Explore the Old West, Experience the New West

Walk in the paths of pioneers, outlaws, gold miners, soldiers, and cowboys

Founded in 1879 on a buffalo trail that forded Clear Creek, Buffalo, Wyoming is as historic as it is progressive. It's rich history started in 1878, when For McKinney was established on the Clear Fork of the Powder River to help protect the historic Bozeman Trail and support and supply various U.S. Calvary campaigns.

With the Great Western Migration, Buffalo has seen its share of historic personalities roll through; Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, "Buffalo Bill" Cody, Tom Horn, Calamity Jane, and Teddy Roosevelt sought out a cozy bed and a strong drink in town. Author Owen Wister wrote what is considered to be the first Western novel, "The Virginian" while staying at Buffalo's historic Occidental Hotel. It's that history that's mixed with quaint shops, great restaurants and friends folk that make Buffalo a place to spend some quality time.

Nearby, you can visit the site of old Fort Reno, drive through Crazy Woman Canyon, where the legend meets scenic nature, or dip your toes in the clear, crisp waters of Lake DeSmet. In Buffalo, you can amble through 12 miles of scenic trail along the Clear Creek Trail System, or stop by Mountain Plains Heritage Park, a unique crossroads of history and the American West.

History abounds in and around Buffalo. Here you can visit Fort Phil Kearny Site & Visitor Center,k stroll the grounds of the frort and learn about the Fetterman Battlefield and take an interpretive self-guided tour. The site of the Wagon Box Fight affords a scenic view of the Big Horn Mountains, along with details about the fight.

The Historic TA Ranch is south of Buffalo and is where the Johnson County Cattle War came to a dramatic conlusion. Under the shade of cottonwood trees, you'll still find the original bullet holes in the historic old barn where the last stand in the war took place.

At the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, you can learn about Buffalo and its place in Western heritage; the Johnson County Cattle War, the Fetterman and Wagon Box Fights, the Bozeman Trail, and Bomber Mountain.