Buffalo 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.
At a GlanceKey facts, why go and what's on now
Buffalo at a Glance#
Costs: Mid-range for outdoor travel ($80-$140/day) - outdoor-oriented town with moderate prices; lodging peaks in summer.
Safety: Low crime and very safe - very low crime; a safe, small Wyoming town.
Best Time: June-September for hiking; December-February for winter sports - summer for hiking and winter for snow sports; shoulder seasons quieter.
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.
Things to DoTop sights, bucket list and day trips
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.
When to GoSeasons, weather and festivals
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.
December - February
-12-2°C (10-36°F)
Cold, snowy conditions with short daylight-great for snowshoeing and moody landscapes but dress seriously for wind and subzero spells often.
March - May, September - November
0-15°C (32-59°F)
Unpredictable mix of warm sunny days and late snow-ideal for shoulder-season solitude and crisp, clear hiking conditions and fewer crowds.
June - August
10-28°C (50-82°F)
Warm, dry days and cool nights-excellent for hiking and fishing, though afternoon thunderstorms occasionally pop up in higher terrain here.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | -13° - 2° | -11° | 13 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 3.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
| February | Acceptable | -10° - 4° | -8° | 12 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 3.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.3h |
| March | Good | -6° - 9° | -3° | 21 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 4.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | -1° - 13° | 3° | 41 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 4.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.3h |
| May | Good | 4° - 19° | 11° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 4.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 14.6h |
| June | Excellent | 9° - 24° | 17° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 55% | 3.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 15.3h |
| July | Ideal | 12° - 29° | 21° | 32 mm | mostly sunny | 48% | 3.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 15.0h |
| August | Ideal | 11° - 29° | 20° | 24 mm | some cloud | 46% | 3.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Very Good | 5° - 23° | 14° | 37 mm | some cloud | 49% | 3.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.4h |
| October | Very Good | -1° - 16° | 5° | 24 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 3.7 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.8h |
| November | Acceptable | -7° - 7° | -4° | 15 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 3.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
| December | Acceptable | -12° - 3° | -10° | 13 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 3.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
Getting There & AroundAirports, trains and local transport
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#
Because public transport is limited across this part of Wyoming, a car (rental or private transfer) is the most practical way to get to Buffalo and move around. Within town the centre is walkable and outdoor recreation is easiest reached by vehicle.
- Car rental ($50-120/day) - A rental car is strongly recommended for Buffalo and the surrounding region - distances between towns and attractions are large and public transport options are limited. Expect typical daily rental rates of $50-120 depending on season and vehicle choice.
- Taxi / Private transfer (Varies by distance) - Taxis and private transfers are available from nearby airports but availability may be limited and fares for long rural transfers can be high. Prebooking a transfer or arranging a pickup with your lodging is common and reliable.
- Regional flights / charter (Varies widely (charter pricing applies)) - Small regional carriers and charters operate into Sheridan and occasionally into local airstrips; charters are practical for remote access but are significantly more expensive than scheduled flights. Useful if you need to save driving time and can accommodate the cost.
- Bicycle (Rental prices vary) - Buffalo and adjacent scenic areas are popular for road and mountain biking; plan routes carefully and bring water and gear - distances between services can be large. Good for recreational short to mid‑distance rides rather than point‑to‑point transport.
- Walking - Downtown Buffalo is compact and pleasant to explore on foot; shops, restaurants and museums cluster centrally and make walking the easiest way to see the town center.
Where to StayThe best areas to base yourself
Where to Stay in Buffalo#
Near I‑90 / Historic Downtown - $60-110/night
Buffalo has several budget motels and small inns serving highway travelers; rooms are straightforward with limited frills.
Quality Inn Buffalo - Economical chain near I‑90 access
Red Lion Inn & Suites (Buffalo) - Basic, convenient motel rooms
Downtown / Near Bighorn Mountains - $120-220/night
Mid-range lodging includes locally run inns and motels; many offer western-style decor and are close to downtown Buffalo and outdoor activities.
Local ranch inns and guesthouses - Comfortable stays with western character
Buffalo Hotel & Motel options (local properties) - Mid-range motels near downtown attractions
Historic Downtown / Ranches - $200-400+/night
Buffalo’s higher-end options are boutique hotels and private ranch stays offering character, personalized service, and proximity to outdoor exploration.
The Occidental Hotel (Buffalo) - Historic boutique hotel in downtown Buffalo
Local upscale ranch stays (reserve ahead) - Private ranch and bespoke guesthouse options
Eat & DrinkStreet food, restaurants, bars and nightlife
Where to Eat in Buffalo#
Buffalo’s dining emphasizes ranching roots: steaks, game, and hearty plates in frontier-style restaurants and historic saloons near the town center.
Small cafés and bakeries serve breakfast, sandwiches, and pies-local spots where cowboys, travelers, and locals gather for coffee and conversation.
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.
ShoppingMarkets, malls and souvenirs
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.