Buffalo: History, Trails and Landscapes

Buffalo combines a strong historic character with a variety of nature experiences. In the downtown area, shops, restaurants and galleries meet a history that is visible at the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, the Occidental Hotel and in the historic townscape. At the same time, trails, canyons and excursion destinations offer different opportunities for active days. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can therefore consider whether you want to focus on culture, short nature outings, more challenging tours or a longer road trip.

Discover historic Buffalo

The entire downtown area of Buffalo is listed in the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Districts as part of a historic district. This area is home to shops, restaurants and galleries. The Centennial Trail connects the motels and restaurants on U.S. Highway 16/Hart Street with Artisan Row and historic downtown Buffalo, providing a clear route between different parts of the town.

An important attraction is the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum. Donated items such as rifles, medical bags, bows and arrows, and clothing help tell Jim Gatchell’s story there. In 2023, the museum received a medal from the Institute for Museum and Library Services. Anyone interested in local history and personal stories can plan this visit as a cultural highlight of their trip.

The Occidental Hotel is also part of Buffalo’s history. In autumn 1880, it was converted into a permanent log building together with its partner, A. J. McCray. For many years, the Occidental Hotel hosted most of the significant political, social and cultural gatherings in Johnson County. This historical perspective complements a walk through downtown with a specific place connected to community life.

Crafts, markets and special experiences

Mountain Meadow Wool offers visitors a self-guided tour of its factory and gift shop in Buffalo. The tour shows how wool is washed, dried, carded, spun and hand-dyed. For a trip with a range of interests, this is an informative addition to the museum and local history.

From June to August, the Wednesday Market takes place every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Crazy Woman Square. Local vendors and farmers sell goods to the public there. The regular event can easily be included as a separate activity in the late afternoon. Golf enthusiasts can also visit Buffalo Golf Club, a public 18-hole course with mountain views. Buffalo Municipal Pool, Wyoming’s largest freshwater swimming pool, is located in Washington Memorial Park.

Trails for short and more challenging days

The Clear Creek Trail System comprises more than 20 miles of mostly interconnected trails. Those looking for a wider choice of options for walks, hikes or bike rides will find an extensive foundation for planning their day here. A shorter nature outing is available on the marked nature trail in Mountain Plains Heritage Park on the east side of Buffalo. It is one mile long.

In the vicinity of Buffalo, the Dry Creek Petrified Tree Environmental Education Area offers a 0.8-mile interpretive loop trail through preserved petrified trees. The Grouse Mountain Trail, by contrast, includes challenging switchback sections and is intended for hikers and advanced mountain bikers. These differences help you organize activities according to your preferred distance and level of difficulty, without planning every outing in the same way.

Combining a canyon with a road trip

Buffalo is located on scenic U.S. Highway 16, which connects Mount Rushmore National Memorial with Yellowstone National Park. This means the town can also be included in a longer journey through the landscapes of the American West. In the vicinity of Buffalo, Crazy Woman Canyon Road runs about 12 miles south of downtown along a creek from Highway 87/196 to the western end of U.S. Highway 16.

The area around Crazy Woman Canyon offers opportunities for camping, climbing and trout fishing. If you choose Buffalo as a base for a combination of historic downtown, nature trails and outings along the road route, the holiday apartment or holiday home should above all suit your planned daily rhythm. Before searching, decide whether you would rather explore culture in the morning, use shorter trails or allow time for canyon and landscape experiences.

For the overarching travel overview: Johnson County.