Nestled at the fringe of the vast Great Plains, approximately eight miles from Bighorn National Forest, and about 35 miles from Sheridan, Wyoming's hidden gem, lies Buffalo. Established in the 1880s, this city spans about 4.5 square miles and is home to roughly 4,500 residents. Buffalo wholeheartedly embraces its pioneering origins, offering visitors a rich tapestry of history, art, and retail therapy. In addition, during the summer months, the city hosts a weekly rodeo, a bustling farmers market, and live music performances at its classic historic saloon, ensuring a lively atmosphere for all.

For those seeking to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of the American frontier, a stay at the venerable Historical Occidental Hotel comes highly recommended, though numerous other lodging options, including hotels, inns, and motels, are available throughout Buffalo. Should the allure of the natural landscape beckon, Bighorn National Forest provides a variety of campgrounds and cabin rentals. Furthermore, camping facilities are accessible at Lake Desmet, situated just under ten miles away. Visitors should, however, exercise caution, as local folklore suggests the lake is home to its own legendary aquatic creature, affectionately known as Smetty, a counterpart to the famous Loch Ness monster.

Upon entering Buffalo, visitors are greeted by striking statues of cowboys alongside their steeds, serving as immediate reminders of the city's foundational history. The urban landscape boasts several structures recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, including the venerable Buffalo Post Office, the Carnegie Public Library, the Johnson County Courthouse, and the historic Buffalo Main Street District, along with three venerable churches, all of which provide captivating subjects for photography enthusiasts.

Buffalo played a significant role as the inspirational backdrop for the acclaimed Western-themed novel and subsequent Netflix series, 'Longmire.' Craig Johnson, the author of the series, resides in the vicinity and drew inspiration from real-life establishments within Buffalo, naming various locations in his books after them. The city proudly hosts an annual 'Longmire Days' celebration, which features autograph sessions with both Johnson and members of the cast, alongside insightful talks, lively auctions, a festive parade, an energetic street dance, and traditional horse riding demonstrations.

As one wanders through the city's historic downtown, a diverse array of unique shops can be found, offering everything from timeless antiques and original artworks to musical instruments, authentic Western attire, and a wide selection of 'Longmire' merchandise. The area is also adorned with compelling street art, featuring murals that bring pastoral scenes of cattle and horses to life, seemingly emerging from the very walls of the buildings.

Individuals keen on deepening their understanding of Wild West history are encouraged to visit the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum. This institution chronicles the life and contributions of T.J. Gatchell, the city's inaugural pharmacist and the museum's namesake. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of Native American artifacts, many of which were presented to Gatchell—who shared a bond of friendship with the region's Indigenous communities—as tokens of goodwill. Thanks to the generosity of both past and present residents of Buffalo, the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum's collection now encompasses approximately 40,000 artifacts. For those desiring a more profound plunge into frontier legends, a trip to Rawlins, Wyoming, a city renowned for its eerie past and ghost tours, is highly recommended.

For an authentic and immersive experience of frontier life, a stay at the Occidental Hotel is unparalleled. Erected in 1880, this meticulously restored establishment, which once provided shelter to notorious outlaws, stood as one of its era's most celebrated venues at the turn of the century. Its storied halls have welcomed a host of historical figures, including the infamous Butch Cassidy, the legendary Calamity Jane, the iconic Buffalo Bill, the esteemed Theodore Roosevelt, and the literary giant Ernest Hemingway. A testament to painstaking restoration efforts undertaken in the early 2000s, much of the hotel's original charm and appearance has been meticulously preserved.

The Occidental Hotel offers a diverse array of amenities, including a charming cafe, an inviting restaurant, a lively beer garden, and a quintessential Wild West saloon. The Historic Saloon, constructed in 1908, retains much of its original interior design. Its iconic black bar, now over a century old, stands as a testament to its enduring legacy. The walls are adorned with animal heads, a taxidermied black bear stands guard in the billiards room, and upon closer inspection, one can still discern bullet holes etched into the ceiling. The hotel facilitates historical tours of Buffalo, and it also houses its own small museum, showcasing artifacts, antiques, and photographs that vividly recount the dramatic eras of cattle wars and the reign of outlaws.