Adventures of Tin Can Lulu

Buffalo, Wyoming is nestled in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains. The town was founded in 1879 when Fort McKinney was established at the base of the Bighorn Mountains to protect travelers along the Bozeman Trail. Buffalo’s location gained distinction as a popular new hangout for travelers. Main Street in Buffalo has many historic buildings standing today. 

Founded in 1880, the Occidental Hotel (also known as “the Ox”) became one of the most renowned hotels in Wyoming. Located near the Bozeman Trail at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. Today the hotel has kept its old west feeling from the front desk and lobby to the saloon.

Buffalo became famous when mystery author Craig Johnson created a series based on the character Walt Longmire a sheriff in the town of Dumont (patterned after Buffalo), Wyoming. There are 20 books in the series. The books became the basis for the tv series Longmire that ran for six seasons starting in 2012.

In 2012 the first Longmire Days event was started. We just happened to be in Buffalo when this event was taking place this year. There was a parade, pancake breakfast, car show, Native American dancing, baseball game, rodeos and sessions with the cast of the series and author Craig Johnson. Although we had not heard of the books or tv series, it was fun to partake in some of the events and become acquainted with what Longmire is all about.

We found an amazing canyon near the campground that was both beautiful and challenging for a bicycle ride. We definitely found our climbing legs when we hit the 11% grade!

We hiked two trails, the Clear Creek Trail that was shady and cool and Grouse Mountain which had 19 switchbacks and a view of the mountain. We came across workers trimming trees along the power lines that ran through the forest. Those workers made us look like wimps!

A scene that we will probably not see at a campground until we go to an Airstream rally somewhere in the US. The Colorado Airstream Club was at the Buffalo KOA for Longmire Days. The majority of the Airstreams were parked in one area.. it was an amazing site.

The journey continues with our next stop in the Black Hills of South Dakota!