If you’ve ever driven across northeastern Wyoming on I‑90, you may have passed right by a quiet little neighborhood called
without even realizing it. It’s just outside Gillette, tucked between open prairie and big Wyoming skies.
Sleepy Hollow itself is mainly residential, but here’s the good news: you’re only a short drive from some of the best things to do in northeast Wyoming. Whether you’re planning a road trip, staying in Gillette, or visiting friends in Sleepy Hollow, this list will help you find real, local experiences nearby.
Below are
1. Explore Downtown Gillette’s Murals and Local Shops
Just a few minutes west of Sleepy Hollow,
downtown Gillette is small but lively. It’s a great first stop to stretch your legs and get a feel for Campbell County.
Walk along Gillette Avenue and the surrounding streets and you’ll find:
- Colorful street murals and public art
- Locally owned coffee shops and bakeries
- Western-style boutiques with boots, hats, and gifts
- Cozy bars and restaurants with friendly locals
If you like taking photos, the murals make fun backdrops. Think of it as a small-town outdoor gallery. Grab a coffee, wander a few blocks, and you’ll start to feel what makes this corner of Wyoming special: it’s laid-back, but full of personality.
2. Learn Local History at the Rockpile Museum
If you want to understand Gillette and Sleepy Hollow beyond what you see out the car window, head to the
Campbell County Rockpile Museum in Gillette.
This free (or low-cost) museum focuses on:
- Ranching and homesteading history
- Native American artifacts and stories
- Old-time Western tools, wagons, and photographs
- Exhibits on coal mining and energy in Campbell County
It’s not a huge museum, but it’s packed with interesting items. You might see antique saddles, old schoolhouse setups, or even clothing from early settlers. If you’re traveling with kids, the hands-on exhibits give them something to touch and explore.
It’s an easy way to spend an hour or two, especially on a windy or cold day.
3. Take the Gillette Coal Mine and Energy Tour
Campbell County calls itself the
“Energy Capital of the Nation”, and that’s not an exaggeration. Massive coal mines surround Gillette and Sleepy Hollow, and you can actually tour them in season.
Through local tour operators and visitor centers, you can book a guided
coal mine and energy tour that typically includes:
- A bus ride out to an active or former surface coal mine
- Up-close views of huge haul trucks and draglines
- Explanations of how coal is mined and reclaimed
- Information about oil, gas, and wind energy in the area
Watching heavy machinery move earth on such a large scale is almost like seeing a real-life movie set. It gives you a better understanding of what powers so much of the US—and how that impacts a small Wyoming community.
Check ahead for schedules, as these tours are usually offered only on certain days and seasons.
4. Hike, Bike, or Picnic at Dalbey Memorial Park (Fishing Lake)
About 10–15 minutes from Sleepy Hollow,
Dalbey Memorial Park—often called “Fishing Lake” by locals—is a favorite outdoor hangout in Gillette.
Here you’ll find:
- A peaceful lake for catch-and-release fishing
- Walking and biking paths that loop around the water
- Playgrounds for kids
- Grassy areas perfect for a blanket and picnic
On a calm summer evening, it’s a relaxing place to watch the sun dip down, with geese on the water and families out for a stroll. If you’ve been driving all day across Wyoming, a slow walk around the lake feels like a breath of fresh air.
Bring a light jacket—even in summer, Wyoming evenings can cool off quickly.
5. Enjoy Sports and Events at the CAM-PLEX
Just east of Gillette and not far from Sleepy Hollow, the
CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities is a huge complex that hosts all kinds of events throughout the year.
Depending on when you visit, you might find:
- Rodeos and horse shows
- County fairs and livestock events
- Concerts, trade shows, and expos
- Camping and RV parking for big gatherings
If you like rodeo culture or just want to see how Wyoming does community events, check the CAM-PLEX calendar before your trip. You may stumble into a barbecue competition, a dog show, or a big Western festival you weren’t expecting.
It’s one of those places where your experience will depend a lot on timing—but when something’s happening, it’s usually fun and very local.
6. Day Trip to Devils Tower National Monument
One of the best things about staying near Sleepy Hollow is how close you are to one of America’s most unique landmarks:
Devils Tower National Monument.
It’s about
1.5 to 2 hours by car from the Sleepy Hollow / Gillette area, an easy day trip through open, rolling country.
At Devils Tower, you can:
- Walk the base trail around the tower (about 1.3 miles)
- Watch rock climbers making their way up the columns
- Look for prairie dogs along the roadside near the entrance
- Learn about the site’s Native American cultural significance
Standing at the base, the tower rises up like something from another planet—no wonder it was featured in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” The mix of pine forests, red rocks, and wide-open sky makes this one of the most memorable trips you can take from Campbell County.
Bring water, sunscreen, and good walking shoes. Wyoming sun can be strong, even when it’s cool.
7. Visit Keyhole State Park for Swimming, Boating, and Camping
If you’re traveling in warm weather and want time on the water, head to
Keyhole State Park, west of Devils Tower and roughly an hour or so from Sleepy Hollow.
Keyhole Reservoir offers:
- Boating and water-skiing
- Swimming in designated areas
- Fishing for walleye, northern pike, and more
- Campgrounds with lake views
The landscape here feels like classic high plains country—sandy coves, pine trees, and long views. It’s a great place to cool off after a day of driving, or to set up camp for a night under the stars.
If you’re staying in Sleepy Hollow or Gillette, a day trip to Keyhole gives you that “lake weekend” feeling without being too far from town.
8. Take a Scenic Drive Through Campbell County Backroads
One of the underrated things to do near Sleepy Hollow is also one of the simplest: just
go for a drive.
Campbell County has miles of:
- Quiet county roads that roll over low hills and prairie
- Views of working ranches, windmills, and cattle
- Big-sky sunsets that light up the clouds for miles
If you’re used to city traffic, this kind of open-road drive can feel almost unreal. Put on some music, roll down the windows (if the wind isn’t too wild), and just enjoy the space.
Be sure to:
- Keep an eye out for deer and antelope near the road
- Fuel up in Gillette first—services can be far apart
- Check weather, especially in winter or during storms
Sometimes, the most memorable part of a Wyoming trip isn’t a single attraction, but that sense of freedom you get on the road.
9. Eat Like a Local at Gillette’s Steakhouses and Diners
After a day of exploring, you’ll want a good meal. Gillette has plenty of places where you can grab a hearty, no-nonsense dinner—exactly what you’d expect in cattle country.
You’ll find:
- Steakhouses serving ribeyes, sirloins, and prime rib
- Burger joints with big portions and friendly service
- Diners offering chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes, and pie
- Breweries and pubs with local beers and pub food
If you’re not sure where to go, just ask a local, “Where would you send a friend for a good steak?” In small Wyoming towns, people usually have strong opinions—and they’re happy to share them.
There’s something satisfying about ending a wide-open Wyoming day with a plate of comfort food and a cold drink.
10. Stargaze Under Campbell County’s Night Sky
One of the most special things to do near Sleepy Hollow doesn’t cost a thing:
look up at the night sky.
Because Campbell County is so open and lightly populated, you’ll often get:
- Dark skies with very little light pollution
- Clear views of the Milky Way on moonless nights
- Bright constellations and shooting stars
Drive a few minutes out of town, find a safe pull-off or a quiet road, turn off your headlights, and give your eyes 10 to 15 minutes to adjust. It’s amazing how many stars appear once your eyes get used to the dark.
If you’re traveling with kids, this can be one of those simple moments they’ll remember long after the trip is over.
Planning Your Visit to Sleepy Hollow, Wyoming
While
Sleepy Hollow itself is a small residential area, its location near Gillette puts you in a great spot to explore northeastern Wyoming:
- Local culture and history in Gillette
- Outdoor recreation at Dalbey Park and Keyhole State Park
- Iconic landscapes at Devils Tower National Monument
- Big skies, backroads, and star-filled nights
If you’re driving along I‑90 between the Black Hills and Yellowstone, this area makes a nice break in your trip. It’s quieter than many tourist towns, but that’s part of the charm.
What Would You Do Near Sleepy Hollow?
Have you visited
Sleepy Hollow or
Gillette before? Did you find a hidden gem—maybe a favorite café, hiking spot, or photo stop—that others should know about?
I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences.
- Drop a comment below and share your favorite thing to do near Sleepy Hollow, Wyoming.
- If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends planning a Wyoming road trip.
The more we share local tips, the easier it becomes for travelers to discover the real heart of places like Campbell County—beyond the highway signs and gas stations.
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