Sheridan, Wyoming:
The Town That Yellowstone Tourists Drive Past — and Locals Hope They Always Will

Sheridan sits at the intersection of I-90 and the Bighorn Mountains — easy to reach from every direction but just remote enough to keep the crowds away.

By air: Sheridan County Airport (SHR) has daily commercial service via Denver (United). Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) is 2 hours north. Casper-Natrona International (CPR) is 2.5 hours south.

Driving times:

Tip: If flying into Billings, the drive south on I-90 through Montana ranch country is gorgeous — and you'll be in Sheridan before you finish the podcast episode.

Every season brings something different. Here's what to expect month by month:

Sheridan has two lodging zones, and the right one depends on your trip:

Downtown Sheridan. Walk to Main Street restaurants, Black Tooth Brewing, the WYO Theater, and shops. Ideal for couples, culture seekers, and anyone who wants a real town experience — not just a bed near a trailhead. Wyo Stays manages boutique homes and apartments throughout the historic district.

Mountain Access (Story, Dayton, Big Horn). Cabins and homes in the foothills, 15-30 minutes from downtown but steps from hiking trails, fishing streams, and the Bighorn Scenic Byway. Best for outdoor-focused trips, family retreats, and anyone who wants to wake up to mountain air.

For the full breakdown of cabin styles, neighborhoods, and which properties suit which trip, see our complete guide to cabin rentals in Sheridan, Wyoming — including pet-friendly cabins for travelers bringing dogs along.

Why Wyo Stays: We manage 40+ properties across both zones. We're a licensed Wyoming brokerage — not a listing aggregator. And booking direct saves you 16–20% compared to Airbnb or VRBO.

Outdoors

Tongue River Canyon. A 7-mile out-and-back riverside trail just 20 minutes from downtown. Swimming holes, cliff walls, and a genuine sense of remoteness — without leaving cell range. The most popular hike in the area for good reason.

Cloud Peak Wilderness. 189,000 acres of alpine terrain — granite peaks, pristine lakes, and meadows. Day hikes to Sherd Lake or Lost Twin Lakes are accessible from trailheads 60-90 minutes from Sheridan. Overnight backpacking routes reach Cloud Peak (13,167 ft), the highest point in the Bighorns.

Bighorn Scenic Byway (US-14). A 57-mile drive from Dayton to Lovell crossing the spine of the Bighorn Mountains. Switchbacks, canyon overlooks, alpine meadows, and wildflowers. One of America's most underrated scenic drives.

Fly Fishing. The Tongue River, Goose Creek, and Piney Creek are all within 30 minutes. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. See our complete fly fishing guide →

Skiing & Snowmobiling. Antelope Butte Ski Area is a community-run mountain 45 minutes from Sheridan — uncrowded, affordable, and genuinely fun. Snowmobile trails in the Bighorns are groomed and well-maintained.

Culture & History

King's Saddlery & Museum. Don King's legendary saddle shop has been handcrafting Western saddles since 1946. The attached museum houses an extraordinary collection of Native American artifacts, cowboy gear, and Western art. Free admission.

WYO Theater. A beautifully restored 1923 vaudeville theater hosting live music, comedy, film, and community events year-round. The art deco interior alone is worth a visit.

Brinton Museum. In nearby Big Horn, this world-class collection of Western and American Indian art sits on a 620-acre ranch. The permanent collection rivals many major city museums.

Trail End State Historic Site. Senator John B. Kendrick's 1913 Flemish Revival mansion — fully furnished, with original period details. A window into Wyoming's cattle baron era.

Big Horn Polo. The Big Horn Equestrian Center hosts polo matches every Sunday, June through September. Continuous play since 1898. Free admission, bring a blanket. See community guide →

Food & Drink

Black Tooth Brewing. Great American Beer Festival medal winner. The taproom is the social hub of Sheridan — locals, visitors, ranchers, and ski bums all in one room.

Frackelton's. Sheridan's fine dining anchor for two decades. Seasonal menus, Wyoming-sourced ingredients, excellent wine list. Reservations recommended in summer.

The Mint Bar. A living museum. Saddles on the barstools, mounted game on the walls, cold beer, and stories that go back a century. Not a theme bar — the real thing.

Java Moon. The best espresso between Billings and Casper. Breakfast burritos and pastries in a sunny downtown space.

Also worth your time: Rib & Chop House (steaks), Cowboy Cafe (classic diner), Le Rêve Patisserie (French pastries), and the seasonal farmers market (Thursday mornings, June–September).

Shopping

Main Street Sheridan is a genuine downtown — not a staged tourist strip. Bison Union for Western-inspired apparel. Custom Cowboy Shop for handmade boots and leather. Best Out West for antiques. The Thursday farmers market for local produce, crafts, and baked goods.

• Pack layers. Mountain weather changes fast. A sunny 75°F afternoon in Sheridan can mean 45°F with wind at Sibley Lake. Always bring a jacket, even in July.
• Altitude note. Downtown Sheridan is 3,745 feet — most people don't notice. But if you're hiking to 9,000+ feet in the Bighorns, drink water and go slow on day one.
• Cell service. Solid in town and along I-90. Spotty to nonexistent once you're 30+ minutes into the Bighorns. Download maps before you drive.
• Gas up. If you're crossing the Bighorns via US-14 or US-14A, fill your tank in Sheridan or Dayton. There are no gas stations for 60+ miles over the pass.
• Wildlife. Moose, deer, and elk cross roads frequently, especially at dawn and dusk. Drive accordingly, particularly on mountain roads.
• Grocery & supplies. Sheridan has Albertsons, Walmart, and several specialty shops. Stock up before heading to mountain properties.
• Fishing license. Available online at wgfd.wyo.gov. Non-resident daily license is $14. Required for all anglers 14 and older.