Posted in Wyoming Attractions, Small Towns March 19, 2023 by

The Historic Small Town That Every Wyomingite Should Visit At Least Once

When the travel booking giant Expedia was looking for Wyoming’s Most Beautiful Town, it didn’t take them long to figure out what we’ve known for years: Buffalo, Wyoming is one of the best towns in the West. This historic small town is one that everyone in Wyoming needs to visit at least once, and it’s a place that you’ll want to return to again and again. What is Buffalo, Wyoming known for? Read below to see what makes this a little slice of heaven right here in the wild west. There are so many amazing things to do in Buffalo, Wyoming! You’ll have trouble leaving when the time comes.

The town of Buffalo, Wyoming, is one of the most historic towns of the American West.
Facebook / Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce
Once called the "most lawless town" in the Nation, Buffalo is home to the TA Ranch, where the Invaders of the Johnson County War were holed up.
Zeete, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Here, a bloody battle on the Range was the result of angry Big Business cattlemen violently fighting against smaller farmers looking to defend their right to settle in Wyoming.
You can learn more about one of the most significant events to occur in Wyoming at Buffalo's Jim Gatchell Museum.
Facebook / Jim Gatchell Museum
In the Museum, you'll find over 15,000 preserved artifacts from the days of the Wild West and the earliest days of Johnson County.
Facebook / Jim Gatchell Museum
Walking through downtown Buffalo is like stepping back in time - it's no wonder A&E chose to set their cowboy drama, Longmire, right here.
Flickr / Steve Elliott
Though the show is set in fictional Absaroka County, much of the show is set right here.
Google Local / Brian Mitchell
In fact, the Busy Bee Cafe is one of the show's landmark locations!
When a major television network sets a cowboy drama in your cafe, that says something about the hearty and delicious food you've been serving for years.
Google Local / Harrison Tooley
You'll find dozens of historic buildings here in Buffalo, Wyoming - like the haunted Occidental Hotel.
Flickr / Steve Elliott
In this photo, you can see President Hoover in the Hotel. Teddy Roosevelt, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill and Frank Canton were said to have been guests.
Facebook / Historic Occidental Hotel
The Hotel's lobby looks much like it did in the 1800s - and there are even bullet holes in the ceiling of the saloon from illegal gambling gone wrong.
Facebook / Historic Occidental Hotel
Attached to the Occidental is The Virginian Restaurant
Flickr / Jon
This historic dining spot is a perfect picture of the American West as it was in the 1800s, and it serves up true Western food.
Google Local / Greg Mitts
Be sure to stop here for one of their steaks when you visit - the Buffalo Steak is perfect if you've got a big appetite!
Google Local / Greg Mitts
For the adventuresome Wyomingite, Buffalo provides the perfect jumping off point for exploring the Bighorn Mountains and the Cloudy Peak Wilderness.
Flickr / Brendan Bombacci
Whether you come for the history, the food, the mountains or all three, one thing's for sure: Buffalo is one of the most amazing little towns on the planet.
Flickr / Brendan Bombacci

Did you know that the Occidental Hotel is one of the most haunted places in Wyoming? Keep in mind that when you book your stay, you might get a visit or two from the past! Whether you’re into ghostly spirits or just the kind you find at the Saloon, the Occidental is one place in Buffalo that you absolutely must see. What are your other favorite Saloons in the West?

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Address: Buffalo, WY 82834, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

What Is Buffalo, Wyoming Known For?

July 09, 2022
Christy Articola

What is Buffalo, Wyoming known for?

Buffalo, Wyoming is known for

  • A rich western history
  • For being a quaint small town
  • For having great restaurants and hotels
  • For being an all-around great place to visit

 

What else is there to do near Buffalo, Wyoming?

There are a ton of fun things to do in Buffalo, Wyoming. You might consider:

 

What is the best hike in Buffalo?

The best hike in Buffalo is:

 

What other towns and things to do are nearby?

 

Buffalo, Wyoming is kind of out there, but it's not far from both Sheridan and Gillette. Both of these towns are larger and have lots of activities for visitors. In fact, there are lots of things to do in eastern Wyoming; many people focus on Yellowstone and Teton, but you'll really be missing out if you don't spend time exploring this part of the state, too. Check out this list of places out East in Wyoming for more ideas.