Sheridan County

Sheridan County, nestled in a vast, green valley at the base of the Big Horns in the northeastern part of Big Horn Mountain Country, is the setting of some of the most engrossing history and spectacular scenery in northern Wyoming.

The coal industry figured prominently in the development growth of the Sheridan County area. Shaft coal mining ultimately brought the railroad to the town of Sheridan and enormous mines operated in six small area towns. Currently open pit mines operate just across the state line in Montana.

Architecture also played an important role in the evolution of Sheridan County. The Bradford Brinton Memorial Ranch, a twenty-room ranch house just outside the town of Big Horn, illustrates the English influence in the region and includes an impressive western art gallery with works by artists such as Frederick Remington and Charles Russell. The Sheridan Inn in downtown Sheridan is known for its close ties to Buffalo Bill Cody, who auditioned riders for his world-famous Wild West Show from the front veranda of the Inn.

The Trail End Historic Site, also in Sheridan, was home to former U.S. Senator and Wyoming Governor John B. Kendrick and features original furnishings from the early twentieth century. A Texas cowboy, Kendrick came north and eventually established a ranching empire. The King's Saddlery Museum in Sheridan features an extensive collection of nostalgic cowboy gear.

Located in the southern portion of the county are the Wagon Box Fight site, one of the most important victories against Red Cloud’s forces, and the Fetterman Fight site, where 81 men met their demise in an ambush by Red Cloud's warriors. Other important confrontations include the Battle of Tongue River in present-day Ranchester and the Sawyer Expedition Mutiny between Ranchester and Dayton.

Thanks to its English influence, Big Horn was the first town in Wyoming to have its own polo club. Polo began in the area during the 1890's. The Big Horn Equestrian Center features polo matches every Sunday from July to Labor Day.

Story is the site of one of eleven Wyoming fish rearing facilities, the oldest in Wyoming and home to numerous breeds of trout; including rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat and California golden. Just outlside Big Horn, the state bird farm raises thousands of pheasants for stocking throughout northern Wyoming.

The Bozeman Trail Museum in Big Horn was once used as a blacksmith shop and livery stable along the Bozeman Trail route during its peak traveled years.

Hang gliders can be seen taking off from Sand Turn, west of Dayton, a point on the face of the Bighorns noted for the excellent air currents it offers the gliders.

Rodeo fans will enjoy the Sheridan WYO Rodeo in July, an entire week of excitement including rodeo performances, bed races, parade, pancake breakfast and polo/tailgate party.

Sheridan's city park, Kendrick Park, offers a multiplicity of activities, including an outdoor swimming pool and waterslide, tennis courts, picnic areas, a band shell for summer performances and its very own bison and elk herds.

Let your Sheridan County visit tempt you with enthralling history, magnificent scenery and abundance of people-oriented and outdoor activities.