Sheridan County is the Cultural Capital of Wyoming, and features numerous galleries, exhibits, exhibitions, and art collections open to the public. Craft culture and maker spaces abound – there’s plenty of opportunity to have a hand’s-on experience in shaping your own artistic vision (and vacation). Immerse yourself in art of the Wild West with our One Day as an Artist itinerary:
Morning
Arrive early at PO News & Flagstaff Cafe in the heart of downtown and experience more than 100 years of true Wyoming hospitality, or get down with some old-fashioned American cooking at the Silver Spur Café. This should give you ample time to check the Community Calendar for art exhibits, classes, or upcoming shows.
Take Sheridan’s self-guided Historic Walking Tour and enjoy more than 40 public art pieces and numerous buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Maps are available at the Chamber of Commerce, Travel & Tourism Office, or Downtown Sheridan Association, as well as the DSA website.
Stop by the WYO Theater to pick up tickets for tonight’s show (whatever’s on the marquee is sure to please – trust us). When the WYO Theater opened in 1923 as the Lotus, newspaper headlines proclaimed it “Wyoming’s Wonder Picture Palace!” The theater remains one of Sheridan’s hallmark attractions. More intimate performances often take place at the Carriage House Theater on the grounds of the Trail End Historic Site.
Main Street Main Street is home to a number of art outposts, including The Bozeman Trail Gallery, Main Frame, the Ballard’s Fine Art Gallery, the Don King Museum, and SAGE Community Arts. Also downtown is Expressions Art Gallery; Expressions has featured more than 100 local artists since 2020 and paid out more than $150,000 in proceeds to local and regional creatives.
Take the short drive to the Town of Dayton; this picturesque mountain town features the Hans Kleiber Studio Museum, Sonja Caywood Studio (by appointment only), Painted Skull Studio, and Dog Paw Pottery (by appointment only). In the heart of town is the grand Dayton Mercantile, known for delicious sandwiches, shakes, and Wyoming curios. On your way back from Dayton grab a bite to eat at the Wyoming Buckshot Saloon (yes, you want to try the elk and bison brats, and you know you deserve the onion rings).
Afternoon
The afternoon is all about getting your hands dirty. Book a class to throw some clay on one of Red Bison Studio‘s pottery wheels, or exercise your inner Gollings at The Paint Post. Classes range from an hour to three or more, depending on the medium or piece being made. Red Bison’s Stephen Mullins has produced pieces for Surf Wyoming, the WYO Winter Rodeo, each of Sheridan’s breweries, and many more local businesses. Interactive art doesn’t end there – consider a workshop at SAGE Community Arts; SAGE also features lectures, an annual local photography gala, and much more.
Take your show on the road and visit the Ucross Art Gallery; exhibitions are evocative, insightful and beautiful. Ucross is less than 40 miles from Sheridan; pastoral beauty is the highlight of the drive.
Make sure to leave time – or another day entirely – for the historic community of Big Horn and The Brinton Museum. The Brinton is one of the finest art institutions in all of the American West; you should set aside half a day to experience everything the Brinton has to offer, including the ranch house, James Jackson’s leather shop, the bistro, and the interpretive trails.
Evening
Art can be exhausting, but you’re not through yet; steady yourself for an evening on the town at Frackelton’s Fine Food & Spirits. Frack’s features more beautiful local art, and excellent modern fare – the tuna poke is legendary. Or fill your boots with something substantial at Wyoming’s Rib & Chop House. Dressed to impress, head out for a night of pomp and pageantry. The Edward A. Whitney Gallery at the new Whitney Center for the Arts at Sheridan College is small, but exhibits pack a punch – visit the WCA’s website for information on performances in Kinnison Hall, the exclamation point on your day of experiential art.
*The following information is current as of April 23, 2025. Business and attraction hours, addresses and contact information are subject to change without notice.
