The Sheridan area offers a variety of indoor activities for all seasons. Whether you’re escaping the rain, snow, or heat, step inside and enjoy these family-friendly activities no matter the weather!
Best Things to Do Indoors in Sheridan, WY
1. Trail End State Historic Site
Trail End State Historic Site is an excellent destination for indoor activities, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and family-friendly fun. This fully-furnished historic site invites visitors to step back in time and explore life in the early 20th century. With guided tours that make history come alive, engaging exhibits, and special seasonal events, there’s something for everyone. The site is especially festive during the holidays, when it hosts its annual Holiday Open House.
2. Take a Pottery Class at Red Bison Studio
It’s no secret that a homemade gift crafted with care is a sure way to show loved ones you care. This winter, upgrade that love note or Christmas card from construction paper, googly-eyes and glitter to a hand-crafted pottery project made under the watchful eye of Red Bison Studio’s master potter Stephen Mullins, whose work has been displayed in over 30 galleries and retail stores across the country.
About Red Bison Studio
Red Bison Studio is a brick and mortar pottery shop and community clay center that offers a variety of original mugs, pints and apparel for sale, as well as popular community classes in the evenings. Check their website for the current class schedule, which includes 4-week beginner wheel throwing classes, parent and kid classes, specialty projects and date nights.
3. Paint and Sip at the Paint Post
Still want to get crafty but prefer to do so with a glass of vino in hand? The Paint Post downtown is your one-stop shop for getting creative under the auspices of a little liquid courage, no art experience necessary. Instructors lead groups through the process of recreating professional paintings then they send you home with your own work of art. Simultaneous wine-drinking is, of course, optional, and wine-free kids and family events abound.
Check their website for class and event schedules, or to book a private event.
4. Take a Cooking Class in Downtown Sheridan
Sheridan’s Cottonwood Shop and Verdello’s Olive Oils & Fine Foods downtown offer cooking classes for all levels. Verdello’s has highest-quality oil and vinegar varieties on tap as well as cooking instruments and ingredients from around the world, and The Cottonwood Shop has for sale everything you’d need to open your own restaurant. Join Cottonwood or Verdello for an evening of cooking, eating and enjoyment while learning the art of making holiday pies, French Crepes, or Indian breads.
More Delicious Indoor Places to Go
Sheridan offers plenty of good food in Sheridan that you don’t have to make yourself. Frackelton’s and Le Rêve Restaurant & Raw Bar provide elegant dining experiences from renowned local chefs. For down-home cooking your grandma would be impressed by, head to The Cowboy Cafe (try the strawberry rhubarb pie and the cheese & gravy-smothered chicken fried steak), or P.O. News for their signature burgers and breakfasts. The Pony Grill & Bar is a great spot for watching the game while munching on hearty western fare.
5. See a Show at the WYO Theater
Winter is the perfect time to see some local theater from Sheridan’s vibrant stage scene in one of two elegant historical theaters. The Carriage House Theater, built in 1920 on the grounds of the historic Trail End State Historic Site and Kendrick Mansion to house horses and buggies, is run by a community organization of die-hard stage folk. They put on small, intimate shows throughout the year.
The adjacent Trail End Museum and Kendrick Mansion offer historical tours throughout the year as well, closing for the winter season in mid-December. Trail End Guilds has information on the site’s history and community tours.
About the WYO Theater
The WYO Theater opened its doors in 1923 as a vaudeville house, and the community has lovingly maintained its stunning, original art-deco architecture while expanding the theater into a full-fledged performing arts & education center spanning multiple historic buildings.
The WYO main stage seats 483, and adjacent black box theater seats put to 125 for smaller and experimental shows. The WYO is awash in activity every season, and offers a slate of popular shows and musical acts, dance performances and classes, community arts events and workshops throughout the year. The theater has ticketing and schedule info for all events and activities on-site.
6. Giddy-Up at King’s Saddlery and Don King Museum
King’s Saddlery and the Don King Museum are true reflections of the Wild West, steeped in craftsmanship, history, and Western culture. King’s Saddlery is renowned for its world-class ropes and custom saddles, embodying the spirit of the cowboy tradition. Just next door, the Don King Museum is a treasure trove of Western heritage, where visitors can explore a remarkable collection of handmade saddles crafted by Don King himself.
The museum showcases not only saddles but also a fascinating array of historical objects, including cowboy gear, old wagons, firearms, and Western art. It also highlights indigenous artifacts, giving a deeper understanding of Native American culture and their connection to the region. Together, these landmarks offer an immersive glimpse into the Wild West, where the craftsmanship of saddle-making meets rich cultural history.
7. Grab a Drink and Enjoy a Band at Luminous
Luminous Brewhouse is the perfect spot for a rainy day, offering a cozy atmosphere paired with craft brews and local charm. Its warm, welcoming interior is a great escape from the weather, making it an ideal place to meet your friends or bring your family. Known for its small-batch craft beers, Luminous offers a variety of unique brews to satisfy any palate, from IPAs to stouts, often featuring locally inspired flavors.
What makes Luminous even more special is its community-focused vibe. With live music, local art displays, and frequent events, there’s always something happening. The brewhouse is also family-friendly, often featuring food trucks and board games, ensuring that everyone, including kids, can enjoy the space. Whether you’re looking to savor a handcrafted beer or just unwind and enjoy the laid-back ambiance, Luminous Brewhouse is a perfect rainy-day retreat in Sheridan.
More Spots for a Craft Brew
The vibrant craft brewery scene in Sheridan has become a focal point for beer enthusiasts exploring the unique offerings of Wyoming breweries. From the innovative Luminous Brewhouse to the iconic Blacktooth Brewing Company, these breweries offer the perfect spot to relax with a pint and catch a band when the weather is less-than-stellar. (Please note you must be 21 or over to enter Black Tooth).
8. Go Bowling at Cloud Peak Lanes
Bowling at the 20-lane Cloud Peak Lanes is great for groups, and offers a variety of entertainment. Bowling leagues exist for all ages; pool tables, an arcade, and food and drink at the Spare Time Lounge & Grill (Happy Hour 5-7PM) ensure that there’s something for everyone. Looking for a gift for your bowler? Visit the Pro-Shop for competitive prices on bowling balls and accessories. Drilling is free when you buy a ball.
9. Skating
Scotty’s Skate Castle and the Whitney Rink at the M&M Center are both fantastic family destinations, offering fun and active experiences for all ages.
At Scotty’s Skate Castle, the whole family can enjoy a nostalgic roller skating experience. With themed skating nights, games and music, Scotty’s is the ideal spot for both kids and adults to unwind and enjoy some retro-style entertainment, especially on those rainy or chilly days.
Closer to downtown, the Whitney Rink at the M&M Center provides another opportunity for family fun—this time on the ice. Open for public skating sessions, hockey, and special events, the rink offers a great way to stay entertained. Whether your family is skating for fun or trying their hand at ice sports, the Whitney Rink is ideal for enjoying quality time together.
10. The Brinton Museum
The Brinton Museum, nestled in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains and only 20 minutes from Sheridan proper, is a sight to behold. The grounds of local folk-hero Bradford Brinton’s historic estate have a sprawling, colonial mansion that offers guided tours— with a vital piece of local history around every corner. From the mansion tour head across the lawn and gardens to the impressive, walled-earth modern museum building, which houses a special historic collection of Native American Art, the work of renowned western painters and artists, and myriad shows and events throughout the season. After a stroll through the museum grab a bite at the Brinton Bistro and bask in the beauty of the Bighorns through the bistro’s windowed-walls. The Brinton closes for winter just before Christmas, re-opening mid-March.
11. Grab a Drink at the Mint Bar
The Mint Bar is a legendary cowboy meeting spot that perfectly captures the spirit of the Old West, making it a must-visit destination, especially when the weather isn’t cooperating. Stepping inside the Mint feels like stepping back in time, with its rustic wooden interiors, neon cowboy signage, and walls adorned with vintage rodeo photos and local brands. This iconic saloon has been serving up drinks since 1907, and it’s the kind of place where you can relax, enjoy good conversation, and soak in the character of Sheridan’s cowboy culture.
12. Escapade WYO
Escapade WYO offers a one-of-a-kind escape-room experience for the whole family. Groups of 3-7 are tasked with solving mind-bending puzzles and navigating complex narratives designed by Escapade, the end game being to escape from one of their multiple, themed puzzle rooms.
Every card, board and role-playing game imaginable is on sale on-site, and Escapade holds group events where entrants can play classic board games like Settlers of Catan, through to the latest and greatest the gaming world has to offer.
