Nestled at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan, Wyoming, is riddled with history and epic scenery. Sheridan is the epitome of the Old West, located halfway between Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore. 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 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 WYO Rodeo
Twice a year, you can join in on Rodeo Week’s action. 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 a horse and rider pull skiers 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 it’s 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 other 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 8:00am to 5:00pm.
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 Eagles, Whitetail deer, black bears, mountain lions and more.
History of Sheridan, Wyoming
Sheridan, Wyoming, established in 1882, is a town rich in Western history, nestled in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. Named after General Philip Sheridan, a Union cavalry leader during the Civil War, the town quickly became a hub for ranching and mining. Its strategic location along the Bozeman Trail made it a significant site during the Indian Wars, with nearby historical landmarks like the Battle of Little Bighorn and Fort Phil Kearny. Over time, Sheridan has retained its frontier spirit, blending Old West traditions with modern charm, attracting visitors for its historical sites, Western culture, and outdoor recreation.
This article was originally written for the Spring 2022 Issue of Modern Cowboy Magazine. (Previously known as Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine). Catch more stories from this issue below!
