Discover Fun Fall Activities Near Sheridan
We consider it a fact that any time of the year is great for taking a relaxing vacation but there’s something about fall that makes our hearts beat a little faster. On top of the natural splendor and color-changes taking place across the state of Wyoming, Sheridan offers a unique spin on a typical fall vacation with snow-capped mountain vistas to the west, rolling hills to the east, and a deep western heritage rooted right in the center of town. If you’re looking for fall stuff to do this October in Wyoming; enjoy these very festive fun fall activities.
1. The Fall Colors are a Must-See
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. It’s pretty hard to beat fall foliage at its peak no matter where you are, but the fall colors in Wyoming are truly spectacular. Peak leaf-peeping season comes to Sheridan in mid-October, but glimpses of fall begin as early as September and continue as late as November. The Bighorn Mountains are blanketed in trees displaying colors of fall, though the views are exceptionally colorful in Tongue River Canyon.
Tucked away in the pocket of some of America’s oldest towering limestone walls, the yellows, oranges, and reds turn Tongue River Canyon into a majestic fall paradise. Few things are better that time of year than cruising with the windows cracked, fresh air flowing, and endless views of nature’s sweeping yellow-orange masterpieces.
Sheridan, which falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 4, offers a beautiful backdrop for trees that showcase vibrant fall foliage. Red Maples, Quaking Aspen and the Northern Red Oak are a few of the local trees that add a majestic touch to the landscape during fall.
2. Fall Fishing Around Sheridan is Fantastic
Fishing in the Bighorn Mountains never ends in disappointment – regardless of whether you hook a monster or not. As the temperatures drop and the leaves begin to change color, river-dwelling trout head upstream for spawning season. This means schools of full-grown trout are clustered together, all headed for the same place, as they prepare to hunker down in deeper waters for the winter. Don’t put away those rods and reels yet as the rivers and streams of the Bighorn Mountains are about to become a haven for world-class fishing.
To see where the Walleye and Kokanee salmon are biting and for the best spots to snag a tiger trout, check out the Wyoming Fish and Game’s fall fishing forecast for the Sheridan region.
Visit The Fly Shop of the Bighorns, the Sports Stop, Rocky Mountain Discount Sports, and Sportsman’s Warehouse for river, stream, and lake reports, gear, tackle, and more.
3. Go Shopping During The Fall Season in Downtown Sheridan
A stroll down Sheridan’s Historic Main Street will be an obvious sign of the changing of the seasons. The average temperature during the fall months in Sheridan is around 62 degrees Fahrenheit, and storefronts like Over the Moon, Crazy Woman Trading Company, Jackalope Ranch, will be transitioning their summer displays of floral dresses and sandals to cozy scarves and oversized sweaters. Pick up your pumpkin spiced latte at Java Moon and join the locals in their quest for the newest fall fashion finds.
4.
Sheridan Is a Great Place to Watch Your Favorite Football Team With the Community
Wyoming is one of the 27 states without an NFL Football team, but to be honest, we think that’s a good thing! We’ve got the Wyoming Cowboys and we lay permanent claim to the greatness of Josh Allen, after all. That means that no matter what team you’re rooting for, you’re welcome in Wyoming during football season (as long as you root for the ‘pokes). Sheridan is brimming with places streaming your favorite team on game days from the Pony Bar & Grill, Powder River Pizza, and all the popular breweries in Sheridan, WY.Visiting Sheridan in the fall means you’ll probably meet some of America’s most rowdy and friendly football fans, so don’t forget to pack your favorite jersey!
5. Taste Sheridan’s Fall Food Scene
The culinary scene in Sheridan County is having a real moment – the community features dozens of locally owned and operated restaurants, food trucks, and breweries, most of which source their ingredients locally. With over 1.4 million cows in the state of Wyoming, nearly outnumbering Wyoming residents three to one, Wyoming beef is second to none, and it is not unusual to find restaurants serving locally-raised fare. Whether you’re after pub grub from the likes of The Warehouse Gastropub, high-end cuisine from Frackelton’s or Le Rêve Restaurant & Raw Bar, or a shake from the historic Dayton Mercantile, there’s never a lack for choice when it comes to fall eats.
6. Take a Scenic Fall Drive Through the Bighorn Mountains
The fall scenery along the mountain routes near Sheridan, Wyoming, is truly breathtaking, with the Bighorn Mountains providing a stunning backdrop of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. For the best viewpoints to capture these fall colors, pick a scenic byway (Bighorn Scenic Byway or Medicine Wheel Passage) where the vistas are especially striking. Along these scenic fall drives near Sheridan, popular stops include Steamboat, Black Mountain Lookout and the Burgess Junction Visitor Center, offering panoramic views of the autumn landscape. The peak time to visit for Wyoming fall colors is typically late September to early October, when the foliage is at its most vivid.
7. Attend Sheridan’s Signature Fall Festivals`
Born in a Barn, held in mid-September, is a charming fall festival near Sheridan that transforms a rustic barn into a marketplace filled with vintage finds, handmade crafts, and local food vendors. What makes this festival unique is its eclectic mix of artisan goods and cozy country atmosphere, making it a perfect autumn outing.
The WYO Film Festival, held in early October, showcases independent films from around the world, offering a unique cultural experience for movie lovers in Sheridan. With a focus on storytelling and innovation in cinema, the festival features screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and special events, celebrating creativity in film.
As the season shifts, October Halloween events near Sheridan fill the calendar, including Trunk or Treats, costume contests, Halloween races and dance parties, adding an exciting spooky twist to fall festivities.
8. Visit the Koltiska Pumpkin Patch
The Koltiska Pumpkin Patch is a family-friendly destination that offers a fun and festive fall experience. Visitors can enjoy a wagon ride to the field where they can pick their own pumpkins. After your pumpkin picking is complete, goats, chickens and other farm animals are ready for you to visit and feed. On weekends, the Pumpkin Patch offers a small lunch menu, making this the perfect kid-friendly fall thing to do.
9. Spot Wildlife Near Sheridan
In the fall, Sheridan, Wyoming, offers excellent opportunities to spot wildlife such as mule deer, elk, pronghorn, and bald eagles as they prepare for winter. The Bighorn Mountains and nearby Tongue River Canyon are popular locations for wildlife spotting, especially during a scenic fall drive when the autumn colors are in full display. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to catch wildlife activity. For outdoor fall things to do, consider a hike or leisurely drive through these areas to enjoy both the wildlife and the season’s beauty.
10. Visit a Haunted Place in Sheridan
The Sheridan Inn is a historic landmark renowned for its rich past and haunted reputation. Built in 1893, the inn has long been rumored to be home to spirits, including the ghost of Miss Kate, a former innkeeper whose presence is often felt on the third floor. Stories of phantom footsteps, moving objects, and eerie sensations have intrigued ghost hunters and history enthusiasts alike. Visiting the Sheridan Inn during the fall adds a spooky, seasonal touch for locals and visitors looking to explore both history and the paranormal.
