What to do in Buffalo, Wyoming

A small town on the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming has a colorful history with many western culture prominent characters passed through in the 19th century. Old Historic Occidental Hotel had famous guests like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Calamity Jane. Buffalo offers a great variety of outdoor recreation with numerous trails and snow activities in the wintertime.

Buffalo has short and warm summers, and July and August form peak season. Another popular time of year is in winter months due to ski season. If you are coming from abroad, you will need ESTA USA approval. You can apply for a travel authorization through a straightforward online procedure. The administration usually needs three days to process the application. Once the US government approves the application, you can travel to America sometime in the next two years.

Top Buffalo attractions

In historic downtown, you can go back in time by visiting Saloon and Occidental Hotel. The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum has a large selection of artifacts from the pioneer and wild west period. The former pharmacist was a great friend to native Americans. Hence, his collection has many items from the indigenous people of Wyoming. After Jim’s death, his house became a museum with a worthy group.

There are other historical landmarks in the area. Close to Buffalo is Fort Phil Kearny, where the frontier US army fort stood, and two critical battles with the native Americans took place. In the first one, local tribes overwhelmed the military in the Fetterman Battle, while the Wagon Box Fight went sour for native troops.

Outlaw Cave Wyoming

Some 45 miles south of the town is a scenic area above the Middle Fork of the Powder River is Hole-in-the-Wall, a canyon between picturesque red rocks. In this stunning scenery, famous wild west outlaws Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid and their Wild bunch had their hideaway. The bank robbers would hide in the Outlaw Cave. Now, there is a tremendous 3-mile hiking trail with plenty of picture opportunities.

Buffalo golf club Wyoming

Although small in size, Buffalo has many high-end amenities like Buffalo golf club. Down under the eastern slopes of Big Horn Mountains is an 18-hole public golf club that attracts visitors since 1934. The course has positive reviews on TripAdvisor and was featured in Golf Digest magazine. It is surrounded by the mountains on one side, and it has mature tree lines. 

Buffalo Wyoming hotels

Buffalo is, among other things, a tourist town, and it is a vital part of the regional economy. With so many historical sites and a wild west feel to it, there are many accommodation options.  Buffalo Inn is a local small hotel with essential amenities like free wi-fi, laundry, and free parking. 

More high-end accommodation can be found in Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo with things like an indoor pool, fitness center, and Big Horn Mountains behind the hotel. 

There is Historic Capitol Hotel Vacation Suites situated in a historic building with a great location and affordable prices for downtown accommodation.

Buffalo has other accommodation options in numerous motels and B&B places.

Places to eat in Buffalo WY

The most famous restaurant in the area is Winchester Steak House that offers competitive prices and overwhelmingly positive reviews for their stakes. They also serve seafood and other a la carte dishes.

Sagewood Café is a small establishment with sandwiches and soups. The historic Occidental Saloon has a great bar and food with an authentic wild west feel to it. 

The Virginian Restaurant has a historical setting, some traditional and some modern dishes. You can try bison steak, scallops, or creamy pasta. 

China Garden has the usual Chinese restaurant menu with great value and huge servings. The locals often choose Dash Inn with American cuisine and fast food. Chicken wings, ribs, and hamburgers dominate the menu, and you can sit outside and order takeout.

Whether you like rich wild-west history or great outdoor experience, you can find it in Wyoming. Bud, make sure you check status of ESTA before making reservations. When the administration approves your application, you can explore the US for up to 90 days.

Bottom line

Located on the original Bozeman Trail, where fortune seekers passed on the way to Montana gold country, Buffalo is a small town with a cozy atmosphere. The downtown looks like in the old days with Occidental Saloon and Hotel historic building as a prime example. There are enough quality accommodation and restaurants for tourists. The city relies on tourism, and they have plenty to offer. From the great outdoors, hiking and cycling trails, Hole-in-the-Wall red rock area, Big Horn Mountains, and winter tourism with numerous snow-related activities.