As the Western town where cattle drives abound and Buffalo Bill was never a stranger, it should come as no surprise that opportunities for adventure brim in Sheridan, even as the seasons change. As the air turns crisp and cool, discover countless ways to play and enjoy fall at its very best. Shop from local makers, explore miles upon miles of backcountry ablaze with color, cruise scenic byways, and sample area eats.
While you can certainly enjoy anything made from scratch year-round, there's something about fall that makes us want to cozy up to some locally-worked leather or an amber ale.
Inspired by the famous Sheridan saddlemaker Don King, the phrase "Craft is King" really rings true around here. Sheridan County is filled with craftsfolks known worldwide, including leather crafters, metalsmiths, carpenters, brewers, chefs, sculptors, painters, writers, and artisans. All of Sheridan's makers are just as wild and free as the landscape surrounding them
See where local craftsmanship started at the real-deal Western tack store King's Saddlery. Renowned King Ropes bedeck the walls from top to bottom, and you can pick up a King Ropes hat to remind you of your travels when you're back home. To see the Western-inspired work of a new generation, stop by Western Grace, where you'll admire clothing and jewelry creations crafted by Jesse Smith.
In the mood to pick up some pottery or even take a class? Stop by Red Bison Studio on Main Street. Tom Balding Bits & Spurs is where you go for exactly that — authentic spurs, bits, and other metalwork masterpieces, including jewelry and spur straps. Sheridan is also home to a variety of craft beers and liquors, savored through Black Tooth Brewery and Koltiska Distillery.
Sheridan has no shortage of hiking, fishing, and photo opportunities. With access to over 1,200 miles of trails and four waterfalls, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of fall and the outdoors. While 1.1 million acres is a lot to cover in one vacation, there are a few fall must-stops for your trip. Cloud Peak Wilderness is one not to miss, situated in the Bighorn National Forest and showcasing some of the most striking alpine scenery you'll see in America. For 27 miles, the summits, rock faces, and valleys make for a jaw-dropping excursion, so don’t forget your camera.
Speaking of rocks, you should try out some of Sheridan's world-famous rock climbing while you're here, too. The Bighorn Mountains invite climbers of all experience levels to get out the ropes and carabiners and traverse the Tongue River Canyon and Piney Creek Canyon — you'll be able to see fall colors in a whole new way.
Add Porcupine Falls to your itinerary to get in some hiking. For a hike that doubles as a cultural experience, visit the 3,000-year-old Native American medicine wheel, also known as Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark.
While there are plenty of trails perfect for a fall day hike in the area, perhaps you'd like to slow down with your family and soak up nature in a more low-key way. In that case, check out any number of Sheridan parks, dotted with green spaces and play equipment, like Malcolm Wallop Park and Kendrick Park. Located along Sheridan’s extensive walking/biking path route, these parks are the perfect place to enjoy a picnic in the stunning fall weather.
And while you're here, you won't need to Google "streams near me" to find an ideal place to fish this autumn — streams are everywhere! Explore bodies of water like Tongue River, known for its black bullhead, brook and rainbow trout, and Little Goose and Big Goose Creeks, teeming with several varieties of trout.
Autumn and a scenic drive naturally go hand-in-hand — luckily, Sheridan is legendary for its scenic byways. The best in the area include Bighorn Scenic Byway (Highway 14) and Medicine Wheel Scenic Passage (Highway 14a).
Spanning 58 miles, Bighorn Scenic Byway promises sprawling views of the region alongside distant snowcapped peaks. You'll see breathtaking forests, waterfalls, and canyons, all from the comfort of your car, pointing out wildlife and limestone formations along the way. Make a stop at Shell Falls for an up close and personal experience with an area waterfall.
Medicine Wheel Scenic Passage encompasses 27 miles through the Bighorn National Forest in the Bighorn Mountains. As one of the highest roads in Wyoming, you can see fall foliage unlike any you've ever seen before.
As if the natural scenery wasn't enough, you'll also be in awe of how many animals you'll come across during your travels. Bighorn Scenic Highway and Medicine Wheel Scenic Passage are both idyllic places to view local creatures like moose, elk, deer, mountain lions, and even bears. Another great locale to see wildlife is Tongue River Canyon, known for its many birds and mule deer.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself completely in Wyoming wilderness, Spear-O-Wigwam cabins, are a great location for fishing, backpacking, and horseback trips. And Eaton's Ranch, is the oldest dude ranch in the world — the perfect place to catch a glimpse of free-roaming mustangs, and act like a cowboy.
After soaking in all that natural beauty, it's time to treat yourself to food, drink, and shopping at our notable local businesses, ranging from restaurants to boutiques. "Craft Is King" is alive and well through these storefronts, and Main Street is just the place to start, packed with shops and hotels. You won't be able to miss our famous neon bucking bronco festooning The Mint Bar, a long-running, local mainstay (all the way back to 1907) that's the headquarters for live music and a good glass of whiskey.
Food trucks are easily found in Sheridan, with Bonafide and El Rodeo rising to the top of our favorites. Looking for a tasting event or cooking class? You can't go wrong with The Tasting Library and Verdello. For a sit-down meal, head to Rib & Chop House, The Warehouse, Sheridan’s newest gastro pub, or LeDoux Saloon & Steak Out and relish the western cuisine our region has become famous for.
Need some retail therapy? For the artistic sort, there's Jackalope Ranch, Expressions Art Gallery, and Mercantile & Co. In the market for some new wardrobe statement pieces? Make a beeline to Western Grace, Bought Beautifully and Bighorn Design Studio.
Sheridan is always in a celebratory mood, and local events shine their brightest during the fall. For a brew fest that feels authentically German and just right for fall, go to the Annual Black Tooth Brewing Company Oktoberfest. The WYO Film Festival takes place over three days in September and October and spotlights film entries from around the globe. Born in a Barn appeals to vintage and all-things-handmade devotees, overflowing with jewelry, furniture, and bygone treasures purveyed by 75 vendors. For you runners out there, start training for the Wolf Creek Wrangle, nicknamed the "Toughest Trail in the West," with 5-mile, 7-mile, half-marathon, and 30k options snaking along wild, ungroomed trails. The Third Thursday Street Festival has its last date of the year in September, held on Main Street and punctuated with live music, delicious food, and booths filled with wares you'll want to take home.
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