Discover Dayton

A dynamic small town

Population: 767 (2012 projection)
Elevation: 3,921 ft.

Providing access to the north end of the Bighorn Mountains, Dayton acts as a generous host to the Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Run each June. Race directors coordinate with Dayton residents to throw a full welcoming afterparty for ultrarunners at Scott Bicentennial Park. When not filled with tired athletes, Scott Bicentennial has a playground, access to the Tongue River and frisbee golf and beach volleyball courts for sports enthusiasts.

Pockets of hidden artistic gems reside inside the little town, which is celebrated with an annual Dayton Art Loop Studio tour, including local artists Sonja Caywood, David McDougall, Barbara Gail Seller and more than 25 local artists at the Gallery on Main.

The Tongue River Valley Community Center grounds the community with constant activities for residents and guests of all ages. 

The smell of pine wafts through the downtown, along with sweet scents of kettle corn and milkshakes from the Dayton Mercantile and side street shops. 

For those looking to escape from city limits, backroads to Sheridan lead to ample amounts of open space. A short drive brings you into the Bighorn Mountains, where adventurers can stop and learn about the landscape at the Burgess Junction Visitor Center or one of the several lodges along U.S. Highway 14 headed west.

 

HISTORY

Dayton celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2006. Incorporated in 1906, the town has a strong agricultural history. Fertile land and abundant water attracted many ranchers and farmers to the area. Timber harvested in the mountains above Dayton was hewn into railroad ties and floated to Dayton and points beyond via a wooden flume, and the Dayton Flour Mill provided the first electric power in the area.

Dayton has been a progressive community since its early days, electing Wyoming’s first female mayor, Susan Wissler, in 1911. World War II saw the community protected by an all-woman volunteer fire department. The Dayton Bell Tower, used to spot planes and sound fire alarms during the war, is now a town landmark located in Bicentennial Park.

 

MORE ABOUT DAYTON TODAY

Ranching remains an important part of life in the Dayton are today. The Padlock Ranch, located just outside of the town, is one of the largest working ranches in the country. Several dude ranches in the area give visitors a first-hand taste of the ranching lifestyle.

The German-born artist Hans Kleiber, so inspired by the Bighorns, made Dayton his home in the early to mid 1900’s. His studio, filled with etchings, furniture and art supplies is open and free to the public. Afterwards, enjoy coffee and pie at the Branding Iron Cafe or a milkshake and sandwich at the Dayton Mercantile. Don’t miss the Gallery on Main, the perfect spot to pick up local art and enjoy wine tastings from Jackson Hole Winery.

Stretch your legs or join a game of volleyball or horseshoes at the Scott Bicentennial Park. The park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Run held in June annually. Participate or watch as hundreds of runners converge from all over the world to compete in 50, 100 mile, and 30K or 50K races and finish with a BBQ, live music and picnic at Scott Bicentennial Park.

 

Content by The Sheridan Press
The Sheridan Press has served Sheridan County, Wyoming, since 1887. The award-winning independent newspaper offers print and online news delivery platforms to the thriving community, which boasts a college; a lively arts, culture, and music scene; a bustling downtown; and many other amenities, including unlimited outdoor recreational opportunities. To subscribe to The Sheridan Press, click here