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The best things to do in Buffalo Wyoming combine Western history, a walkable downtown, and easy access to the Bighorn Mountains. Buffalo sits where Interstate 25 and Interstate 90 meet, so it is convenient to treat it as a quick road trip stop. Once you leave the highway, though, there is plenty to justify spending a full day or staying overnight.
I have driven through Buffalo several times on the way to Paradise Guest Ranch, and each trip leaves me wishing I had planned more time in town. Historic Main Street is easy to explore on foot, the Occidental Hotel gives you a close look at the town’s frontier history, and mountain trails and scenic drives begin just outside downtown.
Whether you have a couple of hours or a full weekend, these Buffalo Wyoming attractions will help you make the most of your visit.
Where is Buffalo Wyoming?
Buffalo is located in northern Wyoming at the eastern base of the Bighorn Mountains. It is the county seat of Johnson County and sits at the intersection of Interstates 25 and 90, about 35 miles south of Sheridan.
That location makes Buffalo a practical stop between destinations including Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Sheridan, Devils Tower, and the Black Hills. U.S. Highway 16 also runs west from town across the Bighorn Mountains toward Ten Sleep and Worland.
The Best Things to Do in Buffalo Wyoming
Buffalo’s main attractions are divided between its historic downtown and the outdoor areas surrounding town. Start with Main Street, the Occidental Hotel, and the local museums, then add a trail, scenic drive, or nearby historic site based on your available time and the weather.
Tour the Historic Occidental Hotel
The Historic Occidental Hotel is the first place I recommend visiting in Buffalo. Founded in 1880, the hotel has been carefully restored and now operates as a hotel, restaurant, saloon, and registered museum.
The saloon is filled with original details, including its embossed tin ceiling, back bar, and bullet holes in the woodwork and ceiling. The back bar was made in Scotland and transported to Buffalo by wagon. It is easy to spend time looking around before you even order a drink.
The hotel’s list of notable visitors includes Buffalo Bill Cody, Calamity Jane, Theodore Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and Ernest Hemingway. Author Owen Wister also spent time at the Occidental and reportedly based characters in The Virginian on people he observed there.
You do not need to stay overnight to see the property. Historic tours are offered by appointment, generally in the early afternoon, so contact the hotel before your visit. If you want to stay, the 18 rooms and suites are individually decorated with antiques and period details.
Walk Through Historic Downtown Buffalo
Buffalo’s Main Street Historic District is compact and easy to explore without moving your car. Locally owned shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and Crazy Woman Square are all within a few blocks.
Start near the Occidental Hotel and walk south along Main Street. The Sports Lure is a helpful stop if you need hiking, fishing, biking, or camping gear before heading into the Bighorns. Margo’s Pottery and Fine Crafts carries American-made pottery, glass, jewelry, and other gifts, while ReRide Western Wear sells gently used Western clothing, boots, hats, and accessories.
Crazy Woman Square hosts community events and free concerts during the summer. It is also a good place to sit for a few minutes before continuing through downtown.
Visit Bucking Buffalo Supply Co.
Fans of Craig Johnson’s Longmire books or the television series should stop at Bucking Buffalo Supply Co. The Main Street store carries signed books, apparel, DVDs, gifts, Western clothing, and turquoise and silver jewelry.
Buffalo helped inspire Durant, the fictional Wyoming town in the Longmire series. The Carnegie Library building that is now part of the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum served as the model for Sheriff Longmire’s office in the books.
Even if you have not read the books or watched the series, Bucking Buffalo is still a good place to browse for Western apparel and a Buffalo souvenir. You may also find author Craig Johnson at the store for a signing or special event.
Explore the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum
The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum is much larger than it first appears. The museum is made up of three connected buildings, including Buffalo’s 1909 Carnegie Library, and its exhibits cover the history of Johnson County and the surrounding region.
Collections and exhibits address Indigenous history, the Bozeman Trail, the Johnson County War, military history, ranching, and everyday life in northern Wyoming. The museum began with items collected by Jim Gatchell, a local pharmacist who built relationships with residents and travelers throughout the region.
In 2023, the museum received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Give yourself at least an hour, or longer if you enjoy reading exhibit details. Hours change seasonally, so check the museum’s current schedule before visiting.
Walk or Bike the Clear Creek Trail System
You do not have to leave town to spend time outdoors. The Clear Creek Trail System includes more than 20 miles of mostly connected trails running from downtown Buffalo toward the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains.
Several access points make it possible to choose a short creekside walk or a longer bike ride. The sections near downtown are a convenient option if you have limited time, while trails farther west offer more elevation and mountain scenery.
Review a current trail map before heading out, and stop at The Sports Lure if you need rental equipment or local advice. Conditions can change with the season, particularly once you reach higher elevations.
Drive the Cloud Peak Skyway
U.S. Highway 16 west of Buffalo becomes the Cloud Peak Skyway, one of the most scenic drives in Wyoming. The officially designated byway covers 47 miles through Bighorn National Forest and continues toward Ten Sleep Canyon.
You do not have to drive the entire route to enjoy it. Even a shorter trip west of town brings mountain views, pine forests, meadows, and access to hiking and fishing areas. If you are crossing the mountains toward Cody or Yellowstone, this route can become part of your larger Wyoming road trip.
Weather changes quickly at higher elevations, and snow is possible outside the traditional winter months. Check the forecast and road conditions before starting the drive.
Hike Near Circle Park and Tie Hack Reservoir
Circle Park Trailhead and Tie Hack Reservoir are two accessible ways to explore the Bighorn Mountains without committing to a long backcountry trip. Both are reached from Highway 16 west of Buffalo.
Tie Hack Reservoir is popular for fishing and canoeing, and a short trail connects the campground area to the water. The campground generally operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day, depending on weather.
Circle Park Trailhead sits at an elevation of about 8,100 feet and provides access to trails leading toward alpine lakes and Cloud Peak Wilderness. Choose a route that fits your experience level, carry plenty of water, and be prepared for changing mountain weather.
Drive Through Crazy Woman Canyon
Crazy Woman Canyon Road follows the creek through steep rock walls and forest about 12 miles south of downtown Buffalo. The route is approximately 13 miles long and connects Highway 87 with Highway 16.
The road is graded dirt and accessible to many vehicles in dry conditions, although a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The road is narrow and rough in places, and large trucks, RVs, and vehicles towing trailers should not attempt it. Skip the drive after heavy rain and check local conditions before leaving town.
Plan more time than the mileage suggests. The narrow road requires a slower pace, and you will probably want to stop for views and photos along the way.
Spend Time at Lake DeSmet
Lake DeSmet is about eight miles north of Buffalo and gives you an easy way to add time on the water to your trip. The county-owned Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area provides access from the south shore.
Visitors come here for swimming, boating, paddleboarding, fishing, camping, and mountain views. It works well for a relaxed summer afternoon or an evening stop after exploring downtown.
Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are only visiting for the day, bring what you need because services around the lake are limited.
Visit Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site
Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site is about 12 miles north of Buffalo near Banner. The fort was established in 1866 along the Bozeman Trail and now has an interpretive center, reconstructed portions of the stockade, walking paths, and access to nearby battle sites.
The interpretive center is generally open from May through October, while the fort grounds and nearby Fetterman and Wagon Box Fight sites remain accessible year-round. Hours vary during the shoulder seasons, so confirm the schedule before making the drive.
This is a valuable addition to the Jim Gatchell Museum if you want more context about the Bozeman Trail, Red Cloud’s War, and the complicated history of expansion into Indigenous lands.
Where to Eat in Buffalo Wyoming
The Busy Bee Cafe at the Occidental Hotel is a popular pick for breakfast or lunch. The cafe has been serving travelers since 1927 and overlooks Clear Creek. It is a convenient place to eat before exploring Main Street or driving into the mountains.
For dinner, Bozeman Trail Steakhouse serves steaks, prime rib, burgers, and other American favorites. It is open daily and works well after a long driving or hiking day.
The Fix and Deja Brew are good options when you need coffee, while Lickety Splits serves ice cream on Main Street during the warmer months. Lickety Splits typically opens for the season after Memorial Day, so confirm that it is open if you are visiting in spring or fall.
Where to Stay in Buffalo Wyoming
The Historic Occidental Hotel is the most distinctive place to stay in town. Every room and suite has different furnishings, and staying there gives you more time to enjoy the building after daytime visitors leave. It is the best match if history and downtown access are priorities.
The Hampton Inn & Suites is a practical alternative near Highway 16. It offers mountain and creek views, complimentary breakfast, a pool and hot tub, and quick access to the highways and downtown.
Buffalo also has several familiar hotel chains, independent motels, campgrounds, and guest ranches. If you are visiting during Longmire Days or a major summer weekend, reserve your room well in advance.
How Much Time Do You Need in Buffalo Wyoming?
If you are prioritizing things to do in Buffalo Wyoming with only half a day, focus on the Occidental Hotel, Main Street, and the Jim Gatchell Museum. A full day gives you time to add the Clear Creek Trail, enjoy a meal without rushing, or drive part of the Cloud Peak Skyway.
Stay for two days if you want to explore the Bighorn Mountains, drive Crazy Woman Canyon, or visit Lake DeSmet and Fort Phil Kearny. Mountain activities take longer than they appear on a map because of road conditions, elevation, and the time needed to reach trailheads.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Wyoming
- What is Buffalo Wyoming known for?
- Buffalo is known for its Western history, the Historic Occidental Hotel, connections to the Longmire series, and its location at the base of the Bighorn Mountains.
- Is downtown Buffalo Wyoming walkable?
- Yes. The main historic area is compact, and you can walk between the Occidental Hotel, Main Street shops, Crazy Woman Square, and the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum.
- What are the best free things to do in Buffalo Wyoming?
- Free activities include walking downtown, exploring sections of the Clear Creek Trail System, driving the Cloud Peak Skyway, and spending time along the shore at Lake DeSmet. Some outdoor areas may charge camping or facility fees.
- When is the best time to visit Buffalo Wyoming?
- Summer offers the most reliable access to mountain trails, campgrounds, and local events. Late spring and early fall can be quieter, but weather is less predictable and some seasonal businesses or facilities may be closed.
Adding Buffalo to a Wyoming Road Trip
Buffalo fits naturally into a northern Wyoming road trip. Sheridan is about 35 miles north, while Cody is a logical next stop if you are traveling west toward Yellowstone.
Buffalo is also the closest town to Paradise Guest Ranch, which is how I have returned to this area year after year. If you are crossing the Bighorn Mountains on Highway 16, plan enough time for overlooks and weather delays rather than treating the route as a standard highway drive.
When you look at all the things to do in Buffalo Wyoming, it becomes clear that the town deserves more than a quick stop for gas or lunch. Its downtown, museums, mountain access, and nearby historic sites can easily fill a full day or weekend.
