20 Free and Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Buffalo, Wyoming
For both solo and family travelers, Buffalo Wyoming is a great getaway with several free things to do and budget-friendly activities. Visitors to Buffalo Wyoming do not have to spend a lot of money to have a good time, thanks to the area’s natural beauty, outdoor recreation attractions, and the affordable historic sites and museums. At any time of the year, there are opportunities for memorable vacations without spending a lot of money.
Discover Buffalo, WY Without Spending a Dime
As the gateway to the Bighorn Mountains, Buffalo Wyoming offers some world-class recreational opportunities without any admission costs. On top of that, Buffalo has a charming downtown with friendly shopkeepers, innkeepers, and restaurateurs who are willing to share tips on the most enjoyable activities to pursue around town.
Clear Creek and the Clear Creek Trail System runs through the heart of town and serves as an invitation to enjoy nature and Western history.
1. Explore Historic Downtown Buffalo
Visiting Historic Downtown Buffalo is a great way to spend the day, whether it’s window-shopping or just watching traffic and people while sitting beside Clear Creek. The heart of Main Street includes Occidental Row and several brick buildings dating back to Buffalo’s days as a frontier town full of ranchers and cowboys. The Courthouse standing on a hill has loomed over Main Street since 1884. A number of downtown shops feature the work of regional artists. The Sports Lure is a well-known purveyor of sporting goods equipment for those who go on to explore the mountains. And, of course, the Occidental Hotel lobby is a trip back in time, mixing elegance and Western charm.
The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, located just up the hill from Main Street, has multiple walking tour maps for visitors to follow throughout the town.
2. Walk the Clear Creek Trail
Clear Creek runs through the heart of town, including under the Main Street and through the city park just one block west. The Clear Creek Trail System is a welcoming pathway alongside the creek that stretches several miles from the South Bypass near the hotels and restaurants on Hart Street, through downtown and the park and up into the foothills. It is possible to cover about 12 miles from downtown to the Grouse Mountain Trailhead and climb more than 2,000 feet in the process.
But the best part of Clear Creek Trail is the variety of experiences that are easy and easily accessible. Multiple trailheads in town and along Highway 16 west of Buffalo provide starting points for segments of the trail that are wide with gradual rises or more challenging with rocks, uneven surfaces, and tree roots to navigate. There are several benches to watch the creek, listen and watch for birds, or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It is a great place for a morning stroll or afternoon walk and used throughout the year. You will find cross country skier and fat tire mountain bikers on the trail in the winter (and can rent equipment if you didn’t bring your own.)
Dogs are welcome on most of the trail, with a leash. They are only prohibited on the pastures of the Veterans Home of Wyoming, because cattle and wildlife graze in that area, providing a backdrop you don’t see every day on trails within a couple miles of downtown.
3. Relax at Crazy Woman Square
At the heart of downtown Buffalo is Crazy Woman Square, a green space with a stage that hosts events throughout the year. Often, it’s a quiet space to enjoy a picnic lunch or check out the murals on surrounding buildings. Lunch can be picked up from nearby restaurants such as Sagewood Cafe, Rosie’s Americana Cafe, or the Busy Bee.
On the wall to the south of the square is the mural “More than a One-Horse Town.” Crazy Woman Square also has one downtown’s many public sculptures – “Way To Me,” a dog herding three sheep.
The park will be filled with locals and visitors for events like Saturdays in the Square and the Arts & Humanities Council’s annual festival featuring vendors, food trucks and live music.
4. Hang Out at Buffalo City Park
Buffalo’s City Park is a treasure not far from the heart of downtown. Clear Creek and the Clear Creek Trail System wind through the park, making it a great place to walk around or find a shady spot for a picnic or relaxation. There also are pickleball courts, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, skatepark, and more. A large playground and open space is a great place for families to enjoy time together.
It’s also a great place to take the dogs for exercise or to cool off in the creek.
The park is the home of the special Municipal Swimming Pool, which is one of the area’s top budget-friendly attractions.
5. View the Occidental Hotel Lobby
Take a step back in time to the days of legendary outlaws, famous lawmen, cattle barons, ranchers and other characters of the WIld West by stepping into the lobby of the Historic Occidental Hotel & Saloon. The walls of both the lobby and the saloon feature large mounts harvested in the nearby mountains. Antique furnishings can be seen throughout the property, in the lobby as well as the guest rooms. The lobby also has a gallery of photos and paintings from the early days of the hotel and the city of Buffalo. With a history dating back to 1880 and a guest list that included Butch Cassidy, Tom Horn, Teddy Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and more, the Occidental is a living history museum that still operates as lodging and dining establishment.
The Occidental does host tours in the afternoon by prior arrangement.
6. Do a Self-Guided Mural Loop Downtown
Downtown Buffalo is fortunate to have multiple sculptures and murals from a variety of artists, including noted local sculptor D. Michael Thomas. The artwork shows a variety of styles but usually pays tribute to the city and its history. Hugh Jennings created a number of sculptures featuring wildlife or ranching scenes. Thomas, whose work is featured on the grounds of Cheyenne Frontier Days and the University of Wyoming, has pieces in Buffalo related to the Johnson County War, the Plains Indian Wars, and Nate Champion’s last run. Murals also appear throughout the town, including six on buildings in and around downtown.
7. Mountain Plains Heritage Park & Buffalo Wildlife Habitat
On the east side of Buffalo are two separate recreation areas connected by a trail.
The Mountain Plains Heritage Park is a walking trail that includes some sections where the Bozeman Trail passed through the area. This trail includes a mowed portion into the woods along Clear Creek to the north of Stockyard Road. The main part of the park to the southeast of Stockyard Road includes a loop trail that features unobstructed views of the Bighorn Mountains to the west. Many folks walk their dogs on this trail, since off-leash dogs are allowed. The park also includes a bison sculpture and an old homestead, both great for photography buffs. Waterfowl can often be seen flying between the habitat lake, the creek and nearby ponds.
Adjacent to the park is the city’s wildlife habitat area, which has a loop trail around a lake. Bird-watching and fishing are other activities enjoyed at the habitat area.
8. Pay Respects At Willow Grove Cemetery
Some of the most significant names in the history of the West are buried in Buffalo’s Willow Grove Cemetery, on the south end of the city.
Ranger Jones and John A. Tisdale, who were killed in 1891 in events leading up to the Johnson County War, are buried in the cemetery.
So are Nate Champion and Nick Ray, famed victims from the Invaders siege at the KC Ranch in the April 1892 climax of the Johnson County War. Near Nate is his brother Dudley Champion, killed in 1893 in perhaps the last death related to the Johnson County War.
There are also two very famous lawmen buried in the cemetery.
William “Red” Angus was the county sheriff at the time of the Johnson County War, and gathered a posse to stop the Invaders hired by the cattle barons. After losing his re-election bid in 1893, Angus stayed in town to work at the Occidental and served as Deputy County Clerk and County Treasurer.
Lawman Joseph Lefors and his wife Nettie also are buried at Willow Grove. Lefors was a livestock inspector who went on to become a U.S. Marshal in pursuit of Butch Cassidy. He also gained the confession of murderer Tom Horn.
9. Take a Scenic Drive Along Cloud Peak Scenic Byway
The Cloud Peak Scenic Byway offers a memorable sightseeing adventure through the Bighorn Mountains. Also named U.S. Highway 16, this is a main thoroughfare for visitors traveling between Yellowstone National Park and the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore or Devils Tower.
The byway deserves to be driven at an enjoyable pace, with stops for some of the turnouts and staying alert for potential wildlife sightings. West of Buffalo, there are stops at the Hospital Hill Interpretive Site, which has signage about the Bighorn National Forest; and Loaf Mountain Overlook. Both offer great views of the Bighorns’ taller peaks. Another parking area at Powder River Pass marks the high point of the road at 9,666 feet elevation. There are several points for stops such as Tie Hack Reservoir, Pole Creek, Crazy Woman Canyon Road, where you might see an elk or a moose passing by.
On the western side of the mountains, in Washakie County, the byway descends through Ten Sleep Canyon, a wide picturesque canyon that opens up the Bighorn Basin.
10. Cool Off In Lake DeSmet Or Tie Hack Reservoir
While Johnson County and the Bighorns are a hiker’s paradise, there is no better way to cool off than to jump in the lake.
Just a few miles north of Buffalo along Interstate 90 is Lake DeSmet, with the county-owned Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area. This area has a beach and picnic tables for a great day of summer fun. There are various boat launch areas on the lake – one at Mikesell-Potts and one at Monument Point. Boaters, paddleboards, kayaks and canoes all can be found on the water on a warm day.
For those looking for something possibly quieter, Tie Hack Reservoir, in the Bighorn National Forest about 17 miles west of Buffalo, does not allow motorized vehicles. Swimmers and anglers enjoy the reservoir along with paddleboards, kayaks and canoes. With the mountains as a backdrop, the reservoir is a great place to cool off on a hot day.
Healy Reservoir, located northeast of Buffalo, provides another opportunity to fish or watch the ducks and geese float around.
Free Hidden Gems Only Locals Know in Buffalo, WY
Local residents know some ways to enjoy the area without spending any money, whether it’s live entertainment or outdoors fun. There are hidden gems like the historic Pelloux Bridge in the city park. Buffalo residents love to come out for the free live music events in Crazy Woman Square, such as Saturdays in the Square, and the summer Chalk & Art Festival. Buffalo also is home to a free rodeo series throughout the summer featuring women’s and youth events. And there’s no charge for the self-guided tour at Mountain Meadow Wool, a source of town pride as largest wool mill in the West.
11. Walk the Iron Bridge Over Clear Creek
Visitors to the city park can walk on the historic EDL Pelloux Bridge.
A Pratt pony truss bridge that was built in 1912 by the Canton Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio, it was placed over Clear Creek at Kumor Road northeast of Buffalo. The cost to build the bridge was $1,967.50. The single-span bridge is 81 ½ feet and once carried traffic but also ensured that the Pelloux, Watt, Kumor and Belus kids could get to school on time. It had a wooden roadway supported by steel pins and piles.
The bridge was relocated to Buffalo City Park in 1986, one year after being placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
12. Try Geocaching Along Clear Creek or Downtown
Johnson County is full of treasures for geocache hunters. Check out Geocaching.com for the locations of caches in downtown Buffalo and several more along the Clear Creek Trail and Highway 16 into the mountains. Geocaching is a great way to get outdoors and explore while hunting for hidden treasures. And those in the geocache community rave about being able to explore some neat locations while searching for caches in the county.
13. Admire the Historic Carnegie Library
Buffalo is home to one of the library buildings funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in the early part of the 20th century. Now the home of the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, the Carnegie Library building was constructed in 1909 with Carnegie providing $12,500 and the county offering the ground. The museum moved into the beautiful building in the late 1980s and has been working through a multi-phase preservation project.
Visitors can check out the gift shop at no charge when the museum is open. The museum campus also includes a two-room furnished log cabin.
14. Find Historical Markers Around Town
Buffalo is a great place to hunt for historical markers throughout the town.
A state historic marker tells the story of Powder River Country in the parking lot at Main and Fort streets across from the courthouse.
The courthouse property itself has a historic marker as well as a memorial to Johnson County residents who died while serving in the military.
There are several signs along the Clear Creek Trail System, especially along the Centennial Trail east of downtown that follows an old rail bed.
Other historic markers to look for: Fort McKinney, Heritage Mall, and the Bozeman Trail.
15. Tour the Mountain Meadow Wool mill
You can check out the process of how a wool mool turns raw material to beautifully hand-dyed finished yarn at the largest wool mill in the West. Visitors can take a self-guided tour on the upper mezzanine and look down on the production floor as they see how wool is washed, dried, combed, spun, and hand-dyed. While the self-guided tour is free to individuals, there is a gift shop that provides opportunities to purchase natural, quality products made with Mountain Meadow Wool’s yarn.
16. Saturdays in the Square (and other Entertainment)
Buffalo is fortunate to have a free concert series each summer, thanks to the efforts of Lobban Street Music. The Saturdays in the Square series brings multiple performers to the Crazy Woman Square in the historic downtown for one show each month from June to August. Concerts usually begin in the afternoon and continue into the evening. They are family friendly, and kids love to dance in front of the stage. Bring a chair or blanket and find your favorite spot in the lawn.
That’s not the only free music event in Buffalo each summer. Johnson County Arts & Humanities Council’s summer chalk art and music festival also features live entertainment in Crazy Woman Square. Usually taking place on the last Saturday in July, the event features vendors, food trucks, and performances during the day leading up to a headliner performance for a street dance at night.
17. Watch the Cowgirls Rodeo
Ranch rodeos are a big part of Johnson County’s culture, and the Johnson County Cowgirls rodeo series has been a Tuesday night tradition for more than three decades. The rodeo series takes place throughout the summer at Johnson County Fairgrounds with barrel racing, roping, and much more. At no charge for hours of entertainment, watch local cowgirls and young aspiring rodeo cowboys show off the skills they use on the area’s ranches.
18. Enjoy one of our Parades
Everyone loves a parade, and Johnson County has three annual parades that draw large crowds for the fun atmosphere.
The Johnson County Fair & Rodeo Parade on the first Saturday in August helps to usher in that event’s rousing concluding weekend.
The Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade on the first Saturday in December features lighted floats riding through the historic district. The event usually coincides with a chili feed, caroling, and a fireworks show – all free of charge.
Lastly, the Longmire Days Parade is where fans of the show can catch a glimpse of some of the cast members as they ride through town in vintage vehicles. The Saturday morning parade includes series author Craig Johnson and actor Robert Taylor, who played the title character, as well as other cast members who make it to Buffalo for the event. Many activities on the weekend are free events, including a car show in the city park and the Lovin Junkin antiques show at Bomber Mountain Civic Center.
19. Take in the View at Hospital Hill Interpretive Site (and Grouse Mountain Trailhead)
Places to view the Bighorn Mountains are plentiful in Johnson County, but one of the best spots is the Hospital Hill Interpretive Site on Highway 16, just 19 miles west of downtown Buffalo. This location has a pull-off for vehicles, RVs, and trucks, and offers great views of Bighorn Peak, Darton Peak, and Mather Peaks. It’s a great place for morning photos with the sun lighting up the Bighorns, sunset photos, and wildflower photos in the spring and summer. Interpretive signage provides information about the Bighorn National Forest, wildflowers and more. The gate is open for some hiking up the hill for some different views of the mountains when cattle aren’t grazing in the area.
Just across Highway 16 is the Grouse Mountain Trailhead, which connects to the Clear Creek Trail System. This field is open for camping, and will be filled with wildflowers in the spring. For those interested in hiking, the Brush Creek Trail descends to Clear Creek to the south while the Grouse Mountain Trail to the east provides scenic views of Buffalo.
20. Dry Creek Petrified Tree Area
Located about 12 miles east of Buffalo and not far from Interstate 90, the Dry Creek Petrified Tree Environmental Education Area interprets the story of the forest that once stood here millions of years ago. Signage points out the exposed petrified trees along the 1-mile loop trail. Hikers can also take in amazing views of the red-capped scoria buttes to the east. The area is part of an area managed by the Bureau of Land Management
Budget-Friendly Experiences in Buffalo, WY
In addition to the free activities near Buffalo, there are some budget-friendly activities to enjoy. Museums and historic sites provide education and entertainment value that exceed the cost of admission, making it possible to take home priceless memories without spending a lot of money.
21. Visit the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum
Just steps away from the downtown and historic courthouse, the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum is a great way to spend a day for less than $10 per person. The museum – honored in 2023 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services – has exhibits on wildlife, Native American history, the Johnson County War, and the outlaw era. Exhibits about modern times cover the area’s Basque culture, the origins of the state flag, and the Municipal Pool.
The museum’s entry and gift shop is located on the main floor of a 1909 Carnegie Library building.
Adult admission is $10, and there are discounted prices for seniors, veterans, and youth. The museum is free for active military and immediate family.
22. Visit Fort Phil Kearny
Before Johnson County was a county and Buffalo a city, Fort Phil Kearny was established along the Little Piney Creek to protect those traveling on the Bozeman Trail through Wyoming Territory into Montana. The largest stockaded fort in the West was in place from 1866 to 1868 before it was abandoned and ultimately burned to the ground by Native Americans.
Now a state historic site, visitors can walk the grounds of the fort to learn about its layout and get a sense of how remote it was when in operation. A new interpretive center opened in May 2025, allowing for more exhibits related to Native American history and the post-Civil War expansion of the U.S..
Fees are less than $10 per person for non-residents and bus groups have a discounted rate.
23. Window Shop Local Art & Pottery
Downtown Buffalo offers unique window shopping with antique stores, art galleries, and more. You can grab souvenirs at any number of shops downtown, but you can also take home a unique piece of art from shops such as Margo’s Pottery, Wyoming In Color, the Hitching Post Gallery, and more. Downtown also includes the Sports Lure, Buffalo Drifter, Silver Sage Jewelry & Gifts, Treasure Chest Antiques & Collectibles — all places where it’s free to browse. For those needing to upgrade the wardrobe to Western wear with boots or hats, Reride Western Wear sells gently-used items.
24. Swim At the Largest Outdoor Pool
Buffalo’s Municipal Swimming Pool was once considered the largest outdoor pool in the world. At 1 acre with a million gallons of water, it is still the largest in Wyoming and one of the largest anywhere. Splash into the cooling water from Clear Creek in this historic spot built as part of the New Deal in the 1930s. It was once also free. While it is not anymore, it’s still worth the price of admission to brag about swimming in this unique pool.
25. Camping/Sheep Mountain Overlook
Johnson County has no shortage of free camping spots with the Bureau of Land Management’s public areas in the Bighorn Mountains. In addition, the U.S. Forest Service has multiple budget-friendly camping areas in the Bighorn National Forest. Whether it’s backing into a spot in Elgin Park or reserving a place in Tie Hack Campground, the options are plentiful.
One of the low-budget, unique experiences is booking a night at the Sheep Mountain Overlook through Recreation.gov. Check early and often to make a reservation, but the facility is perched on a mountain about 45 minutes west of Buffalo, giving guests a chance to sleep closer to the stars without much surrounding them.
26. Try Fishing at Clear Creek or Lake DeSmet
In addition to camping, Johnson County is a haven for fishing. Anglers can fish on a variety of lakes and canyon streams. Buffalo is surrounded by the large Lake DeSmet to the north and Healy Reservoir to the northeast. Both allow fishing from boats as well as from shore. Tie Hack Reservoir, west of Buffalo in the Bighorn Mountains, does not allow motorized boats. Beyond that are dozens of alpine lakes accessible from trailheads off Highway 16.
Clear Creek can be accessed from various spots in Buffalo or on Highway 16. And there are many other creeks throughout the county that are scenic and full of fish.
If you need gear and/or a license, check in at the Sports Lure.
