The Ultimate 3-Day Summer Itinerary in Buffalo, Wyoming
Buffalo, Wyoming sits at one of the American West’s most compelling crossroads — where I-90 and I-25 meet, where the High Plains give way to the Bighorn Mountains, and where frontier history, Western culture, and genuine small-town hospitality converge in a single unforgettable place. Follow this three-day summer itinerary to experience the best things to do in Buffalo, Wyoming, from walkable downtown shops and canyon drives on Day One to frontier history and the Bighorns on Days Two and Three. Or mix and match stops to build your own adventure — Buffalo rewards every kind of traveler. If you’re searching for summer activities near me with real Western character, you’ve found your base camp.
Why Buffalo, WY Is Your Summer Destination
Summer is when Buffalo, Wyoming truly comes alive. Visit Buffalo, Wyoming between June and August and you’ll find Longmire Days drawing fans from across the country every July, local rodeos kicking dust under wide-open skies, and the Clear Creek Trail at its most inviting. Lake DeSmet shimmers just north of town while Bighorn National Forest trailheads sit less than thirty minutes away at peak season.
Road-tripping between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone on scenic Highway 16? Buffalo, Wyoming summer activities make it more than a stopover — it’s a destination worth three days of your trip.
How to Get to Buffalo, Wyoming
Buffalo is easily reached via I-90 and I-25, which intersect at the edge of town. Highway 16 (Cloud Peak Scenic Byway and the best route to Yellowstone) also passes through Buffalo.
Fly into Billings-Logan International Airport (3 hours) or Rapid City Regional Airport (2.5 hours) for the widest flight options, or use Sheridan County Airport for connecting flights through Denver.
Day One: Downtown Buffalo and the Crazy Woman Canyon Loop
Your first day in Buffalo is built for walkers, browsers, and anyone who loves a back-road drive with a payoff.
Spend the morning wandering Main Street, Fort Street, and Lobban Avenue — the heart of downtown Buffalo — before heading west on Highway 16 for an afternoon loop through dramatic Crazy Woman Canyon. Cap the evening with dinner at one of the fine restaurants in Buffalo. This is a great day of orientation for first-time visitors.
Morning: Shop, Browse, and Taste Downtown Buffalo
Downtown Buffalo rewards an unhurried morning. Main Street is lined with locally owned galleries, boutiques, and antique stores that reflect genuine Western character rather than tourist-trap aesthetics. Start at Crazy Woman Square, where murals by local artists make for the perfect mid-morning pause, then work your way through the blocks. Lunch and coffee options are within easy walking distance — making this one of the most enjoyable things to do in Buffalo Wyoming on any summer morning. Longmire fans should not miss the Bucking Buffalo Supply Company.
Bucking Buffalo Supply Company (Official Longmire Store)
Located on Main Street, this is the official Longmire store owned by Craig and Judy Johnson — Craig being the author of the beloved Longmire mystery series and organizer of the annual Longmire Days event held each July. Browse books and official merchandise straight from the source. The store also carries Western apparel by Double D Ranchwear, Pendleton, Tasha Polizzi, Rockmount, and Schaefer; and an extensive collection of authentic American Indian turquoise and silver jewelry.
Lunch, Coffee & Dessert on Main Street
You won’t go hungry downtown. Busy Bee Cafe and Main Street Diner are both beloved breakfast-and-lunch spots with locals and visitors alike. Sagewood Gifts & Cafe is a lovely option for a lighter lunch. Tavern 307 is new to downtown and serves lunch and dinner alongside Clear Creek.
Cookies & Kisses Bakery serves baked goods and coffee. Pie Zanos is perfect for a pizza lunch or dinner. And Lickety Splits — open summers only — is the essential ice cream stop before you head out of town.
Downtown Galleries & Shopping
Buffalo’s independent retail scene punches well above its weight for a town this size. Highlights include Margo’s Pottery and Fine Crafts, Wyoming In Color, Prairie Siren, Treasure Chest Antiques, Reride Western Wear, Silver Sage Jewelry & Gifts, The Sports Lure, Buffalo Drifter, and more.
Afternoon: Crazy Woman Canyon Mountain Drive
After lunch, head west out of Buffalo on Highway 16 toward the Bighorn Mountains. Within 15 to 20 minutes you’ll reach the trailheads at Hunter Corrals, Circle Park, or Elgin Park — worth a stop if you want to stretch your legs before the canyon. Continue west another few minutes and watch for the Forest Road 33 turnoff, roughly 25 minutes from town.
(There is construction on Highway 16 in 2026 and 2027. Visitors can also enter the canyon from the east end off Old Highway 87, and return back down the canyon.)
The road winds drops dramatically into Crazy Woman Canyon, with the creek rushing below sheer rock walls. The loop exits back onto Old Highway 87 south of Buffalo, putting you perfectly positioned for the evening. The road is accessible from the middle of June through October — weather permitting. There is about a 3,000-foot elevation change in the 13-mile drive, so conditions at one end of the canyon may differ from the other.
Tips: Call the U.S. Forest Service at 307-684-7806 for current conditions before you go. This Buffalo Wyoming summer activity is one of the most scenic drives in all of Wyoming.
Cell service is limited in the canyon. Download offline maps before you leave town.
A Stop at the TA Ranch
As you exit Crazy Woman Canyon onto Old Highway 87, the TA Ranch sits just 3 miles south — and it’s one of the most historic spots in Wyoming. This is the site of the last battle of the 1892 Johnson County Cattle War, where a group of hired gunmen were besieged by local ranchers before federal troops intervened. The barn where they held up still stands, and there is a historical marker at the ranch entrance.
Near the intersection of Old Highway 87 and Trabing Road is another marker at the site where John A. Tisdale was assassinated in an incident related to the Johnson County War.
Evening: Dinner in Downtown Buffalo
After an active first day, there are plenty of great options to refuel with a hearty dinner.
The Bozeman Trail Steak House was featured in 2025 on America’s Best Restaurants while Pie Zano’s has been featured by Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. The Cowboy Bar & Grill is known for tasty burgers. Tavern 307 is new to the dining scene with a great variety on its menu, and another new restaurant with a historic name — Duffy’s Bluff — opened in May of 2026.
If you’re looking for a local secret: The Bison House restaurant at Buffalo Golf Club is a casual atmosphere with outstanding Detroit-style thick crust pizza.
Day Two: Clear Creek, Local History, and the Occidental Hotel
Day Two strikes a satisfying balance between gentle outdoor time and deep frontier history. A creekside morning walk leads into an afternoon exploring two of Buffalo’s most distinctive cultural stops, and the evening ends at the iconic Occidental Hotel — a saloon where the past is still very much present. These are some of the most rewarding things to do in Buffalo Wyoming for travelers who love stories as much as scenery, and a highlight of any summer activities itinerary in northern Wyoming.
Morning: Breakfast and the Clear Creek Trail
Start at Busy Bee Cafe or Main Street Diner for a proper Wyoming breakfast, then cross the bridge to pick up the Clear Creek Trail — one of the most peaceful things to do in Buffalo Wyoming on a summer morning. The trail follows Clear Creek through Buffalo’s parks with benches placed along the way and the Bighorn Mountains visible to the west.
You can walk for miles without losing the sound of the creek. Trail maps are available at the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce at 55 N Main, or online. Buffalo wyoming summer activities don’t get more restorative than this.
Afternoon: Jim Gatchell Museum and Mountain Meadow Wool
Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum
This museum has been since 1957 and houses some of the most compelling exhibits on the Johnson County Cattle Wars, the Bomber Mountain airplane crash, the Plains Indians, Wyoming flag designer Verna Keays Keyes, and more. The museum’s collection originated with a donation from the family of Jim Gatchell, who was a pharmacist in Buffalo’s early days. Gatchell had been gifted items from infamous frontier characters and his Plains Indian friends.
Mountain Meadow Wool Mill
The largest wool-spinning mill in the western United States is a rare and wonderful stop for anyone curious about where their fiber comes from. Tours walk you through the entire process, from raw shorn wool to hand-dyed finished yarn, and the on-site retail space lets you bring something genuinely, uniquely Wyoming home.
Evening: The Occidental Hotel & Saloon and Dinner Downtown
There are historic saloons, and then there’s the Occidental. Butch Cassidy, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Teddy Roosevelt all raised a glass here, and the Occidental Hotel & Saloon has kept that frontier atmosphere alive.
If you’re there on a Thursday, the weekly Bluegrass Jam kicks off at 7 p.m. and brings local and regional musicians into the saloon for an evening that feels completely genuine. For dinner, the Virginian Steakhouse inside the Occidental serves scallops, beef, and bison steaks. Other great Main Street dining options include Tavern 307 and Piezanos — all within easy walking distance and all part of the things to do in Buffalo Wyoming that keep visitors coming back.
For an after-dinner cocktail, Bombshells American Cantina has a unique atmosphere honoring the military.
Occidental Hotel & Saloon
10 N Main Street, Buffalo. One of Wyoming’s most storied frontier landmarks, with a living history atmosphere that has welcomed guests since 1880, a family-friendly saloon and grill, the Virginian Steakhouse, and the famous Thursday Night Jam featuring local musicians.
Day Three: The Bighorn Mountains, Lake DeSmet, and Wide-Open Wyoming
Day Three is the outdoor centerpiece of this itinerary — a choose-your-own-adventure day built around the Bighorn Mountains summer activities that draw travelers to this corner of Wyoming year after year. Hike or ride into the Bighorn National Forest, cast a line at Tie Hack Reservoir, tee off at one of Wyoming’s top-ranked public courses, or take a drive into Outlaw Country. Cap the evening at Lake DeSmet, where a golden-hour sunset over the water is one of the finest Buffalo Wyoming summer activities a visitor can experience. Whatever your group enjoys, Day Three can deliver it.
Morning: Hiking, Fishing, and Horseback Riding in the Bighorns
The Bighorn National Forest trailheads at Circle Park, Hunter Corrals, and Elgin Park are all reachable in 20 to 30 minutes from Buffalo via Highway 16. Each offer exceptional hiking with a stunning high-mountain landscape.
For fishing, Tie Hack Reservoir sits 17 miles from downtown and offers some of the best fly-fishing, camping, and canoe/kayak access in the region. Motorized boats are not allowed on Tie Hack, making it a peaceful place to enjoy a summer day.
Pick up fishing gear at The Sports Lure on Main Street in Buffalo.
Call the U.S. Forest Service at 307-684-7806 for trail maps and current conditions.
These Bighorn Mountains summer activities are at their peak from late June through August.
For a fully-guided horseback experience, contact one of Buffalo’s trusted outfitters:
- Blacktooth Excursions (blacktoothexcursions.com) — horseback day rides, fishing excursions, and multi-day drop-camp options
- Southfork Mountain Lodge — guided horseback Bighorn Mountain adventures.
Circle Park, Hunter Corrals & Elgin Park Trailheads
Located 20–30 minutes from Buffalo off Highway 16. Three accessible Bighorn Mountain trailheads offering exceptional hiking and horseback riding within Bighorn National Forest.
Tie Hack Dam & Reservoir
This mountain reservoir offering fishing, hiking, and camping, is just 17 miles from downtown to the lake via Highway 16. With easy highway access, it is one of the most accessible Bighorn Mountain summer activities for families.
Blacktooth Excursions
Guided Bighorn Mountain adventures including horseback day rides, fishing excursions, and multi-day drop-camp options for all skill levels.
Morning Alternative: Buffalo Golf Club
This 4-star-rated 18-hole public course consistently ranks among Wyoming’s best, with economical greens fees and the on-site restaurant — the Bison House — for a post-round meal. One of the most accessible summer activities for golfers passing through northern Wyoming.
Afternoon: Historic Tours of Johnson County
Johnson County’s history runs deep, and the afternoon of Day Three is a great time to explore it.
Fort Phil Kearny, 12 miles north of Buffalo, opened an expanded interpretive center in 2025 with new interactive exhibits that serve as a great lead-in before walking the grounds of what was once the largest stockaded fort in the American West. Nearby are battle sites for the Fetterman Fight (1866) and the Wagon Box Fight (1867) — key incidents in the Plains Indian War.
Visiting this state historic site is one of the most immersive things to do in buffalo wyoming for history lovers and a standout addition to any Buffalo Wyoming travel guide itinerary.
Fort Phil Kearny Interpretive Center
A frontier military history site offering self-guided tours of the fort and battlefields along the Bozeman Trail. This state historic site has a new interpretive center with interactive exhibits.
Evening: Lake DeSmet
Close out your three days in Wyoming at Lake DeSmet, just north of Buffalo on Highway 87. The lake is a natural gathering place on summer evenings — fishing off the banks or from a boat, swimming, paddleboarding, or simply watching the sun drop behind the Bighorns with a cold drink.
RV and tent camping with electrical hookups is available on site if you’d like to extend your stay — either at LakeStop Resort or the county-owned Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area.
Lake DeSmet Wyoming is a quiet, beautiful way to end a trip, and one of the most memorable experiences you’ll find in the region.
Lake DeSmet
A Wyoming lake offering fishing, swimming, boating, and paddleboarding, Lake DeSmet has a great history as well. Father Pierre DeSmet came across the lake in his travels in August of 1851, and there is a marker (with the wrong date) to commemorate that. The lake also is said to be haunted and once was home to a lake serpent.
A county recreation area offers a boat launch, camping sites, public beach, and great views.
Family Activities on Day Three
Traveling with kids?
Day Three has plenty of options for younger visitors.
The municipal outdoor swimming pool is one of the largest outdoor pools known to man. It is located just two blocks west of Main Street in the city park and is open June through early August. It is known for being chilly with the mountain-fed Clear Creek waters kept in the pool year-round.
Creekside Family Fun Center mini golf and ice cream sits just off the South Bypass Road.
Pick up ice cream at Lickity Splits on Main Street.
These summer activities make Buffalo, Wyoming one of the most family-friendly stops in the region.
Where to Stay This Summer in Buffalo, Wyoming
Buffalo offers a strong range of lodging from downtown hotels and motels to working guest ranches in the Bighorn foothills and campgrounds along the creek. Whatever your style, there’s a comfortable base for your summer trip.
One important note: lodging fills quickly around Longmire Days in July, so advance booking is strongly recommended if your visit falls near that event. Visit Buffalo Wyoming’s lodging page at visitbuffalowy.com/lodging/ to browse all available options.
Hotels and Motels in Buffalo
Buffalo’s hotels and motels put you close to Main Street and all the downtown dining and shopping that anchors Days One and Two of this itinerary. Several properties offer mountain views and easy access to the interstates and Highway 16. Browse options and book at visitbuffalowy.com/lodging/hotels-motels/.
Guest Ranches Near Buffalo
For a full Wyoming immersion, consider a guest ranch stay in the Bighorn foothills. Several ranches near Buffalo offer horseback riding, guided fishing, and authentic Western hospitality in spectacular settings. Some require longer stays, but pay off with unforgettable experiences that bring people back year after year. Explore guest ranch options at visitbuffalowy.com/lodging/guest-ranches/.
Camping in and Around Buffalo
Buffalo and the surrounding Johnson County landscape offer excellent camping options, from sites along Clear Creek to full-service RV parks and primitive sites in the Bighorn National Forest. Find camping options at visitbuffalowy.com/lodging/camping/.
Plan Your Summer Trip to Buffalo, Wyoming
A little prep goes a long way when you visit Buffalo Wyoming.
Pack layers — Wyoming summer days can be warm and sunny while evening temperatures in the foothills can drop quickly.
Download offline maps before heading into the Bighorns or Crazy Woman Canyon, where cell service becomes limited.
If your trip falls in July, book lodging well in advance to secure your spot around Longmire Days. For everything from event schedules to restaurant recommendations and local insider tips, call the Johnson County Tourism Association at 307-285-8590 or download the free Buffalo Wyoming Visitors Guide at visitbuffalowy.com/visitors-guide/. Whether you’re searching for summer activities near me on a spontaneous road trip or planning ahead for a longer stay, Buffalo, Wyoming delivers a summer worth the detour.
