Courtesy of Johnson County Tourism
Located near the junction of Interstate 90, Interstate 25, and U.S. Highway 16, Johnson County, Wyoming, is easy to reach and offers a great basecamp for exploration of wide-open spaces and an impressive mountain range.
The county itself—halfway between the Black Hills/Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park—is bigger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined but has fewer than 10,000 people.
Within all that space are the amazing geographic features of the Bighorn Mountains, historic sites such as Outlaw Canyon and Fort Phil Kearny, recreation areas, great hiking, museums, memorable dining, unique shops, and much more.
Here are just a few reasons to visit Johnson County.
Western History
Courtesy of Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum
Many pivotal moments in the history of Wyoming and the nation took place in Johnson County, from the Plains Indian Wars to the Johnson County War.
Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, just 12 miles north of Buffalo, was the largest stockade fort in the West from 1866 to 1868. The interpretive center will unveil new permanent exhibits this summer to tell the story of the Bozeman Trail and the fort’s role in protecting those who traveled it. Part of the story includes Native Americans who defended their lands against the U.S. military, including the Fetterman Fight that took place nearby. Visitors can walk the grounds of the fort, hike the hill where the scouts were stationed, or follow the course of battle at the Fetterman site.
The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum in Buffalo and the Hoofprints of the Past Museum in Kaycee also have excellent exhibits related to Western history, including the Johnson County Cattle War, which reached its climax in April of 1892 at the nearby TA Ranch.
For living history, the Occidental Hotel & Saloon still serves up food, drink, live music, and accommodations, just as it did when it was founded in 1880 and when the likes of Butch Cassidy and Teddy Roosevelt checked in.
Outdoor Recreation
Buffalo is the front door to the Bighorn National Forest, more than 1.1 million acres of land with the Cloud Peak Wilderness inside its boundary.
Those who are drawn to the water can enjoy boating on or swimming in Lake DeSmet. Fishing is popular there and at the dozens of other lakes and streams in the county, including Crazy Woman Canyon and Tie Hack Reservoir.
Hikers can access the Clear Creek Trail System throughout the city of Buffalo or start from a trailhead off of Highway 16. That trail system covers about 12 miles from downtown (4,500 feet elevation) to the foothills of the Bighorns at 8,000 feet elevation. For serious hikers, there are several trails in the Bighorn National Forest. Stay in town for an easy drive up to the trailheads, or bring gear for overnight camping at U.S. Forest Service campgrounds or on Bureau of Land Management lands.
Off-road vehicles will also find many places to explore in the mountains. Rentals are available in Buffalo through Ultimate Outdoors.
Ranch Rodeos
Throughout the summer, various rodeo series in Buffalo and Kaycee honor the tradition of the state’s official sport and provide a showcase for young, up-and-coming rodeo athletes. Check dates for the Range War Rodeo series and the Johnson County Fair & Rodeo. Both events are community gatherings with live music and local foods as part of the entertainment. The fairgrounds’ historic grandstand lives up to the tradition of hosting the state’s oldest county fair.
Take Home a Souvenir
Historic downtown Buffalo has many great shops and unique galleries where visitors can pick up souvenirs to remember a great trip. There is also a gift shop at Mountain Meadow Wool, the largest mill in the West, and the Amish market at Yoders Country Store.
Summary
For travelers seeking authentic Western landscapes, outdoor adventure, and a friendly small-town welcome, Johnson County isn’t just another destination—it’s the kind of place that reminds you why you travel in the first place. Once you visit, you may find yourself planning your return before you even leave.
