The entire downtown area of Buffalo is listed as part of a historic district on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Districts. At the same time, the historic downtown includes shops, restaurants, and galleries. Its historical significance therefore extends beyond a single building to encompass the entire city center. Other specific topics to explore on a trip include a museum, wool processing, and trails and recreational activities in Buffalo and the nearby area.
Historic City Center and Museum
The Occidental Hotel was converted into a permanent log building in the fall of 1880, together with its partner A. J. McCray. For years, the hotel hosted most of the significant political, social, and cultural gatherings in Johnson County. Its history thus connects a structural transformation with a role in the county’s political, social, and cultural life.
At the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, donated items such as rifles, medicine bags, bows and arrows, and clothing help tell Jim Gatchell’s story. In 2023, the museum received a medal from the Institute for Museum and Library Services. The collection and the award offer two distinct reasons to visit for those interested in the area’s history.
Wool from Raw Material to Dyeing
Mountain Meadow Wool offers visitors a self-guided tour of the factory and gift shop in Buffalo. The tour shows the individual steps in wool processing: washing, drying, carding, spinning, and hand-dyeing. This makes it possible to follow the production process through specific steps. Check current operating details before your visit.
Trails in Different Formats
The Clear Creek Trail System includes more than 20 miles of mostly interconnected trails. Two different types of options are marked nature and interpretive trails: Mountain Plains Heritage Park, on the east side of Buffalo, has a one-mile nature trail. Nearby, the 0.8-mile interpretive loop at the Dry Creek Petrified Tree Environmental Education Area passes preserved petrified trees. Together, these offer a larger trail network and two shorter, thematically focused routes.
The Centennial Trail connects the motels and restaurants along U.S. Highway 16/Hart Street with Artisan Row and Buffalo’s historic downtown. Grouse Mountain Trail has challenging switchback sections for hikers and advanced mountain bikers. The trails described therefore differ both in their connections and in the level of challenge indicated.
More Recreational Activities
Buffalo Golf Club is a public 18-hole course with mountain views. Washington Memorial Park is home to Buffalo Municipal Pool, the largest freshwater swimming pool in Wyoming. The golf course and swimming pool offer two different recreational options: a facility with mountain views and a swimming pool with a distinction for its size in the state.
Road Connection and Surroundings
Buffalo is located on scenic U.S. Highway 16, which connects Mount Rushmore National Memorial with Yellowstone National Park. About 12 miles south of downtown, nearby Crazy Woman Canyon Road follows a creek from Highway 87/196 to the western end of U.S. Highway 16. The similarly named Crazy Woman Canyon is distinct from the road: its surrounding area offers opportunities for camping, climbing, and trout fishing.
A Seasonal Event
The Wednesday Market takes place at Crazy Woman Square every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. from June through August. Local vendors and farmers sell goods to the public there. Its fixed day of the week and time slot make the market a specific planning point for a stay during this period. Check current dates before your trip.
For the broader travel overview: Johnson County.
