Historic Sheridan Inn

The Historic Sheridan Inn stands as a cornerstone of Wyoming’s frontier history, originally opening its doors on June 18, 1893. Funded for $25,000 by the Burlington and Missouri Railroad and the Sheridan Land Company, the building became a local marvel when its 69 gables debuted the first electric lights ever seen in Sheridan.

Architectural Influence and Design

Designed by Thomas Kimball—an architect educated at MIT and in Paris—the Inn was modeled after Scottish hunting lodges. The structure originally featured:

• 64 guest rooms across the second and third floors.

• Two communal bathrooms (one per floor).

• A design intended to house the businessmen and politicians driving the economic expansion of the American West.

The Buffalo Bill Legacy

The Inn's most famous resident was Colonel William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, who lived there from 1894 to 1902. Cody was more than just a guest; he was a part-owner who helped develop the Inn's concept. He famously used the front lawn to audition talent for his "Wild West" show, a massive production that featured icons like Annie Oakley and Sitting Bull, alongside reenactments of the Pony Express and the Battle of the Little Big Horn.

The Modern Experience

Today, the revitalized Sheridan Inn has transitioned from its original 64-room layout to 22 unique suites. Each room is themed after Buffalo Bill or a key figure from his life, utilizing art, artifacts, and specialized furnishings to tell the stories of the individuals who shaped the global image of the American West.