When the subject of laid-back little Wyoming towns comes up, one, in particular, gets mentioned over and over. There are tons of reasons people love Buffalo, whether they live there or just visit a few times a year. This little town steeped in history offers both sporting as well as leisure activities, all while maintaining a charming, unhurried atmosphere. It’s truly a place where you can relax and unwind.
You’ll find Buffalo, Wyoming near where Interstates 90 and 25 intersect up in the northern part of the state.
Buffalo Wyoming
Buffalo was incorporated as a town in 1884 and serves as the Johnson County seat.
Buffalo Wyoming
Over 130 years later, the little town has managed to keep up with the times while maintaining its laid-back, small town atmosphere.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Buffalo’s location is one reason it’s a favorite of many. It is tucked into the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, about 56 miles from the Bighorn National Forest.
David Grant/Flickr
With all that wilderness right around the town, locals and visitors alike enjoy loads of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, hunting…
m01229/Flickr
…camping, and horseback riding, too.
Derek Oyen/Flickr
Beautiful Lake DeSmet is only about 10 miles away, offering all the water-related activities you can handle including swimming, fishing, boating, and windsurfing.
misty_bee_Wyo/TripAdvisor
Plus, don’t forget that Antelope Butte is in the Bighorn National Forest, offering opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Antelope Butte/Facebook In the winter, there are over 385 miles of snowmobile trails closer to the town, adding to the winter sports you can enjoy here.
In Buffalo itself, there is just as much to do and see. Start with an historical tour of the city at the Occidental Hotel.
Andrew Miller/Flickr The Occidental has been doing business for longer than Buffalo has been a town, and you can book a room there today. Much of the original décor is still in place, and there’s a museum on the premises, as well.
The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum is another fascinating historical spot in Buffalo.
Mark Goebel/Flickr Jim opened the Buffalo Pharmacy in 1900. Over the years, Gatchell received numerous gifts from local residents and Native Americans including war bonnets, clothing, tools, medicine bags, guns, and more, turning his drug store into a sort of time capsule. After the pharmacist died in 1954, his family donated the extensive collection to Johnson County, and the museum now houses this large piece of Wyoming history.
While you’re at the museum, you’ll want to tour the Jenkins Family Homestead, a little log cabin located on the museum grounds.
Jasperdo/Flickr Built in 1916, the cabin is a window into the past, when homesteaders made their way to Wyoming in search of a new life.
The Crazy Lady Fine Art Gallery is a great place for viewing the work of talented local artists.
Google Maps There are other galleries and art studios around the town, too, and unique gift shops as well.
If you feel like cooling off with a swim after touring the town and don’t feel like driving out to Lake DeSmet, take a refreshing dip in the delightful outdoor swimming pool at Washington Memorial Park.
Buffalo Wyoming The YMCA has an indoor swimming pool, too, for those bad-weather days.
The Clear Creek Brewing Company is an inviting and comfortable place to enjoy a locally craft-brewed beer or other beverage.
Clear Creek Brewing Company/TripAdvisor
For some smokin’ barbecue, visit Up In Smoke BBQ and Brew.
Up In Smoke’s BBQ and Brew/Facebook For a small town, Buffalo has more than its share of eateries. When you visit, you’ll have over 25 restaurants, diners, cafes, and grills to choose from.
Any trip to Wyoming isn’t complete without a visit to an honest-to-goodness honky tonk, so be sure to drop in Buffalo’s own Cowboy Bar for drinks, live music, dancing, and the occasional chicken roping competition.
Cowboy Saloon of Buffalo/Facebook
What is your favorite place to go in Wyoming when you want to escape the rat race?
Buffalo Wyoming
Jasperdo/Flickr
David Grant/Flickr
m01229/Flickr
Derek Oyen/Flickr
misty_bee_Wyo/TripAdvisor
Antelope Butte/Facebook
In the winter, there are over 385 miles of snowmobile trails closer to the town, adding to the winter sports you can enjoy here.
Andrew Miller/Flickr
The Occidental has been doing business for longer than Buffalo has been a town, and you can book a room there today. Much of the original décor is still in place, and there’s a museum on the premises, as well.
Mark Goebel/Flickr
Jim opened the Buffalo Pharmacy in 1900. Over the years, Gatchell received numerous gifts from local residents and Native Americans including war bonnets, clothing, tools, medicine bags, guns, and more, turning his drug store into a sort of time capsule. After the pharmacist died in 1954, his family donated the extensive collection to Johnson County, and the museum now houses this large piece of Wyoming history.
Built in 1916, the cabin is a window into the past, when homesteaders made their way to Wyoming in search of a new life.
Google Maps
There are other galleries and art studios around the town, too, and unique gift shops as well.
The YMCA has an indoor swimming pool, too, for those bad-weather days.
Clear Creek Brewing Company/TripAdvisor
Up In Smoke’s BBQ and Brew/Facebook
For a small town, Buffalo has more than its share of eateries. When you visit, you’ll have over 25 restaurants, diners, cafes, and grills to choose from.
Cowboy Saloon of Buffalo/Facebook
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