Discover Johnson County, Wyoming
Experience the spirit of the West with this four-day Johnson County, Wyoming itinerary. From award-winning museums and historic hotels to scenic mountain drives, outdoor adventures and rodeos, this journey showcases the history, culture and landscapes that define the region. Based in Buffalo, this itinerary offers a well-rounded look at one of Wyoming’s most storied counties.
This itinerary highlights popular attractions but does not include everything the area has to offer. Be sure to explore the full list of attractions and events on the Travel Wyoming Events Calendar to avoid missing out.
Day 1: Museums and Main Street in Buffalo
Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum
Buffalo Wyoming
Start your visit at the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, a 2023 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Services. The museum features the collection of Theodore James Gatchell, who opened Johnson County’s first drugstore in 1900. Gifts from cowboys, lawmen, Native Americans, cattle barons and Army scouts help tell the story of the county from early Indigenous history through the early 20th century. Exhibits include the Johnson County War, Basque heritage and what was once the world’s largest outdoor pool.
Historic Occidental Hotel and Busy Bee Cafe
Buffalo Wyoming
Enjoy lunch at the Busy Bee Cafe located in historic Occidental Row and well known to fans of the Longmire mystery series. Try the Longmire Usual while overlooking Clear Creek. The adjacent Historic Occidental Hotel and Saloon was founded in 1880 and has hosted figures such as Butch Cassidy, Calamity Jane, Theodore Roosevelt and Herbert Hoover. Afternoon tours offer a look at preserved guest rooms, the historic saloon and artifacts, including bullet holes and a famous poker table. On Thursdays, return from 7 to 9 p.m. for the weekly Bluegrass Jam or catch live music on many other evenings.
Downtown Murals and Sculptures
Buffalo Wyoming
Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Buffalo’s public art, including sculptures depicting scenes tied to the Johnson County Wars. Visit the Greetings from Buffalo mural on City Hall, which was installed as part of HGTV’s Home Town Kickstart.
Dinner at Pie Zanos
Buffalo Wyoming
Dine downtown at Pie Zanos, a local favorite recently featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Lodging in Buffalo
Stay overnight at the Historic Occidental Hotel, regularly named one of the best places to stay in the West by True West magazine. Additional lodging options include the Hampton Inn and Suites Buffalo, along with several hotels and motels conveniently located along Highway 16 near Interstates 25 and 90.
Day 2: Shopping and Exploring Buffalo
Breakfast in Downtown Buffalo
Buffalo Wyoming
Start the day with breakfast at the Main Street Diner for a classic diner experience or stop by Lolly’s Sugar Shack for coffee, cinnamon rolls and cookies.
Shop Downtown Buffalo
Browse downtown shops featuring Wyoming-made art, crafts and gear, including Wyoming In Color, Margo’s Pottery and Fine Crafts, Prosinski Custom Framing and Fine Art Hitching Post Gallery and Potters Depot.
The Sports Lure
Buffalo Wyoming
Visit The Sports Lure, a downtown staple since 1968, offering fishing, camping, skiing and outdoor gear along with rentals for day trips or longer adventures.
Bucking Buffalo Supply Co.
Buffalo Wyoming
Find Longmire Mystery Series merchandise, including signed novels by author Craig Johnson who may be on hand to chat with visitors.
Clear Creek Trail System
Buffalo Wyoming
Spend time outdoors on the Clear Creek Trail System, which connects downtown Buffalo to the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. The in-town section is wide and mostly flat, while the Old Power Plant Loop offers a more rustic creekside experience.
Mountain Plains Heritage Park
Buffalo Wyoming
Explore short trails following the historic Bozeman Trail and an old railroad route with views of the Bighorns, Clear Creek and the Buffalo Wildlife Habitat Pond.
Mountain Meadow Wool Mill
Buffalo Wyoming
Tour Mountain Meadow Wool Mill, the largest full-service wool mill in the West. Using locally sourced ranch-traceable wool, the mill offers a self-guided tour and a shop with yarn, apparel, blankets and more.
Dinner Along Highway 16
Choose from Cowboy Bar and Grill, Bozeman Trail Steak House or Cattleguard Steakhouse and Saloon, all known for Wyoming beef and hearty western meals.
Day 3: Lakes History and Rodeo
Mikesell Potts Recreation Area and Lake DeSmet
Near Buffalo Wyoming
Head to Lake DeSmet for paddleboarding, fishing, boating and swimming. The Mikesell Potts Recreation Area serves as the main access point.
Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site
Near Buffalo Wyoming
Explore Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, which interprets life at the largest stockaded fort in the West from 1866 to 1868. While the fort no longer stands, walking trails and interpretive signs show where buildings once stood. Nearby battlefields include the Wagon Box Fight and the Fetterman Fight, which can be explored via short driving tours.
Evening Rodeo
Buffalo Wyoming
Spend the evening at the fairgrounds, enjoying one of Buffalo’s summer rodeo series, where cowboys and cowgirls showcase working ranch skills.
Downtown Buffalo Pub Crawl
End the night with a relaxed pub crawl including Bond’s Brewing Co Un’Wine’D and the Historic Occidental Saloon.
Day 4: Scenic Drives and Mountain Adventures
Cloud Peak Scenic Skyway
Buffalo Wyoming
Drive Highway 16, also known as the Cloud Peak Scenic Skyway, as it climbs to Powder River Pass at 9,666 feet. Pullouts and interpretive sites such as Hospital Hill, Loaf Mountain Overlook and Powder River Pass provide opportunities to enjoy mountain views and fresh air.
Black Tooth Excursions
Buffalo Wyoming
See the Bighorn Mountains from horseback with guided rides offered by Black Tooth Excursions.
Crazy Woman Canyon
Buffalo Wyoming
With a high clearance vehicle or ATV access, Crazy Woman Canyon offers a scenic drive along a rushing creek framed by dramatic cliffs. Visitors often stop to hike, picnic, photograph and fish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Johnson County, Wyoming
How many days do you need to visit Johnson County, Wyoming?
Four days allow enough time to explore Buffalo museums, shop downtown, experience the Bighorn Mountains and enjoy scenic drives, rodeos and historic sites.
What are the top things to do in Buffalo, Wyoming?
Highlights include the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, Historic Occidental Hotel, downtown shopping, Clear Creek Trail System, rodeos and dining at local favorites.
Is Johnson County, Wyoming, good for outdoor recreation?
Yes, visitors enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, scenic drives, horseback riding and trail systems with easy access to the Bighorn Mountains and surrounding landscapes.
