Explore Sheridan, Wyoming

At first blush, picturesque Sheridan is all archetypal mountain verve and Wyoming vigor, but there is an artistic dynamism and cultural allure here that belies its cow-town reputation.

Sheridan’s ranching roots run centuries deep, and so too does its polo legacy (and connection to the British Crown). The flagship Sheridan WYO Rodeo draws nearly 30,000 visitors to town every July, while the Sheridan WYO Film Festival, Brinton Museum, and the Whitney Center for the Arts have become artistic touchstones with significant regional cache.

The Bighorn National Forest, home to the Cloud Peak Wilderness, is an outdoor playground of the highest caliber. It is rife with hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and climbing opportunities. National attractions also abound – the Historic Sheridan Inn welcomes visitors with the legend and lore of the Wild West; the Mill Inn stands as one of Wyoming’s most distinctive hotel experiences; the ancient Medicine Wheel, at an altitude of 9,462 feet, commands respect with its mystical presence; and historical sites like Fort Phil Kerney and the Fetterman Fight, all located along the Bozeman Trail, offer endless educational and historical exploration.

For the History of The West

Sheridan is a city steeped in the history of the west. Founded in 1884, it was one of the Plains Indians’ most valued hunting grounds—a lush mountain valley brimming with wildlife. The area lay at the center of the American Indian Wars and was the site of significant conflicts, including the defeat of General Custer at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument just a one-hour drive from Sheridan.

For an authentic experience that marries frontier functionality and historical appreciation, consider visiting the area’s renowned dude ranches. Eatons’ Ranch is the oldest working dude ranch in the nation, representing a perfect blend of a functioning cattle ranch and a high-profile western lifestyle destination. The ranches in this region reflect Sheridan’s distinctiveness.

Sheridan’s Cultural Core

Historic Downtown Sheridan is a central hub where cowboy culture meets contemporary flair. It is a place where craft breweries, century-old bars, and farmers’ markets coexist with galleries, boutiques, and shops. Unique establishments like Kings Ropes & Saddlery and the Surf Wyoming outpost showcase local craftsmanship and an eclectic shopping experience. Sheridan’s cultural tourism industry thrives on its commitment to authenticity, ensuring that both visitors and locals enjoy a vibrant atmosphere steeped in Western history.

The Brinton Museum, located on the historic Quarter Circle A Ranch, features an impressive collection of 19th, 20th, and 21st-century Western and American Indian Art. The museum’s design complements its natural landscape, providing stunning views of the Bighorn Mountains.

Where Craft is King

In recent years, Sheridan has seen a blossoming craft beer, spirits, and wine scene. Kolts Fine Spirits, now the Koltiska Distillery, launched the first Koltiska Original Liqueur in 2001. Additionally, Black Tooth Brewing Co. brought innovative changes to the local craft brewing and distilling scene, forever evolving the region’s recreational offerings.

A remarkable wine experience can be found at Weston Wineries, which crafts wines from premium West Coast grapes, honoring the legends of Wyoming at the Ledoux Saloon and Steakhouse on Main St. The local brewery scene continues to thrive, with establishments like Luminous Brewhouse and Smith Alley Brewing Co. providing warm, inviting atmospheres for guests to enjoy unique local flavors.

Sheridan’s breathtaking landscapes and welcoming hospitality make it an exciting destination. Conveniently located between Yellowstone National Park to the west and Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park to the east, visitors find that Sheridan has always been the next big thing in the region.

As a travel entertainment and inspirational media outlet, iBestTravel sometimes partners with brands to provide content. This collaboration is clearly labeled across our platforms. However, our content reflects our editorial views and aligns with our commitment to quality travel information.