Looking for an epic mountain getaway for camping, hiking, fishing, shopping, and winter recreation? Want to learn about major historic events that shaped the American West? Buffalo Wyoming, located on Interstate 90 at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, is the perfect place. In addition to the canyons, trails and mountain lakes that make the area special, Buffalo has Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, Johnson County War locations, and award-winning museums. The small historic downtown has the famous Occidental Hotel & Saloon, and multiple venues for live music. The best of Wyoming, the heart of Wyoming is in Buffalo.
Scroll through the gallery below to find ideas for the perfect itinerary in Buffalo.
The Historic Occidental Hotel & Saloon, which first operated in 1880, is the centerpiece of downtown Buffalo. It has hosted presidents such as Teddy Roosevelt and outlaws like Butch Cassidy. It remains a great place to dine, drink, and stay for a few nights to explore the shops of downtown. Photos courtesy of VisitBuffaloWY
2. Trails for Hikers of All Levels
From the Clear Creek Trail System in downtown Buffalo to the miles of trails in the nearby Bighorn Mountains, Buffalo offers a variety of ways to enjoy nature. The Clear Creek Trail system includes wide, family-friendly pathways in town but ascends to more challenging and rustic experiences in the mountains.
3. The Bighorn Mountains
No matter what your favorite outdoor activity is, Buffalo has the playground for you. The Bighorn Mountains reach more than 13,000 feet in elevation and are just minutes from town via the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway. Dozens of lakes and streams offer ways to cool off without the crowds.
4. Explore Incredible Canyons
There are legends to the naming of Crazy Woman Canyon, but no one knows for certain how the name came to be. Everyone in Buffalo knows this is one of the most special places in Wyoming, with a creek, high cliff walls and large boulders that fell into the canyon.
5. Walk in the Footsteps of Legends
Two of the most important events shaping the West were the Fetterman Fight, near Fort Phil Kearny, and the Johnson County Cattle War. History fans can immerse themselves in those stories by visiting those locations, the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, or the Hoofprints of the Past Museum.
6. Live Entertainment Takes Many Forms
For a small town, Buffalo has an incredible music scene, from the free Saturdays in the Square series to the Thursday Night Jams at the Occidental Saloon. Many venues throughout the town host live music. And in the summer, Buffalo often offers the combination of live music and a rodeo.
7. Unique Shops and Accommodations
While you won’t find a big box store, Buffalo has the largest wool mill in the West (Mountain Meadow Wool), a store for fans of the Longmire series (Bucking Buffalo), a family-owned outdoors shop (The Sports Lure), and more. Along with brand name hotels, Buffalo has multiple guest ranches.
