, might be exactly what you’re after.
This small town sits right where the rolling plains run into the
, and it’s packed with Old West history, outdoor adventures, and simple, small‑town charm. Whether you’re road-tripping through Wyoming, planning a family vacation, or dreaming up a long weekend escape from the city, Buffalo deserves a spot on your list.
Below are
, plus a few tips to help you plan your trip.
1. Step Back in Time at the Occidental Hotel
If you only do one thing in Buffalo, make it the
Occidental Hotel on
Main Street.
This isn’t just any old hotel. It’s a
beautifully restored 1880s Western hotel where legends like
Buffalo Bill,
Teddy Roosevelt, and
Calamity Jane once stayed. The lobby feels like a museum, with creaky wood floors, old photographs, and mounted longhorns on the walls.
You don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy it. You can:
- Walk through the lobby and hallways and soak in the history
- Grab a drink at the historic saloon
- Listen to live music on certain evenings
- Eat at the onsite restaurant
If you want a full Old West experience, book a room. Waking up in a 140‑year‑old hotel might just be the most memorable part of your Buffalo trip.
2. Explore Historic Downtown Buffalo
Right outside the Occidental’s front door, you’ll find
downtown Buffalo—small, walkable, and surprisingly charming.
Stroll down
Main Street and you’ll see:
- Western-style storefronts with wooden signs
- Local shops selling cowboy hats, boots, and souvenirs
- Cafés and bakeries where you can grab coffee and homemade pie
- Local art galleries and antique stores
Take your time and wander. It’s the kind of place where people still hold doors open for each other and say hello as you pass. If you like taking photos, the old brick buildings and mountain views make a great backdrop.
Tip: Try to visit in the late afternoon or early evening. The warm light on the historic buildings is gorgeous.
3. Visit the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum
To really understand Buffalo and Johnson County, stop at the
Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum.
This small but well-done museum tells the story of:
- Native American tribes who lived in the area
- Early settlers and ranchers
- The famous Johnson County War
- Life in a rough Western frontier town
You’ll see old guns, cowboy gear, wagons, and personal items donated by local families. Displays are easy to follow and good for both adults and kids.
If you’re into Western history or just curious about what life was really like out here in the late 1800s, this is a must-see.
4. Drive Scenic U.S. Highway 16 Over the Bighorn Mountains
Locals call U.S. Highway 16 the
“Cloud Peak Scenic Byway.” It runs west out of Buffalo and winds up into the
Bighorn Mountains. If you enjoy mountain drives, this one is hard to beat.
Along the way you’ll find:
- Pullouts with sweeping views of canyons and forested hills
- Trailheads that lead into the Bighorn National Forest
- Cool, fresh mountain air (a nice break if you’re traveling in summer)
In about 30–45 minutes, you can go from small-town streets to high-country scenery with tall pines and big rock outcrops. Allow time for stops—you’ll want to pull over more than once.
If you’re headed across Wyoming anyway, this is a scenic way to cross the mountains instead of just speeding down the interstate.
5. Hike or Picnic in Bighorn National Forest
Once you’re up in the mountains, you’ll find endless places to stretch your legs.
Some popular spots near Buffalo include:
- Circle Park – Great access to hiking trails and picnic areas.
- Hunter Trailhead – Gateway to longer hikes and backpacking routes.
- Various roadside pullouts – Perfect for short walks and scenic photos.
You don’t have to tackle a long hike to enjoy the forest. Even a short half‑mile walk from a trailhead can get you into the trees, along a stream, or up to a viewpoint.
Pack:
- Water
- Snacks or a picnic lunch
- A light jacket (mountain weather can change fast)
If you love hiking, camping, fishing, or just being in nature, the
Bighorn National Forest alone is reason enough to base yourself in Buffalo, Wyoming.
6. Go Fishing or Boating at Lake DeSmet
Just a short drive north of town,
Lake DeSmet is a peaceful place to spend a warm afternoon.
People come here to:
- Fish for trout and other species
- Launch small boats and kayaks
- Walk along the shoreline
- Enjoy wide-open water views with mountain backdrops
If you’re road-tripping with kids, this can be a fun change of pace. Bring a cooler, some sandwiches, and maybe a folding chair or two. The lake is big, the sky feels even bigger, and you’ll get that classic Wyoming wide‑open‑spaces feeling.
7. Walk Along Clear Creek and Visit Buffalo’s Parks
One of Buffalo’s nicest surprises is how
Clear Creek winds right through town.
There are trails and parks along the water where you can:
- Take an easy walk or jog
- Let kids play on the grass or playgrounds
- Have a picnic by the creek
- Sit on a bench and just listen to the water
On a warm evening, this is where the town seems to gather. Couples walk dogs, families ride bikes, and everyone slows down a little. If you’ve been driving for hours across Wyoming, this kind of simple stop can feel surprisingly refreshing.
8. Follow the Trail of the Johnson County War
Buffalo is famous among Western history fans for the
Johnson County War, a violent 1890s clash between big cattle barons and smaller local ranchers.
If you’re into history, you can:
- Learn the basics at the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum
- Walk downtown and imagine what the town looked like during the conflict
- Drive out into the countryside where some events took place
Much of it looks like quiet ranchland now, but once you know the story, the landscape feels different. You’ll find yourself picturing posses on horseback, tense standoffs, and dusty cattle trails.
If you like podcasts or audiobooks, you might even listen to something on the Johnson County War as you drive around. It brings the scenery to life in a whole new way.
9. Experience Local Events and the Small‑Town Rodeo Vibe
If you plan your trip right, you can catch one of
Buffalo’s local events or
rodeos. Small-town events here feel friendly, unpolished in a good way, and very real.
Depending on the season, you might see:
- Local rodeos with barrel racing, roping, and bull riding
- Parades down Main Street
- Live music and festivals in the summer
- Holiday events in the winter
There’s something special about seeing everyday folks compete in the arena while neighbors cheer them on. It’s not a big, flashy show. It’s Wyoming ranch culture up close.
Before your trip, check Buffalo’s tourism websites or local Facebook pages to see what’s happening while you’re in town.
10. Take a Relaxing Scenic Drive Through Johnson County Ranch Country
You don’t always need a long list of activities. Sometimes the best thing to do near Buffalo is simply
drive and look around.
Head out of town on the backroads (always watch for cattle and wildlife) and you’ll find:
- Rolling ranchland dotted with cattle and horses
- Big skies that change color all day long
- Views back toward the Bighorn Mountains
- Old barns, windmills, and fencelines that look straight out of a Western movie
This is classic
Wyoming road trip country. Bring a camera, but also take time just to look without a screen in front of you. You might be surprised how peaceful it feels.
Where to Stay and Eat in Buffalo, WY
To round out your visit, here are some simple suggestions:
- Stay: The Occidental Hotel for historic charm, or one of the modern motels near the interstate if you prefer easy parking and quick access.
- Eat: Try local diners, cafés, and steakhouses in town. Ask a local where they go for breakfast or a good burger—you’ll usually get an honest answer.
Because Buffalo is small, you’re never far from anything. You can wake up, grab breakfast, walk downtown, then head into the mountains all in the same day.
Planning Your Buffalo, Wyoming Trip
A few quick tips to make the most of your time in Johnson County:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for hiking, scenic drives, and events. Winter can be beautiful too, but plan for snow and cold.
- What to pack: Layers, a light jacket, hat, sunscreen, and good walking shoes. Even in summer, evenings can be cool.
- Getting around: You’ll want a car. Many of the best things to do near Buffalo, WY involve short drives into the mountains or out into ranch country.
Final Thoughts: Is Buffalo, Wyoming Worth a Stop?
If you’re speeding across Wyoming on I‑90, it’s easy to overlook a small town like Buffalo. But if you pull off the highway and give it a day or two, you’ll find:
- Real Western history, not just touristy versions of it
- Easy access to the stunning Bighorn Mountains
- Friendly locals and a relaxed pace
- Plenty of things to do in Johnson County without big crowds
Whether you’re chasing history, mountain views, or just a quiet place to unwind, Buffalo is a great base for exploring this part of Wyoming.
Share Your Buffalo, WY Experience
Have you been to
Buffalo, Wyoming or anywhere else in
Johnson County?
- What was your favorite thing to do near Buffalo?
- Did you stay at the Occidental Hotel or explore the Bighorn Mountains?
I’d love to hear your stories, tips, and questions.
Drop a comment below and share your experience—or the one you’re planning. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a Wyoming road trip or looking for new small towns to explore.
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