Buffalo Travel Guide
City Small Wyoming town near Bighorn Mountains gateway
Buffalo sits below the Bighorn Mountains, offering access to Bighorn National Forest trails, historic Main Street shops and the Jim Gatchell Museum; outfitters run fishing, hiking and scenic drives.
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Why Visit Buffalo? #
Frontier history and access to the Bighorn Mountains attract travelers who like big skies and outdoor life. Historic Main Street and the Jim Gatchell Museum tell local Old West stories, while nearby trails and the Wild Horse Basin offer hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Local menus often include bison steaks and game-focused dishes, and seasonal rodeos and festivals underline the town’s Western roots.
Best Things to Do in Buffalo
Buffalo Bucket List
- Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum - Local history museum covering frontier days, ranching, and regional artifacts.
- Historic Occidental Hotel - Restored 19th-century hotel on Main Street reflecting Buffalo's frontier heritage and charm.
- Buffalo Main Street - Walkable downtown with antique shops, cafes, and Western-themed storefronts.
- Shell Falls Interpretive Site - Short walk to a dramatic waterfall and canyon carved into ancient limestone.
- Bighorn Scenic Byway (US-16) - Scenic route climbing into the Bighorns with overlooks and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Local rodeo nights and seasonal community events - Authentic small-town rodeos and gatherings showcasing ranching culture and local music.
- Bighorn National Forest - High-elevation forests, alpine lakes, and trails stretching into the Cloud Peak Wilderness.
- Medicine Wheel/Big Horn Mountains - Historic American Indian sacred site and high-country views on a rugged mountain ridge.
Best Time to Visit Buffalo #
Buffalo's foothill climate means cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers; late spring and early fall deliver the best hiking conditions and fewer bugs. Summer brings long daylight and outdoor opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Buffalo #
Buffalo's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -10°C. The driest month with just 12 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 60 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Buffalo
Buffalo, Wyoming is best reached by flying into the nearest regional airport (Sheridan) or the larger Billings airport and driving in. There is no regular passenger rail to Buffalo and intercity bus services are sparse, so visitors generally arrive by car or private transfer.
Sheridan County Airport (SHR): Sheridan is the nearest regional commercial airport to Buffalo; driving time from Sheridan to Buffalo is roughly 1-1.5 hours depending on route. Rental cars are available at SHR; small regional flights and charters serve this airport.
Billings Logan International Airport (BIL): Billings is the nearest major commercial airport with more frequent national connections. Driving from Billings to Buffalo is typically around 2-2.5 hours; common onward options are rental car or private transfer.
Train: There is no Amtrak service directly to Buffalo, WY.
Bus: Intercity bus options are limited. Regional coach services operate in larger nearby towns (Sheridan, Billings); if using bus connections you will usually need a rental car or taxi for the final leg into Buffalo.
How to Get Around Buffalo #
Buffalo is a small western town with a walkable downtown core for dining and shops, but a car is necessary to explore the surrounding Bighorn country and outdoor trailheads. Public transit is minimal to non‑existent. Gas stations and services are spread out, so plan your drives and check hours in shoulder seasons. Local streets are easy to navigate and parking is usually available downtown.
Where to Stay in Buffalo #
- Quality Inn Buffalo - Economical chain near I‑90 access
- Red Lion Inn & Suites (Buffalo) - Basic, convenient motel rooms
- Local ranch inns and guesthouses - Comfortable stays with western character
- Buffalo Hotel & Motel options (local properties) - Mid-range motels near downtown attractions
- The Occidental Hotel (Buffalo) - Historic boutique hotel in downtown Buffalo
- Local upscale ranch stays (reserve ahead) - Private ranch and bespoke guesthouse options
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Nightlife in Buffalo #
The nightlife scene is small - a handful of bars and restaurants sometimes host live music, but evenings tend to be low‑key and centered on casual pubs or hotel bars.
Shopping in Buffalo #
Shopping is focused on western wear, outdoor outfitters and small downtown boutiques. Expect souvenir shops, a few galleries and locally owned stores rather than large retail chains.
