The Occidental Hotel

Walking into the Grand Lobby of The Historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, Wyoming, is like stepping back into history. From the intricately-etched window panes to the stunning collection of period antiques to the many historical photos and artifacts, The Occidental Hotel Museum is  truly a living history of the Western frontier. As you tour the Occidental Museum, and view the hotel’s immaculately restored rooms and suites, saloon and restaurant, you will begin to sense the history of this unique building; you will begin to feel a connection to that not-too-distant past when cowboys, Indians, rustlers, cattle barons, outlaws and lawmen, lived and died in these high plains at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains.

Founded in 1880, the Occidental Hotel quickly became one of the most renowned hotels in Wyoming. Early in its existence, the Occidental established a reputation for hospitality and fine food.

Among those who enjoyed the hospitality of the Occidental in the early days were Buffalo Bill Cody, Teddy Roosevelt, and Calamity Jane. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid rode to the Occidental from their hideout at the nearby Hole-in-the-Wall. The famous cattle detective and killer Tom Horn was another frequent visitor. And legendary frontier sheriffs like Frank Canton and “Red” Angus were regulars at the bar.

At The Occidental, you have the opportunity not only to learn about history, but to experience it. You can actually stay in one of the very suites where such influential figures in American history as Herbert Hoover, Buffalo Bill Cody and others slept. Or mosey up to the bar and enjoy a drink while looking for the old bullet holes in the woodwork and tin ceiling. Historic tours of the property are offered daily by appointment only, generally at 1 or 2 p.m. The cost is $10 per person or $50 for a group of five to 10 people.