When outdoor recreation enthusiasts are travelling through Park County, a few gear options come to mind- Sunlight Sports in Cody (perhaps the most well-known specialty retailer in Park County), Outdoorsman in Worland (a great place for gear rentals), and Joyvagen in Cody (a specialty bike shop). What people often don’t realize, though, is that despite a population of just over 6,000, Powell, Wyoming has a massive selection of outdoor recreation gear and licenses available to customers.
For this article, we surveyed over 30 local businesses to help catalog the outdoor recreation goods and services on offer and we were not disappointed. Below we’ll share some of the data we collected and highlight a few of the most impressive locations for you to unlock your next outdoor experience.
Gearing Up
Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply
A complete list of Powell’s outdoor recreation retailers would be incomplete without paying homage to Murdoch’s. Located at 455 S. Absaroka St, Murdoch’s has established itself as the go-to retailer for gear in every sense of the word. If you’re preparing for a day hike at McCullough Peaks, looking for grilling equipment for your RV kitchen, or headed on a multi-day hunting expedition, Murdoch’s has got you covered. Their massive selection includes fish and game staples like firearms, optics, ammunition, fishing rods, and tackle, as well as camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and footwear, and backcountry culinary essentials like camp stoves, freeze-dried meals, and hydration bladders.
They have sleds, toboggans, and ice cleats for winter, too. In preparation for a hike through the Beartooth Mountain Range, I picked up a can of bear spray and a bear bell from Murdoch’s. I suppose they work, since I didn’t see any bears (although, that may be confirmation bias. Better safe than sorry- sue me). To date, I’ve been to Murdoch’s countless times for supplies and it’s where I send most people looking for outdoor recreation gear.
Heartworks
Heartworks, located at 107 N. Bent Street, is your destination for high quality knit goods. Jan Sapp, owner of Arrowhead Alpacas, supplies the store with alpaca wool to use in their fabrics. Alpaca wools lend themselves to amazingly soft and durable blankets, caps, gloves, socks, and scarves. Their sock selection is especially remarkable, too. They come in several weights depending on the activity. Not only is alpaca wool soft, but it has moisture-wicking capabilities. This makes them my personal favorite for backpacking trips throughout Park County’s endless public land or skiing down the slopes of Sleeping Giant Ski Area. Heartworks takes special orders, too!
Ace Hardware
Surprisingly, high on my list of outdoor recreation retailers was Ace Hardware, located at 214 N. Bent St. Beyond the usual fare you would expect from a hardware store (lawncare, home maintenance, power tools, and the like), Ace has a very large selection of miscellaneous camping and hiking gear to choose from. Fishing and tackle, bike parts, propane cans, first aid kits, ice-climbing crampons, Yeti coolers, pool toys, grilling equipment, and more graced the shelves. Recently, I was prepping for a solo backpacking trip to the Wind River Range (where mosquitos outnumber humans 3 million to 1, it seems). I stopped at Ace and grabbed face mosquito nets, mosquito repellant wristbands, and Permethrin. Thanks to Ace, I had a fighting chance in the war against biting insects.
Northwest Trading Post
While Murdoch’s and Ace Hardware may slightly edge them out in terms of sheer selection, Northwest Trading Post is full of camping gear, firearms and firearm accessories. Of course, their stock is constantly rotating (due to their being a pawn shop). But, I have found good deals on snowshoes and skis here. They also sell select military surplus gear, such as MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat). It’s worth noting that despite a wide selection of firearms, they don’t sell ammunition. You should check out Ace Hardware or Murdoch’s for your ammunition needs.
Cut and Sew Fabrics
This was the most pleasantly surprising location I visited during my survey. For a shop with a small storefront, they have an enormous selection of outdoor apparel. When it comes to options, Cut and Sew is unbeatable. Their winter selection was especially varied! A variety of University of Wyoming-branded gear includes hats, jackets, and coats, while their youth selection had caps, pants, jackets, coats, and gloves. For my hunters out there, there was a wide selection of apparel in camo and blaze orange varieties. There were even a few camouflage suits apt for turkey or other game. I’m headed to Cut and Sew for all my cold weather apparel this fall and winter.
Wyoming Natural Health Foods and Supplements
Now, I realize when people think of outdoor recreation, they’re likely thinking of kayaking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, etc.-
“What does that have to do with health foods and supplements?”, I hear you ask.
At the end of the day, we all have reasons for getting outdoors. And, for many, that reason is taking care of their health. Wyoming Natural Health Foods and Supplements is a great landing spot for those who want natural remedies for sunburns, muscle fatigue, and sleep aids. Name an ailment you can encounter in the woods, and these folks have got the cure for what ails you. If you (like so many others) enjoy a healthy snack on-the-go, this shop has delicious blends of seeds, nut mixes, and granolas that will keep you moving after miles of trail. Their supplement selection is sure to have you feeling great before and after your next adventure.
WTX Mountain Fitness
Now, you’ve visited these stores. You’ve armed yourself to the teeth with a batch of tasty seed mix and alpaca wool socks. Trekking poles and snowshoes now fill your repertoire. Now, how do you use your new gear in the most effective way? Luckily, WTX Mountain Fitness has designed personalized courses to help folks feel comfortable in a variety of activities from hiking to skiing to mountaineering. Rather than pay an outfitter to take you and your group into the wilderness (where it’s a lot more doing and a lot less learning; less fun, in my opinion), WTX Mountain Fitness equips you with the knowledge you need to lead your own adventures- a worthwhile investment. You could recreate in Park County every day for years and still miss a trail here or there; why not equip yourself to start tackling them?
Licensing Your Adventure
You’ve got the gear and you’ve got the know-how. But, these are only 2 parts of the puzzle, of course. Licenses help ensure that you’re recreating within the limits of the law. You wouldn’t want a hefty fine for taking a trout without a license or for riding an ORV with no stickers, would you? Powell has you covered on that front, too! Below are locations that offer hunting, fishing, and ORV licenses.
Fishing Licenses:
You’re required to obtain a fishing license before you take fish from any Wyoming waterways. Be sure to check local regulations, as there may be additional restrictions or bag limits pertinent to your area. Fishing licenses are available for purchase at the following Powell businesses:
- Murdoch’s (455 S Absaroka St.)
- Big Horn Co-op (311 S Bent St.)
- Maverik Adventure’s First Stop (819 E Coulter Ave.)
Hunting Licenses:
Same as fish, you’re required to buy a hunting license to hunt in Wyoming. Be sure you know what licenses and permits are required for the specific areas or species you’re pursuing. Also, note that prices are different based on residency, with out-of-state hunters paying more. Find hunting licenses at the following Powell businesses:
- Murdoch’s (455 S Absaroka St.)
- Big Horn Co-op (311 S Bent St.)
- Maverik Adventure’s First Stop (819 E Coulter Ave.)
ORV Permits:
The state of Wyoming requires ORV permits to use off-road vehicles on most roads and trails. Additional trails and areas may have additional fees- be sure you know if your area has any. You can find these at Big Horn Co-op, located at 311 S Bent St.
AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) Decals
Although there are no physical locations selling AIS Decals in Powell, it’s easy to order them online through the Wyoming Game & Fish Department.
Now Get Out There!
It’s no wonder you’re interested in the ample outdoor recreation Powell has to offer. And with this article in hand, you’ll be prepared for whatever Park County throws at you! Whether you’re taking a trek up Heart Mountain or taking your 4×4 across Polecat Bench, you’re all set to enjoy it. Now get out there!
