Tag Archive for: sheridan

Sheridan County Houses Historic Sites that Shaped the West

There are countless ways to experience the history that shaped the American West when you visit Sheridan County. Less than an hour from downtown is the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Other important Indian Wars battle sites – including Fort Phil Kearney, the Wagon Box Fight and the Connor Battlefield – can be visited on a half-day tour.

The Brinton Museum, located on the 620-acre Quarter Circle A Ranch, offers a view into the life of Bradford Brinton, a Western art collector who was a patron of many of the most celebrated early Western artists. Also in Big Horn is the LeDoux Saloon, where Ernest Hemingway spent time during the 1920s (when it was known as the Last Chance Saloon).

The Trail End State Historic Site is a Flemish revival-style mansion built by former Governor John B. Kendrick. The Sheridan Inn, constructed in 1892, was conceptualized and developed by Buffalo Bill Cody. Cody auditioned new members for his legendary “Wild West Show” from the front porch. In the Bighorn Mountains at over 10,000 feet is the Medicine Wheel, an ancient ceremonial Indian site still used today for cultural and ritualistic events by the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Tribes.

The Trail End State Historic Site is a Flemish revival-style mansion built by former Governor John B. Kendrick in Sheridan County, Wyoming. Photo courtesy of Sheridan County Tourism

For more information on Sheridan, visit SheridanWyoming.org.

Sheridan’s Western, Outdoor Events Celebrate Anniversaries

2023 is poised to be a big year for Sheridan County as we celebrate some major anniversaries! The legendary mountain hideaway known as Spear-O-Wigwam, beloved by Ernest Hemingway during the 1920s, turns 100 years old. Don King Days, an annual celebration of Western history and heritage that takes place at the Big Horn Equestrian Center, celebrates 35 years over Labor Day Weekend. The Bighorn Wild and Scenic Trail Run, an iconic stop on the trail running circuit, turns 30. Trail End State Historic Site will be 110. And not to be outdone, the Historic Sheridan Inn turns 130 years young, and has never looked better!

Of course, there are plenty of other events and attractions to look forward to this year. In seven short years, The Dead Swede has become one of the West’s premiere gravel bike races. The Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo became the largest skijoring event in America its first time out of the gate; it’s back for a third time, and bigger than ever. Last but not least, our beloved Sheridan WYO Rodeo takes center stage in July for the 93rd time.

Legendary mountain hideaway Spear-O-Wigwam, beloved by Ernest Hemingway in the 1920s, celebrates its 100th birthday in 2023. Photo courtesy of Sheridan County Travel and Tourism

For more information on Sheridan, visit SheridanWyoming.org.

Don’t Miss the Stunning Fall Colors in Sheridan, Wyoming

Explore the stunning Bighorn Mountains under a canopy of electric color each fall when you drive the Bighorn Scenic Byway to Burgess Junction, where aspen groves set a spectacular stage for the breathtaking Cloud Peak Wilderness. In the foothills, the Welch Ranch Recreation Area includes 1,700 acres of woodland along the Tongue River, where towering cottonwoods shimmer late into the fall. At the Brinton Museum, marvel at the beautiful canopy that lines the path to the historic ranch house.

Plan your visit to coincide with the annual events at the Koltiska’s Pumpkin Patch, a great opportunity for the entire family to visit a historic ranch in beautiful Sheridan County. The 2023 WYO Winter Rodeo and epic skijoring festivities are planned for February 18-19; don’t miss your chance to experience Sheridan’s incredible winter wonderland and the wildest ride in the West.

Fall colors at Scott Centennial Park in Dayton, along the Bighorn Scenic Byway, provide a postcard-perfect scene. Photo courtesy of Sheridan County Travel & Tourism

For more information on Sheridan, visit SheridanWyoming.org.

Sheridan Celebrates the West Through Festivals, Rodeos

Sheridan is known for hosting some of the most legendary festivals and events in the West. From rodeos and festivals to craft culture celebrations, Sheridan offers events for visitors to enjoy year-round.

Sheridan County’s rich cultural legacy is deeply rooted in the arts, and that will be prevalent this spring when the Brinton Museum showcases master leathercrafters from Wyoming alongside masters from Japan.

Mid-July brings a week-long celebration of Western culture that captures the hearts of the cowboy in everyone during the Sheridan WYO Rodeo, featuring one of the most unique sporting spectacles in America in the annual Championship Indian Relay Races.

Labor Day weekend brings an event that celebrates the spirit and traditions of the West: The annual Don King Days showcases classic equestrian events unique to Sheridan. Bring the whole family and experience steer roping, bronc riding, live music and championship polo matches on the grass at the Big Horn Equestrian Center.

The craft scene in Sheridan is among the most robust in the Mountain West, and it is celebrated every September at the annual Born in a Barn event. From fashion and furniture vendors to music and food, this event embraces the motto “craft is king.”

The Championship Indian Relay Races are part of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo, a week-long celebration of Western culture. Photo courtesy of Sheridan County Travel and Tourism

For more information on Sheridan, visit SheridanWyoming.org.

Put Sheridan, Wyoming, on your calendar in 2022

Sheridan, Wyoming, is a testament to the icons and outlaws of the American West, an epic outdoor destination and a siren song to the history and heritage of the Old West. There’s always something exciting going on nearby, but here are five special attractions to put on your calendar for 2022:

  1. February 19: The Sheridan Wyo Winter Rodeo is a fast-paced, adrenaline-filled winter event. Enjoy the festivities on Broadway Avenue as horse, rider and skier race past.
  2. June-Labor Day: See polo matches on one of the largest fields in the United States. All summer long, spectators are encouraged to tailgate and bring a lawn chair to get an up-close look at the action.
  3. July 12-17: The 92nd Sheridan Wyo Rodeo is a tribute to the American cowboy, with its Old West ways of roping, wild bucking horses and bulls, and the iconic World Championship Indian relay races.
  4. July 17-23: Experience the literary expertise Hemingway brought to Sheridan at the International Hemingway Conference. The event includes trips to spots visited by Hemingway and academic sessions at Sheridan College.
  5. September 30-October 2: Immerse yourself in the WYO Film Festival as the greatest storytellers capture your attention through innovative and inspirational films.

Travel back in time at the Sheridan Wyo Rodeo, a testament to Old West roping, bucking horses and the iconic World Championship Indian relay races. Photo courtesy of Sheridan Travel Tourism

For more information on Sheridan, visit SheridanWyoming.org.