On your way to Yellowstone National Park’s east entrance, don’t miss a chance to stop off in the towns of Buffalo and Kaycee, Wyoming, for a dose of Western history and culture.
Here are five reasons to visit.
Grab a Drink at the Historic Occidental Hotel and Explore Downtown Buffalo
Step back in time at the Occidental Hotel, the anchor of downtown Buffalo. Originally founded in 1880, the hotel has hosted the likes of Buffalo Bill Cody, Teddy Roosevelt, Calamity Jane and Butch Cassidy. Be sure to wet your whistle in the hotel’s historic saloon. If you look closely, you might even spot an original bullet hole or two. The saloon also serves as a great spot for live music throughout the week, including the popular Thursday Night Jam Session and Tuesday Open-Mic Nights. Afterwards, check into one of 18 well-appointed hotel rooms.
Stroll Buffalo’s Main Street, lined with unique shops, eateries, and an outdoor stage, but don’t miss the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, located in a historic Carnegie Library. Learn about the Bozeman Trail, the Plains Indian and Johnson County wars, and more.
Tour Historic Fort Phil Kearny
In the 1860s, the Bozeman Trail brought gold-fevered travelers through the Powder River Valley on their way to Montana. The largest stockade fort in the west, Phil Kearny was built in 1866 to protect commerce routes.
Today, Fort Phil Kearny is a state historic site with a self-guided walking tour. It also provides a good starting point for history buffs wanting to pay a visit to the Wagon Box Fight and Fetterman Fight battlefields, two historic sites commemorating battles in Red Cloud’s War, an armed conflict between the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne and Northern Arapaho tribes against the U.S. Army that spanned the Wyoming and Montana territories from 1866 to 1868. A million-dollar expansion to the interpretive center will open spring 2025.
Celebrate Buffalo’s Sheep Culture
Sheep ranching and wool is a big part of Johnson County year round. Mountain Meadow Wool is a family-operated spinning mill that produces soft and silky merino wool by working with local ranchers. Stop by the mill for a group or free self guided tour and swing by the gift shop to peruse a variety of the Mill’s signature Mountain Merino wool items.
Visit July 11-13, 2025 to attend the Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival. There will be vendors, demos, sheep dog trials, live music and more. The region is proud of its strong heritage of the Basque sheepherders who settled in the area more than 100 years ago and will host the national convention of Basque organizations in 2027.
Explore Wild Canyons and Beautiful Mountains
Located about 25 minutes from Buffalo, a tumbling creek creates a gorgeous drive through Crazy Woman Canyon, best explored in a high-clearance vehicle. The one-lane dirt road winds under towering cliffs alongside Crazy Woman Creek, offering spectacular scenery and several great spots to park and take in the views along the water. Allow at least two hours for a leisurely tour and longer if you plan to picnic along the way or stop to fish or dip your toes in the creek.
On the western end, Crazy Woman Canyon Road meets Highway 16 in the Bighorn Mountains, where you’ll find even more recreational opportunities less than 25 miles from Buffalo in the national forest and Cloud Peak Wilderness Area. Pull over at Loaf Mountain Overlook to read the interpretive signs and appreciate the panoramic vista.
Looking for more history with a side of adventure? Outlaw Canyon was a hiding place for Butch Cassidy and his gang. Today, it’s a beautiful recreation area for hiking, camping and fishing.
Experience Ranch Life
Desiring an even more immersive American West experience? The Johnson County Fairgrounds hosts rodeos regularly throughout the summer, with the Johnson County Fair & Rodeo Week in late July and in the summer, Tuesday Night Cowgirl Rodeos bringing out locals and tourists alike. Watch events like roping, team tying and barrel racing to see the skills of cowboys and cowgirls.
Or stay for a week full of horseback riding, fishing, hiking and more at one of the area’s guest ranches. HF Bar Guest Ranch, Klondike Guest Ranch, Paradise Guest Ranch, TA Guest Ranch and South Fork Mountain Lodge all offer a variety of packages, whether you want a working ranch vacation where you get to ride out and check on the cattle or a high-end rustic getaway with farm-to-table dining.
For More Information:
Johnson County Tourism Association
5 N Lobban Ave #6
Buffalo, WY 82834
visitbuffalowy.com