From history, to hunting, to hang gliding and golf
Celebrate a bit of the Old West in the heart of Wyoming’s cowboy country. In Sheridan where the Old West meets the New West, history and recreation opportunities abound and there’s not a better time to enjoy them than the fall! This historic community showcases the spectacular, snowcapped peaks of the Big Horn Mountains, which call to the adventuresome spirit with a myriad of recreational activities.
DAY 1
Beginning in spring all the way into late fall, hang gliding brings the mountains to life! Daredevils enjoy jumping into thin air off the face of the magnificent Big Horns, when the weather and air drafts are just right. Spectators watch and photograph as gliders soar above and beyond the mountains at Sand Turn, just west of Sheridan. This popular sport features hang gliders from across the nation during the Hang Gliders Fly-In over Labor Day weekend.
In the afternoon, enjoy the stellar rock climbing opportunities in this area with premier ops at Steamboat Rock on top of the Big Horn Mountains and Tongue River Canyon. Join other outdoor aficionados to challenge yourself in new locations in the area.
Fall is also an enticing time to see wildlife and vibrant Fall colors It is during this time that deer and elk move down off the mountain to spend the winter in the more mild Sheridan valley. Whether your interests lean toward hunting or photographing, you will see an abundance of diverse wildlife for which we are well known: mule and white-tailed deer, elk and moose, pheasants, gray partridge, sharp-tailed grouse and sage and blue grouse, AND black bear. And traveling the back roads heading down the mountain in the late afternoon often yields numerous and close sightings all with the backdrop of vivacious oranges, golds and reds. Be sure to bring your camera!
Our Scenic By-ways 14 and 14A meander through the mountains, providing vehicle turnouts to relax, enjoy abundant wildlife, as well as stunning, world-class views. Highway 14 beckons you into beautiful Shell Canyon with must-stops at the cascading falls and self-guided nature paths. Highway 14A, accessible from May through October, provides incredible views, enlivened by moose in the wild and access to the sacred Medicine Wheel.
DAY 2
Golfers find the area a paradise of opportunity for all levels of expertise. Dubbed Wyoming's Golf Capitol, Sheridan offers four championship courses within a 35-mile radius: The Powder Horn's 27-hole championship course rated in GolfWeek's top 100, Kendrick’s 18 hole course rated in the top 5 courses in Wyoming by Golf Digest magazine, Sheridan Country Club, and the Buffalo Course.
Or should your interests lean toward a unique leisurely adventure, tour and shop Sheridan’s historic Main Street District, exploring antiques to cowboy memorabilia to intriguing boutiques and galleries. While at the same time, explore the 30 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places via a self-guided Downtown Walking Tour booklet available at the Sheridan Travel and Tourism office.
End your day with lovely, fine dining Sheridan Dinning And of course a visit to the Mint Bar a local hang-out with a 100-year watering hole history, displaying the area’s western paraphernalia and wild game trophy décor, AND where Kenny Rogers was thrown out the front window in the “Wild Horses” movie and the idea was generated for the movie, Brokeback Mountain.
DAY 3
Add yet another dimension to your Wyoming experience, spend your day embracing the Old West to New West by exploring multiple museums and nearby historic sites which celebrate Native Americans and the opening of the West to pioneers and settlers: • Don King's Western Museum – cowboy memorabilia and Indian artifact collections • Trail End State Historic Site – cattle baron’s mansion, with a rich ranching heritage • Ft. Phil Kearny - Indian war history on the Bloody Bozeman Trail • Historic Sheridan Inn - home of famous Buffalo Bill, & resident ghosts, a National Historic Landmark • Sheridan County Museum – the area’s colorful cultures, commerce & characters • Bradford Brinton Memorial & Museum - gentleman’s working ranch & famous western art collection
Sheridan, midway between Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore National Monument, was voted #1 Western Town in America and is conveniently located adjacent to Interstate 90 in Northeastern Wyoming. Visitors embrace Sheridan as an authentic western destination! To explore and build a personalized travel itinerary of desired activities, historic sites, shops and events to include during a trek to Sheridan, visit Sheridan Website . Also add to your itinerary, the hotel, B&B, or RV Park, and a selection of restaurants, from western cuisine to fine dining.
