The spirit of Wyoming can be found just south of the state’s northern border, along I-90, in two towns steeped in history and draped in a mantle of autumn’s deep greens and brilliant golds – Buffalo and Sheridan – the precious gems of the Big Horn Mountains.
Day One
Dig in your heels this mornin’ and stay close in the saddle at King’s Western Museum and King’s Saddlery. Shop and stroll along historic Main Street, then follow the trail to Trail End Historic Site, the Flemish-style estate built in 1913, home of former Governor and US Senator, John B. Kendrick. After lunch, join a small group for a private tour of a local artist’s studio. The scenic valleys and canyons around Sheridan and Buffalo have welcomed many artists who now call this area home. Return to Sheridan in time for an intimate wine tasting and tour of the Wyoming Crafts & Wine Cellar before dinner.
Or, venture south on Hwy 335 to the Quarter Circle A Ranch, now known as the Bradford Brinton Memorial Ranch. The spacious 20-room ranch house’s charm is the perfect setting for Brinton’s outstanding collection of rare books and Western art featuring works by Charles Russell, Frederic Remington, John James Audubon, Frank Tenny Johnson, Edward Borein and others. Head further south on Hwy 87 past Banner and Story to the site of the old Fort Phil Kearny where thousands of Sioux, Arapahoe and Cheyenne braves fought repeatedly with US Cavalrymen stationed here to protect travelers along the Bozeman Trail.
No matter which way you spent the afternoon, come together tonight and enjoy a theatrical performance.
Day Two
Don’t forget your camera today as we follow the Scenic Byways trail into the Big Horn Mountains. From Sheridan, Hwy 14 heads west into the Big Horn National Forest. Traveling Shell Canyon Scenic Byway, the canyon showcases the spectacular beauty of this area including Shell Falls, where Shell Creek tumbles down steeply pitched granite before transforming into a gently flowing creek. Continue to the town of Greybull at the confluence of the Big Horn and Greybull rivers and Shell and Dry creeks. The town derives its name from a legendary albino bison bull sacred to the Native Americans. Turn south on Hwy 789 to Manderson and then east on Hwy 31 to Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site. Prehistoric petroglyphs and pictographs remain on the red sandstone cliffs as reminders of the past. Medicine Lodge Creek runs through the lush meadows and thick groves of trees creating a perfect setting for a picnic lunch. Take time to walk the trails or grab your fishing pole for some quiet communing with nature.
Backtrack on Hwy 31 to Lower Nowood Road and follow it southeast to the little town of Ten Sleep. Continue east on Hwy 16 across the mountains, following Ten Sleep Creek through Ten Sleep Canyon along the Big Horn Scenic Byway. The name Ten Sleep derives from the Indians’ method of measuring distance by the number of days, or sleeps, between two points of reference. Photo opportunities abound enroute to Buffalo where the Historic Occidental Hotel Museum & Saloon let’s you step back in time. A stop at Margo’s Pottery is a must, and don’t miss the Hitching Post Art Gallery for intricate woodcarvings of wildlife and bronze statuary. During November, spend time at the Christmas Art Walk, Holiday Art Show or Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair in Buffalo. Settle in for an overnight in Buffalo.
Day Three
From Buffalo, take Hwy 16 north just past where it intersects with Hwy 14 to the Ucross Foundation & Art Gallery. Tour the big, red ranch house, built in 1882, and listed on the National Historic Register. This quiet, rural complex serves as a retreat for painters, poets, sculptors and other artists. The foundation grants fellowships to encourage the advancement of the arts. Double back to Hwy 14, and travel one mile east to the Ranch at Ucross where the Old West still lives on the banks of Piney Creek. This resort ranch regularly serves up gourmet meals with a ranch experience that brings the spirit of the Old West back to life. Enjoy entertainment by local musicians tonight and witness a real western QuickDraw, artist-style. Overnight at The Ranch at Ucross.
Visiting Casper during the holidays is like stepping back in time to a slower, gentler age when every event was treasured and a congenial down-home spirit reigns. Enjoy the traditional downtown (and many neighborhoods) ablaze with holiday lights, as well as Casper’s annual Christmas Parade. From period re-enactments and celebrations for a good cause to shopping and fun family-friendly events, Casper is alive during the holiday season. read more
In 1894, some 800,000 head of wild, longhorn cattle from Texas were moved along the trail into the territories of Wyoming and Montana to stock the open ranges. read more
