5 Things to do in Sheridan, Wyoming

Nestled at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan, Wyoming is riddled with history and epic scenery. Located halfway between Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore, Sheridan is the epitome of the Old West. When visiting, you’ll see remnants of the cowboy, pioneer, and rancher lifestyle that so many sacrificed for as they traveled with the westward migration.

Sheridan breathes tradition and encourages family fun any time of year; summer street festivals, semi-annual rodeos, brew fest, concerts in the park, and farmer’s markets are just a few of the many things that invite people from around the world to this small Wyoming town. Visitors can also find events that encompass the traditional western lifestyle; every May spectators can watch the Eaton Horse Drive as cowboys run their herd through the heart of downtown from open land to the Eaton Ranch. Want to experience a true Cowboy lifestyle? Stay at one of the nearby ranches to stay in cabins, go horseback riding, and explore open land as far as the eye can see. If you love small towns and a slower pace of life, Sheridan is the perfect place for your next visit.

Sheridan Rodeo Week

Twice a year you can join in the action of Rodeo Week. In mid-July, attendees can participate in the Boot Kick-Off and bed races, and watch bucking broncos and Pow Wows while enjoying the sights and sounds of a carnival. The winter rodeo offers exciting action-packed days full of skijoring through downtown (a competition where skiers are pulled by a horse and rider along a course with jumps, gates, and rings), Cowboy Polo, Bike Races, and live music over at Black Tooth and Luminous Breweries.

Mint Bar

Lit up every night with the iconic neon Wyoming Bucking Bronco, the Mint Bar has been a legendary meeting place since its opening in 1907. Like many historic bars, the Mint has been many things over the years, from a cigar company and soda shop with a speakeasy hidden in the walls to a casual spot to get a cold one and let the horses rest. A visit to Sheridan isn’t complete without grabbing your friends and telling them you’ll “meet them at the Mint.”

Kings Saddlery on Main Street

Located in Downtown Sheridan on Main Street, King’s Saddlery and Ropes is a large western tack store that has something for “every cowboy, cowgirl, and city-slicker.” From custom tooled leather goods, saddles, ropes, and horse tack to jewelry, knick-knacks, and more for the general western lifestyle lover. King’s is a family-run business started by the late Don King in 1946. Some of his custom handmade saddles are now in the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and the PRCA Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Don King Museum

Attached to King’s Rope, the museum is home to over three decades of the King’s family collection of Western and Cowboy memorabilia from across the world. Visitors will see walls lined with hundreds of saddles as well as in-tact coaches, wagons, Native American artifacts, generations of firearms, Western tack, and original artwork. Anyone who has a love of Cowboy history will want to make this a stop while in Sheridan. The museum is open Monday – Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Bighorn Mountains

A scenic short drive outside of Sheridan, you’ll find stunning views along over 1,200 miles of trails through the Bighorn Mountains. The trails differ in difficulty, but you’ll find something for every level of hiker. Rivers throughout the Bighorns also offer amazing spots for fly fishing Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, Black-nose Dace, and Mountain Whitefish. Wildlife viewing is also a big part of the mountain range no matter what activity you participate in; keep an eye out for Bald Eagle, Whitetail deer, black bear, mountain lions, and more.

Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine

This article was created for the Spring Issue of the Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine which was released in early April. You can catch this article and many more by checking out the full issue. For more information on Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine, visit the website here.