Neighboring Towns

Sheridan’s neighboring towns make for an excellent day trip. Different adventures await you in every direction, from the mountain community in Story to the artistic sanctuary of Ucross just a short drive to the east. Each town offers a unique personality and fascinating history to the region, all within their shared stretch near the mighty Bighorn Mountains.

Learn more about each of Sheridan’s neighbors by exploring each page!

Big Horn

In close vicinity to the Cloud Peak Wilderness and Bighorn National Forest, Big Horn, Wyoming, is a popular destination for outdoor recreation during warmer months. It’s well known for its equestrian recreation, including the Flying H Polo Club and the Big Horn Polo Club. 

Things to Do 

Your time in Big Horn should include visits to the Brinton Museum, with a lunch at either the Big Horn Mercantile or the Just LeDoux It Saloon & Steakout, founded by Ned Ledoux, son of country music legend, Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame bronc rider, and Kaycee, Wyoming native, Chris LeDoux. Looking for a night cap? Head over to Last Chance Bar.

History

Born out of The Bozeman Trail in the mid-1860s, cattle ranchers established Big Horn, Wyoming, in 1881. The land rested in the foothills of the majestic Bighorn Mountains, making it an excellent place to raise cattle and sheep. Big Horn’s population remained low for many years, though some of the ranchers arrived from notable positions in the Scottish Highlands, English Nobility, and wealthy businessmen. 

However, the town’s most famous resident is undoubtedly author Ernest Hemingway, who stayed at Folly Ranch and Spear-O-Wigwam during the summer of 1928. Hemingway. hunted, fished, and finished writing his masterpiece, A Farewell to Arms.

Clearmont

Clearmont, Wyoming, is the quintessential western small town. Railroad to one side and winding Clear Creek branch of the Powder River to the other, Clearmont is surrounded by sweeping countryside and steeped in curious history. 

Things to Do

Many travelers pass through Clearmont on their way to Devils Tower National Monument. Stunning views of the Bighorn Mountains and expansive landscape make it an excellent stopping point along the way. 

During your stop, visit the Clearmont Town Jail, which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is over 100 years old. The Clearmont Historical Center also gives visitors a glimpse into the city’s long, fascinating history.

History

Once a station for the Burlington and Missouri Railroad Co., Clearmont eventually developed into a major shipping point for cattle in the early 1900s. Today, it is an agricultural hub and small community with several local businesses, a school district, a public library, and other services and institutions. 

Dayton

Located in northwestern Sheridan County, Dayton, Wyoming, is less than 20 miles from both the Bighorn Mountains and the Wyoming-Montana border. The town is a popular stop for outdoor enthusiasts heading into the Tongue River Canyon and is well known for its regional fishing and hunting access.

Things to Do

As the gateway to Tongue River Canyon, Dayton, Wyoming, is home to many local businesses and attractions. A long history of ranching means that visitors can participate in the ranching lifestyle at one of the many dude ranches in the region. 

Main Street is home to living history, where visitors can enjoy a milkshake and a meal at the Dayton Mercantile. Fans of western art can’t miss a visit to Hans Kleiber’s studio, free and open to the public.

There’s plenty of outdoor recreation around Dayton. Scott Bicentennial Park is a great family-friendly local spot, while the Tongue River Canyon is renowned for its hiking and fishing. Or, stay in the comfort of your car with incredible views along the Bighorn Scenic Byway and Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway.

History

Dayton is a town with a rich agricultural history. Its ideal position at the base of the Bighorn Mountains produces fertile land and abundant access to water from the Tongue River and its many tributaries.

The community is also noted for its progressive history, electing Wyoming’s first female mayor, Susan Wissler, in 1911 and founding an all-woman volunteer fire department during the years of World War II. It was also the first town to provide electricity via the Dayton Flower Mill.

Ranchester 

Ranchester, Wyoming, acquired its name through its staunch reputation as a ranching community. With the Bighorn Mountains as a picturesque backdrop, Ranchester is the last major town you’ll see before crossing into Montana.

 Things to Do

Some of the best attractions in and around Ranchester are found outdoors. Connor Battlefield State Park is an excellent fishing destination, play area, and camping spot, while the Bighorn Mountains are just a short drive away. 

Historic main street has much to offer, including the Buckshot Saloon, Tongue River Brewing Company, and local Innominate Coffeehouse & Bakery. Many other shops line the street for a pleasant small-town shopping experience.

History

The name “Ranchester” derives from the quirky creativity of one of the town’s founding residents. S.H. Hardin, a local rancher with several thousand acres to his name dubbed the town “Ranchester,” referencing his native England where many town names ended in “chester.”

Story

Nestled in the mountainous pinetree forests of the Bighorns is the outdoor escape that is Story, Wyoming. Though it’s almost purely residential, it’s the ideal location to escape into the incredible wilderness of the Bighorn Mountains.

Things to Do

Story’s major appeal is in the wide range of outdoor activities at visitors’ feet. Rock climbing is massively popular, as are the hunting and fishing opportunities. Wyoming Game & Fish manages the Story Fish Hatchery nearby, which is open to the public daily. 

Frontier history buffs will get their fill visiting the Wagon Box Fight monument, historic Ft. Phil Kearny, and the site of the Battle of the Hundred in the Hands. 

History

Story was once a tent city on the American frontier. The small community was fed by travelers traversing the Bozeman Trail. It primarily served as the closest community to Fort Phil Kearny, a major outpost during the American-Indian War. Once motorized vehicles became commonplace, it developed into a popular vacation community.

Ucross

Ucross, Wyoming, is one of the smallest communities in the area. However, it likely has one of the biggest impacts on the arts across not only the state, but the country as a whole—the Ucross Foundation. 

Things to Do

Primarily a ranching community, Ucross attracts many people seeking to stay at and experience an authentic western guest ranch. The Ucross Foundation Art Gallery is also a significant attraction in the region, providing some of the finest art in the state.

Outdoor recreation is also popular in the area, particularly for birdwatching. The vibrant Clear Creek of the Powder River attracts a confluence of wildlife. 

History

Ucross, Wyoming, is undoubtedly most notable for the establishment of the Ucross Foundation. The program, established by the Pratt and Ferris Cattle Company—whose “U-Cross” cattle brand inspired the town name—was created to give artists a retreat to work on their craft.  

Since 1981, the foundation has hosted 1,300 award-winning painters, photographers, writers, composers, and choreographers. Among these residents, there are ten Pulitzer Prizes, eight Tony Awards, nine National Book awards, one United State Poet Laureate, and many more esteemed awards and honors