Buffalo, Wyoming sits at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains and hums with a compact, historic Main Street that’s larger and more professional than it looks. It’s a great base for short hikes and scenic drives into the Cloud Peak foothills, and for a dose of local frontier history at the Jim Gatchell Museum.
Based on Reddit discussions, travel forums, and local blogs.
Visitors and locals describe Buffalo as a quiet, quintessential Wyoming town with excellent scenic drives, accessible short hikes and a lively Main Street historic vibe. Most recommendations are positive for outdoor scenery and local history, with recurring cautions to check vehicle suitability, seasonal hours and road closures before heading into back roads or canyons.
Overall sentiment: mixed
Drive or short‑hike for dramatic canyon walls, creekside pullouts, fishing and rock features. Highly recommended for scenery — but avoid large vehicles, use a small/high‑clearance vehicle and check seasonal closures.
"Tons of hiking, absolutely wonderful views of the peaks."
"Trucks, large RVs and vehicles pulling trailers should not drive the canyon."
Sources: visitbuffalowy.com · county17.com · county17.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Easy downtown greenbelt trails along Clear Creek for family walks, bird/wildlife viewing and quick access to town. The municipal outdoor pool is a popular, kid‑friendly break (seasonal hours — check before visiting).
"it is free and very large."
Sources: visitbuffalowy.com · reddit.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Well‑curated local history museum with Plains Indian artifacts, Bozeman Trail and Johnson County War exhibits. Worth an hour or two; check seasonal hours in winter.
"larger than it appears and more modern and professional than you might expect."
Sources: visitbuffalowy.com
Overall sentiment: mixed
Iconic historic 1908 saloon/hotel with Old West atmosphere, live music and museum ambience (bullet holes/artifacts). Great for food, music and history — expect rustic, historic quirks rather than boutique modern comforts.
"Just your western style saloon."
Sources: visitbuffalowy.com · tripadvisor.com · tripadvisor.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Cloud Peak Scenic Byway/US‑16 and Bighorn NF offer big mountain vistas, waterfalls and quieter mountain hikes (Shell Falls, Porcupine Falls, Sibley Lake). Excellent day‑hiking and scenic drives — check weather, seasonal road/campground openings and driving times.
"Beautiful drive in nature."
"Tons of hiking, absolutely wonderful views of the peaks."
Sources: tripadvisor.com · reddit.com · recreation.gov
Overall sentiment: positive
Guest ranches provide an all‑inclusive western ranch experience with guided horseback riding, fishing and hikes into the Bighorns. Great for families and immersive stays — book early for summer and verify included amenities/level of rusticness.
"three hearty meals daily… horseback riding… guided hikes"
Sources: tripadvisor.com · tripadvisor.com
Overall sentiment: mixed
Forum advice emphasizes sticking to paved state highways with rental cars; many scenic backroads are dirt, slow or impassable for standard rentals. Check current road conditions and seasonal closures before detouring.
"Your first route is all paved and is just fine road."
Sources: tripadvisor.in · tripadvisor.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Outlaw lore and sites like Hole‑in‑the‑Wall are frequent draws for history buffs and road trippers. Combine visits with local museums and scenic drives for context.
"Butch Cassidy references appear often in traveler comments."
Sources: familyrvingmag.com
Hours, directions, and contact info for attractions in Buffalo.
585 Fort St, Buffalo, WY 82834, USA
Rustic log cabins, some with kitchens, in a casual 1920s motel offering a BBQ area & fire pits.
300 W Fetterman St, Buffalo, WY 82834, USA
