(EMAILWIRE.COM, September 17, 2009 ) SHERIDAN, Wyo.—Travelers looking to explore the historic West next summer will enjoy this new itinerary, just released by Sheridan Travel and Tourism. It begins with the 3 ½ hour drive west along I-90 from the Black Hills/Mount Rushmore area. Upon arrival take a trolley tour of the town and enjoy the elk and buffalo at Kendrick Park before visiting Trail End Historic Site, Governor and Senator John Kendrick’s grand ranch home. Day two is dedicated to the area’s Native American heritage, with visits to Fort Phil Kearney and the Fetterman Battle, The Wagon Box, Box, or the site of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. That evening enjoy Native American singers and dancers while enjoying traditional food.
Day three begins with a downtown walking tour to explore the 30 historic western buildings on the National Register before lunch at the 1893 Grille & Spirits in the Historic Sheridan Inn. The inn was the home of Buffalo Bill Cody and the site where he auditioned acts for his famous Wild West Show. A tour of the inn includes the story of the ghost of Miss Kate. Then visit the cowboy and Indian memorabilia at Don KingÂ’s Western Museum and shop at KingÂ’s Saddlery & Ropes, the shop of the WestÂ’s most famous saddle maker. Right across the street is the iconic Mint Bar, an ideal stop for a shot and a beer to end the day. Depart Sheridan the fourth day and wander west along US 14, a scenic byway that meanders through the Big Horn Mountains towards Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. There are many turnouts to enjoy the views, including a stop at beautiful Shell Canyon to experience the cascading falls and nature paths. Also along this route is the sacred Medicine Wheel, an array of rocks in the shape of a wheel with a hub and spokes that represent various religious and nature elements important to Native Americans. Travelers may continue to the east entrance of Yellowstone or stop 80 miles closer in Cody to see Buffalo BillÂ’s later home and to take in the nightly rodeo.
