Posted in Wyoming April 28, 2018 by Kim Magaraci

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: that 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. Read below to see what makes this a little slice of heaven right here in the wild west.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

The town of Buffalo, Wyoming, is one of the most historic towns of the American West.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Though the show is set in fictional Absaroka County, much of the show is set right here.

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.

You'll find dozens of historic buildings here in Buffalo, Wyoming - like the haunted Occidental Hotel.

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.

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.

Attached to the Occidental is The Virginian Restaurant

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.

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!

For the adventuresome Wyomingite, Buffalo provides the perfect jumping off point for exploring the Bighorn Mountains and the Cloudy Peak Wilderness.

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.

Did you know that the Occidental Hotel is one of the most haunted places in Wyoming? Read more about it right here, and 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?