfast. Home to the original breakfast taco.
The Table
The menu at The Table is always changing but the service is consistent. If you are looking for breakfast on the way but not the norm, try The Table.
Skyline Café
Powell’s local greasy spoon is the Skyline Café on Alt 14A. It has been in business forever. Sit at the bar or in a booth, order the pancakes (they are huge), and chat with a true local.
Einstein Brothers Bagels
Venture onto Northwest College’s campus, home of the Trappers. Not sure what a trapper is, that is another conversation. Get a bagel and a coffee to-go or pull up a chair, there is plenty of seating in this enormous Einsteins.
Rocky Mountain Soup & Sandwich
Sometimes you just want a good ‘ol sandwich for lunch. There isn’t anything fancy about this lunch destination but the food is good and kids love the ice cream. It is centrally located on Bent Street (Powell’s main street) so it is easy to walk to the shops after a bite.
Lavender Lemon
This newly popular lunch spot is tucked in back of a lovely gift, the Lavender Rose. It is casual dining in a quaint spot. Look out the window to an industrial farm setting that is uniquely Powell, Wyoming.
WYOLD West Brewing Company
Are you looking for a locally brewed beer, great pub food and a kids menu? This is the place. WYOLD has a great bar to dine alone or sit with a friend and tons of tables for larger parties. With ten local beers on tap every day, they will not disappoint.
Millstone Pizza
Millstone is an arcade – meets pizza shop – meets sports bar; it is fun for the whole family. Outside seating is available on Bent Street to soak up Powell’s 300+ days of sunshine.
Red Zone Sports Bar & Grill
This Sports Bar and Grill has plenty of large tvs and seating to catch your favorite team. During the summer season catch a cool breeze when they open up the front of the building.
Lamplighter
If you have time for a nice sit-down meal check out the Lamplighter, it is loaded with historic charm. Sit at the beautiful wood and brass bar, eat in the large dining room or order take-out. It is where the locals go for the best steak in town. The southwest salad is also delicious.
El Tap
El Tap is Mexican cuisine that is fast from the waitress to the table and a local’s favorite. There is plenty of seating, which fills up quickly for lunch and dinner.
Pepe’s
Pepe’s is a Mexican restaurant on Bent Street (Powell’s main street). Pepe’s has plenty of options and anything you order here will be good.
Las Palmitas (Taco Bus)
Las Palmitas is a renovated school bus with the kitchen in the back and bar seating up front. Try the tacos; fresh ingredients prepared authentically. Eat-in, eat outside, or take-out options are available.
Pizza Hut
Conveniently located on Wyoming 14A. Pizza Hut has a full menu for lunch and dinner.
Pizza on the Run
Pizza on the Run is a local favorite with legendary pizza like taco pizza, Pepperoni Cheeseburger Pizza, Ghostbuster’s Garlic Pizza or the Monster Pizza. How can they pack all those toppings onto their pizza? The secret is in the crust.
Jen’s Chinatown
Order from the buffet or the menu Jen’s Chinatown has great choices when you are craving Chinese Food. Try the sesame balls, yum.
WYOLD West Brewing Company
Are you looking for a locally brewed beer, great pub food and a kids menu? This is the place. WYOLD has a great bar to dine alone or sit with a friend and tons of tables for larger parties. With ten local beers on tap every day, they will not disappoint.
Millstone Pizza
Millstone is an arcade – meets pizza shop – meets sports bar; it is fun for the whole family. Outside seating is available on Bent Street to soak up Powell’s 300+ days of sunshine.
Red Zone Sports Bar & Grill
This Sports Bar and Grill has plenty of large tvs and seating to catch your favorite team. During the summer season catch a cool breeze when they open up the front of the building.
Lamplighter
If you have time for a nice sit-down meal check out the Lamplighter, it is loaded with historic charm. Sit at the beautiful wood and brass bar, eat in the large dining room or order take-out. It is where the locals go for the best steak in town. The southwest salad is also delicious.
Taco John’s
Taco John’s started in Wyoming in 1968! If you aren’t familiar with this chain think western Mexican.
McDonalds
Need we say more?
Subway
If you are looking for take-out or dine-in this Subway can accommodate. They have an unusually big dine-in section so it is great for sports teams or family reunions to eat together.
The Table
The menu at The Table is always changing but the service is consistent. If you are looking for breakfast on the way but not the norm, try The Table.
Domino’s Pizza
Pickup a Pizza or get it delivered anywhere in Powell, WY.
Classic Lanes
Classic Lanes is just that; bowling and a burger basket at its best.
Millstone Pizza
Millstone is an arcade – meets pizza shop – meets sports bar; it is fun for the whole family. Outside seating is available on Bent Street to soak up Powell’s 300+ days of sunshine.
Smoke Stack BBQ
(Corner of 1st and Douglas Streets.)