The
Big Horn Mountains -- to the west -- dominate the skyline
of this town, which is situated near the junction of
Interstate Highways 25 and 90. It was one of the first
settlements in northern Wyoming, incorporated in 1884.
It's now a good spot to stay when beginning the scenic
drive over the Big Horn Mountains. Buffalo is an
agricultural community with a good selection of motels
and campgrounds from which to choose.
What
to See and Do
The
land around Buffalo saw perhaps more Indian wars than any
other part of the United States. Fort Phil Kearney,
situated 17 miles north of Buffalo off Highway 87, was
built to protect the Bozeman Trail and was constantly in
conflict with the Sioux, Arapahoe and Cheyenne tribes. It
was besieged frequently by Chief Red Cloud and his
warriors before the trail and the fort were closed in
1868. Indians promptly burned the fort and regained
supremacy over the land -- for a while. Fort McKinney was
originally built near old Fort Reno and was
re-established on a site on Clear Creek, near Buffalo.
The property is now the Veterans' Home of Wyoming, a home
for senior citizens.
All
of this Indian vs cavalry conflict is commemorated in the
Jim Gatchell Museum in Buffalo. The museum contains more
than 10,000 artifacts of that era: of the Union soldiers,
the Indian tribes of this vast wilderness and the early
pioneers who settled the area.
The
area has more than a few guest ranches with mainly cabin
accom-modations ranging from rustic to deluxe. Riding is
the primary recreation. One of the largest is Paradise
Guest Ranch, 13 miles west of town on Highway 16. There
are 18 luxurious log cabins containing fireplaces and
kitchens with family meals served in the lodge dining
room. The facility is equipped with a hot tub, fishing is
nearby and there is a children's program. A much smaller
and more intimate ranch is the Rafter Y Ranch, on the
slope of the Big Horn Mountains 18 miles northwest of
Buffalo. Again, there are log cabins and buffet meals are
served in the lodge. V Bar F Cattle Ranch is a B and B
ranch with rooms in the home or in a guest house. Aside
from normal summer ranch activity, cross-country skiing
is popular here. See below for reservation
numbers.
Where
to Eat
Colonel
Bozeman's has a western motif and serves American
cuisine, including steaks. It is also suitable for family
dining and is located at 655 East Hart St., west of
I-25.
