Sheridan is and continues to be known for its classic western charm, a rich culture and arts scene and majestic landscapes. It also boasts a quality of life enticing to Sheridan natives and newcomers alike. 

According to “Images of America: Sheridan,” by Pat Blair, Dana Prater and the Sheridan County Museum, the story of Sheridan takes the archetypal American frontier experience and transforms it into something unique.

In May of 1882, John Loucks contacted engineer Jack Dow of Big Horn City to survey 40 acres that would become Sheridan, according to “Images of America.” Streets and landmarks still boast the names of the earliest residents: Kenneth Burkitt, James Works, George Brundage and Alexander Gould, to name a few. The first passenger train arrived Nov. 18, 1892, and was greeted by 1,000 Sheridan residents. This represented the moment Sheridan became connected to the outside world.

Today, the quality of life draws people to Sheridan. 

“For those of us with children, the quality of life here — my husband and I are both able to have good jobs, and there are great schools here — it is a pretty amazing place,” Sheridan County Commissioner Christi Haswell said. 

A vibrant nonprofit sector and a thriving business community have maintained responsible growth, ensuring that the town doesn’t dwindle. Sheridan also boasts being “undiscovered” in a way communities across the Colorado front range can’t. 

Landmarks like the Historic Sheridan Inn have been saved time and again by philanthropists and private businesses, and years-long efforts to save amenities like the ski lifts at the Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area are finally paying off.

Sheridan is home to state-of-the-art facilities like the Sheridan County YMCA, with construction almost completed on a new aquatic center, and Whitney Rink at the M&M’s Center boasting youth hockey leagues with a recently added NA3HL team and ice skating in an indoor facility.

There are limitless outdoor recreational opportunities in the Bighorns just a short drive from town.

“All of these things, and the quality of life, are what makes Sheridan such a great place,” Haswell said. 

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.