MBA in the USA – Cultural consulting by Grayson Leverenz

The Mint Bar (image: Pete Zarria)

by: John Kloster

Visitors interested in experiencing the Old West won’t go wrong in Sheridan, Wyoming.  Situated west of the Black Hills and Devil’s Tower on the way to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Sheridan is still a cowboy town in every sense of the word. One of the most famous American cowboys, Buffalo Bill Cody lived in Sheridan, and has a great influence on the town to this day. Here are five ways to live like Buffalo Bill Cody in Sheridan, Wyoming.

1. Stay at the Historic Sheridan Inn.
When Buffalo Bill lived in Sheridan, he lived at the Historic Sheridan Inn, where he auditioned acts for his famous Wild West Show.  Today the Inn houses the 1893 Grille and Spirits restaurant, which opened about 1 ½ years ago.  Its menu features bison chili and elk stew, along with steaks.  It is also home to Buffalo Bill Days June 24-27, 2010, an event that includes a reenactment of the show with Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane, along with a Pony Express ride and historical parade.

2. Cheer on the local rodeo talent.
Buffalo Bill loved the rodeo and Sheridan hosts rodeos every week during the summer.  The weekend of July 9-11, 2010 is the big one, when the 79th Sheridan WYO Rodeo comes to town with the world’s top cowboys and cowgirls.  In addition to the rodeo, the week features the World Champion Indian Relay Races, concerts, parade, street dances, Kendrick Park boot kick-off contest, carnival, Kiwanis breakfast, Beds Along the Big Horn Bed Race, Duck Race, steer roping slack, Sneaker & Spurs Rodeo Run, and more.

3. Enjoy a drink at the Mint Bar.
Mr. Cody enjoyed a cocktail and personally purchased the grandiose wooden bar at the Inn.  At the end of the day visitors can unwind in the Old West historic downtown known for its warm western hospitality, thirty historic buildings housing restaurants, western clothing and saddle and tack shops and the famous Mint Bar.

4. Play the Sheridan golf courses.
While we don’t have evidence that Buffalo Bill was a big golfer, it’s clear he would have chosen Sheridan if he was.  It is known as Wyoming’s golf capitol due to its four quality courses within a half hour’s drive of town – three of which are only minutes from downtown.  The majestic Big Horn Mountains provide a magnificent backdrop for these fine courses, as well as providing fly fishing, hiking, biking, camping, rock climbing and wildlife viewing opportunities.

5. Embrace the cowboy life at Eaton’s Dude Ranch.
After a good town visit, you can fully embrace the cowboy life at Eaton’s Dude Ranch, which celebrated its 130th anniversary this year and is the oldest in the country.  Eaton’s is unique in that it allows guests to ride its 7,000 acres unescorted on morning, afternoon or evening rides.  It also offers all-day rides, breakfast rides and overnight pack trips. In May, Eaton’s drives over 100 horses through town in their way to the ranch which is still owned and operated by the founding family.

John Kloster works in travel as a freelance writer and in public relations.  john@goexperience.com