Sheridan Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Nestled at the base of the majestic Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan blends authentic cowboy culture with a thriving arts scene and endless outdoor adventure. Explore historic downtowns, legendary battlefields, and wide-open spaces in this quintessential Western destination.
In the shadow of the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West. This isn’t just a town where cowboy hats are worn for show; it is a working agricultural hub where history lives on every corner. From the neon glow of Main Street to the pristine wilderness just minutes away, Sheridan offers a rare blend of Gilded Age elegance and rugged frontier charm.
Visitors here find themselves slowing down to the rhythm of the high plains. whether you are sipping a craft beer in a building that once housed a flour mill or watching a herd of elk graze in a city park, the connection to the land and the past is palpable. It is the kind of place where locals wave to strangers and the horizon stretches out forever.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The Cowboy State’s Cultural Capital
While many Wyoming towns boast outdoor access, Sheridan distinguishes itself with a surprisingly deep cultural footprint. In the early 20th century, wealthy cattle barons and dudes from the East Coast mingled here, leaving behind a legacy of polocrosse fields, grand mansions, and an appreciation for the arts. Today, this is reflected in institutions like the Brinton Museum and the beautifully preserved historic district.
Beyond the history, the community is the gateway to the Bighorn National Forest. Unlike the crowded national parks to the west, the Bighorns offer solitude and wild beauty. You can drive from the sagebrush warmth of the valley to the cool, pine-scented air of the mountains in less than thirty minutes, making it an effortless escape for hikers, anglers, and dreamers alike.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Visit King's Saddlery & Rope Museum
Explore a legendary tack shop that supplies cowboys worldwide, then head back to the museum to see an immense collection of western memorabilia and historic saddles. It is the heart of Sheridan's cowboy identity.
Hike Tongue River Canyon
Experience a dramatic limestone canyon where the river rushes out of the Bighorn Mountains, offering hiking trails that range from easy riverside walks to steep climbs with panoramic views. The geology here is spectacular.
Tour Trail End State Historic Site
Step back into the Gilded Age at the Kendrick Mansion, a 1913 Flemish Revival home that offers a stark contrast to the rugged frontier life of the era. The beautifully preserved grounds are a botanical garden.
Explore The Brinton Museum
Located on a historic ranch in nearby Big Horn, this world-class museum features Western and American Indian art in a stunning modern building that blends into the landscape. The views of the mountains from the bistro are unmatched.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
The Mint Bar - This legendary watering hole on Main Street (0 mi from center) is famous for its 8-foot neon cowboy sign and twisted cedar bar. A beer here costs around $5, and the walls are lined with local cattle brands and taxidermy.
Trail End State Historic Site - Located just 0.8 miles from downtown, this Flemish Revival mansion ($4 admission) was built by cattle baron John Kendrick. It features original furnishings and 3.8 acres of manicured grounds perfect for a picnic.
King’s Saddlery and Don King Museum - Situated directly on Main Street, this is a working rope and saddle shop. The museum in the back is free to enter and houses hundreds of saddles and western artifacts.
The Brinton Museum - located 12 miles south in Big Horn, this facility ($10 admission) sits on the historic Quarter Circle A Ranch. It combines a historic ranch house with a state-of-the-art gallery housing Western and American Indian art.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Sheridan is part of the adventure. The local airport (SHR) connects to Denver, but many visitors choose to drive via I-90 to see the rolling plains. Once you are here, a rental car is essential. While downtown is walkable, the best sites, including the mountains and neighboring communities like Big Horn and Dayton, are spread out over 20 miles or more.
Pack for variability. The elevation at 3,745 feet means the sun is intense, but temperatures can swing 30 degrees between day and night. Even in July, you will want a light jacket for the evenings. If you plan on hiking, bring bear spray, as the Bighorn Mountains are black bear and moose country.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (June - August)
Pros
- Warm, reliable weather for hiking
- Full calendar of festivals and rodeo events
- All mountain roads and passes are open
- Lively downtown atmosphere with outdoor dining
Cons
- Highest accommodation prices of the year
- Crowds can be dense, especially during Rodeo Week
- Wildfire smoke can occasionally impact views
- Booking months in advance is necessary
Shoulder Season: Fall (September - October)
Pros
- Stunning autumn foliage in the Bighorns
- Cooler temperatures perfect for strenuous hiking
- Fewer crowds at major attractions
- Better chances of spotting elk and moose
Cons
- Early snowstorms can close high-elevation roads
- Some seasonal tourist businesses begin to close
- Days get shorter rapidly
- Mornings can be frosty
Off-Peak: Winter & Early Spring (November - April)
Pros
- Lowest hotel rates of the year
- Quiet, authentic local atmosphere
- Excellent snowshoeing and snowmobiling nearby
- Cozy historic bars and restaurants without wait times
Cons
- Some mountain access roads are closed seasonally
- Limited outdoor activities for non-skiers
- Driving conditions can be hazardous due to ice
- Museums may have reduced hours
Ultimately, Sheridan captures the romance of the West without the theme-park feel. Whether you are watching a rodeo under the lights or simply walking Main Street with an ice cream cone, you are participating in a way of life that has held strong for over a century.
Sample Itineraries
Classic Sheridan Weekend
A perfect blend of downtown history, cowboy culture, and local dining for a relaxed weekend getaway.
Day 1: Downtown History & Cowboy Culture
- Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Silver Spur Cafe for about $30, then walk over to King’s Saddlery to smell the leather and tour the free Don King Museum in the back. Allow at least 90 minutes to see the hundreds of saddles and western artifacts.
- Afternoon: Stroll down Main Street to admire the bronze sculptures on every corner, stopping for lunch at the Midtown Cafe for roughly $35. Spend the rest of the afternoon touring the Trail End State Historic Site (Kendrick Mansion) for an admission of $4 per adult to see how the cattle barons lived.
- Evening: Enjoy a premier dinner at Frackelton’s, where a meal with drinks will run about $100, followed by a nightcap under the neon sign at the legendary Mint Bar to soak up the local atmosphere.
Day 2: Art & Nature in Big Horn
- Morning: Drive 15 minutes south to the town of Big Horn and visit The Brinton Museum; admission is $10 per person, and you should spend the morning exploring the Western art collection and the historic ranch house. The grounds offer spectacular views of the Bighorn Mountains.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at the Brinton Bistro for approximately $50 while overlooking the mountains, then head to Kendrick Park in Sheridan to walk the paved trails and see the captive herd of buffalo and elk for free.
- Evening: Wrap up your trip with a classic steak dinner at the Wyoming Rib & Chop House, budgeting around $80 for two. Afterward, take a sunset drive up Red Grade Road for about 5 miles to catch a panoramic view of the valley as the lights come on.
Bighorn Mountain Adventure
An outdoors-focused itinerary utilizing Sheridan as a base camp for mountain exploration.
Day 1: Canyons & Vistas
- Morning: Grab quick coffee and burritos at Java Moon for $20, then drive 20 miles to the Tongue River Canyon trailhead. Spend the morning hiking 3-5 miles into the limestone canyon where the river rages; remember to bring bear spray and water.
- Afternoon: Drive the Scenic Byway (Hwy 14) up the mountain to Steamboat Point; the 1.7-mile round trip hike is steep but offers one of the best views in Wyoming. Afterward, stop at the Arrowhead Lodge for a late lunch/early dinner burger for about $40.
- Evening: Return to town and relax your muscles at Black Tooth Brewing Company, sampling local craft beers for about $15 per flight. Dinner can be a casual pizza from Powder River Pizza for around $30.
Day 2: Waterfalls & High Country
- Morning: Pack a picnic lunch from a local grocery store for $25 and head up Highway 14 again, this time aiming for Shell Falls. The drive takes about an hour, but the massive waterfall and interpretive center are stunning natural wonders.
- Afternoon: On the way back, stop at Sibley Lake for a picnic and a relaxed walk around the water, or rent a canoe if available. The high elevation keeps temperatures cool even in mid-summer.
- Evening: Back in Sheridan, clean up and head to The Warehouse Gastropub for a fun, modern dinner atmosphere costing around $70. Take a twilight walk along the Sheridan pathways system near the creek.
Day 3: Fishing & Farewell
- Morning: Hire a local fly-fishing guide for a half-day trip on the Tongue River (approx. $350), or if self-guiding, buy a license and hit the public access points near Dayton. The trout fishing here is world-renowned.
- Afternoon: Return to Sheridan for a late lunch at Smith Alley Brewing to try their brisket sandwiches for about $40. Spend your final hours shopping for souvenirs along Main Street, perhaps picking up local pottery or jewelry.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at the historic Sheridan Inn’s Open Range Bar & Grill, where a nice meal will cost about $90. The history of Buffalo Bill in the building provides a perfect end to a western adventure.
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