Doing a Wild West road trip?  If so, consider adding Sheridan, WY as one of your stops along the way.  We did just that recently, stopping here between Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore.  It’s perfectly located about half-way between.

Sheridan, WY

Our first matter of business was to grab some lunch as we left Yellowstone early without taking time for breakfast.  Luckily, we landed in Frackelton’s Fine Food & Spirits.  It was drizzling outside but quite warm and friendly inside.  Great staff made us feel quite at home and brought some great drinks while we perused the menu.

Hadn’t had corn beef for a while, so I opted for the Reuben.  Perfectly toasted bread and a good-sized serving of corn beef made a great sandwich.  The French Fries were outstanding as well.  Luckily the rain stopped by the time we finished, or I might have wanted to spend the afternoon there.

Frankleton’s, 55 N. Main St.; Sheridan, WY; 307.675.6055; https://www.facebook.com/Frackeltons

Luckily the clouds broke soon enough to keep an appointment I’d made with Out West Segways Tours, close by, also on Main Street.  This had been on my bucket list for too long and I was really anxious to master the art of riding a Segway.

Met Gina at their storefront and got an introductory riding lesson in their back room.  Literally, in 10 or 15 minutes, I felt like I had pretty good control and we were off, out into the city streets.

They offer a variety of tours in direction and in length, and tours go out three times a day: 9 a.m., noon, and 3 p.m.

Sheridan should be better known for its beautiful bikeways.  They have over 13 miles of them, connecting some fabulous parks and points of interest. On a Segway, without even speeding, you can see twice as much in half the time.  It’s a truly wonderful way to sight-see.

I wanted to take pictures as I went, so I was curious as to whether I would have to dismount each time to hold my camera steady. Turns out I didn’t, the Segway would balance pretty still most of the time.

Gina led us to some great historic places as well as to see an interesting herd of buffalo and elk. I think the elk are shy, as they managed to hide the entire time we were there.  There were a whole herd of deer roaming free across the street however, doing their best to take the elk’s place.

 

Segway’s are now right up there as one of my favorite modes of transportation.

Out West Segway Tours; 117 N. Main St.; Sheridan WY;  307.675.1145; http://outwestsegwaytours.com/

After my Segway ride, it was time to watch somebody else ride, and we headed to the Fairgrounds for the Thursday night edition of the Sheridan Cowgirls Association Rodeo.  Free for all, come on out and pull up a bleacher seat.

Hint:  When you pull into the Sheridan County Fairgrounds and you see the entire stands empty, don’t despair.  Pull around back – all the action is out there – not in the main ring.

The Cowgirls Association event is an all-night thing, continuing until the sun goes down.  There was pole bending, barrel racing, goat tying, and much more.

Watching some of these young ladies ride and rope was pretty inspiring.  Watching some of the little kids (maybe 5 or 6 years old) ride was nothing short of amazing.  It was a fun time and the price was right.

Sheridan County Fairgrounds; 1753 Victoria St.; Sheridan, WY 82801; 307.672.2079; http://www.sherfair.com/

After what turned out to be a beautiful summer evening, we grabbed a quick sundae at GoodTimes Burger & Frozen Custard and then headed to our room at Holiday Inn Convention Center.

Super convenient location.  Right off the freeway and close to many fast food joints, this really worked well for us.

Being a convention center, the hotel had a much larger lobby than I expected and I really enjoy a big public space like that with the soothing sounds of the large waterfall going continuously.

Our room was spacious, clean and quiet as well.  We overlooked the lobby on the second floor. Internet worked well and had no connection issues like so many hotels.

Appreciated the hot coffee and hot water for tea in the lobby next to the reception desk.  A nice touch.

Our only regret was that we had to leave about 5 a.m. the following morning so we missed the breakfast service.  I had been told that it was outstanding. Maybe next time we’ll plan better.

Sheraton Holiday Inn; 1809 Sugarland Drive; Sheridan, WY 82801; 307.672.8931; http://www.ihg.com

Leaving early the next morning, we had missed the Farmers Market and a number of cute shops along Main Street. Sheridan, we didn’t allow enough time to visit you adequately; so, we’ll have to come back again.