A Local's Guide to the Best Hidden Gems in Sheridan

TL;DR: Sheridan's Main Street gets the attention, but locals know the real gems—hidden coffee roasters, secret trails, neighborhood bars, and art studios. Here's where Sheridan natives actually spend their time.

Hidden Gems: Coffee & Breakfast

1. The Grounds (Local Roaster, Tucked Away)

Location: 155 N Main St (easy to miss—look for the alley entrance)

Why locals love it:

• Small-batch roasting on-site (smell the beans from the street)
• Quieter than Java Moon (no tourist crowds)
• Best pour-over in Sheridan
• Local art rotates monthly on the walls

Order: Single-origin pour-over + homemade scone

Hours: Mon–Fri 7 AM–2 PM (closed weekends—plan accordingly)

2. The Busy Bean (Classic Diner, No Frills)

Location: 46 S Main St (across from the post office)

Why it's special:

• Unchanged since 1985 (authentic Wyoming diner)
• Massive pancakes, homemade hash browns
• $8 breakfast platters (can't beat the value)
• Locals-only vibe (tourists skip it for trendy spots)

Order: The Rancher's Breakfast (eggs, hash, toast, coffee—$7.50)

Secret Hiking & Nature Spots

3. Red Grade Trail (Off-the-Radar Bighorn Access)

Location: 15 minutes west of downtown (take Red Grade Road off US-14)

Why tourists miss it:

• No signs, no trailhead parking lot (looks like a forest road)
• Locals park on the shoulder and start hiking

What you'll find:

• 6-mile loop through pine forest and open meadows
• Wildflowers (June–July), aspen groves (fall colors)
• Zero crowds (even on weekends)

Difficulty: Moderate (some elevation gain, well-trodden path)

Pro tip: Bring bear spray (black bears common in summer)

4. Tongue River Island Trail (Hidden Downtown Greenway)

Location: Behind the County Courthouse (park on Brooks Street)

Why it's a gem:

• 2-mile paved/gravel loop along Tongue River
• Locals walk dogs, bike, jog (peaceful even at 5 PM)
• Feels remote but you're 3 blocks from Main Street

Best time: Early morning (deer, eagles) or sunset (golden hour light)

5. Shell Creek Canyon (Day Trip, Worth the Drive)

Location: 45 minutes west on US-14 (past Burgess Junction turnoff)

Why locals go:

• Fewer tourists than Shell Falls (which gets all the attention)
• Swimming holes (summer), frozen waterfalls (winter)
• Backcountry camping spots (BLM land, free)

What to bring: Picnic supplies, hiking boots, camera

Neighborhood Bars & Local Haunts

6. The Mint Bar (Historic, But Still a Local Spot)

Location: 151 N Main St (Wyoming's oldest bar, since 1907)

Why it's not just for tourists:

• Locals come for happy hour (3–6 PM weekdays)
• Pool tables, shuffle board, no TVs (actual conversation)
• Dive bar prices ($4 draft beers, $6 well drinks)

Insider move: Order a whiskey at the original back bar (where Hemingway allegedly drank)

7. Suds 'N Soda (Laundromat + Bar, Seriously)

Location: 242 Coffeen Ave (residential neighborhood)

What it is:

• Functioning laundromat with a full bar attached
• Locals do laundry, drink craft beer, play darts

Why it's genius:

• Multitask: wash clothes + socialize
• Rotating local beer taps
• Trivia nights (Thursdays)

Vibe: Quirky, unpretentious, absolutely Sheridan

8. The Sagebrush (Locals-Only Dive)

Location: South Sheridan (ask a local—it's not on Google well)

What to expect:

• Cash only, no credit cards
• Pool table, jukebox, cheap beer
• Regulars will chat you up (don't be shy)

Fair warning: Not fancy, not trendy—just real Wyoming

Art & Culture (Beyond The Brinton)

9. The Artisan's Loft (Working Studios, Not a Gallery)

Location: Above Cottonwood Kitchen (205 N Main St—take the side stairs)

What it is:

• 6 working artist studios (pottery, painting, jewelry, leatherwork)
• Artists are often in-studio (chat, watch them work)
• Rotating open studio nights (first Friday each month)

Why it's special:

• Buy direct from artists (no gallery markup)
• Custom commissions available
• See the creative process, not just finished products

10. Trail End State Historic Site (Underrated Mansion)

Location: 400 Clarendon Ave (5-minute drive from downtown)

Why tourists skip it:

• Overshadowed by The Brinton Museum
• Looks like "just another historic home tour"

Why locals love it:

• Flemish Revival architecture (1913)—stunning
• Free admission (donations accepted)
• Beautiful gardens (great for picnics)

Insider tip: Visit during Quilts in the Mansion (August)—local artisan showcase

Food & Dining Secrets

11. Silver Spur Bar & Grill (Locals-Only Steakhouse)

Location: South Sheridan (Big Horn Avenue)

What you'll find:

• No-frills Wyoming steakhouse (Formica tables, neon signs)
• Massive ribeyes ($28—half the price of downtown)
• Locals bring their families (kids menu, booths)

Why tourists miss it: Looks like a dive bar from outside (it kind of is)

Order: 16 oz ribeye, loaded baked potato, side salad

12. Moe's Original BBQ (Hidden in a Strip Mall)

Location: 1515 Coffeen Ave (strip mall next to hardware store)

What it is:

• Alabama-style BBQ (smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs)
• Not on Main Street (tourists never find it)

Why it's great:

• Best BBQ in northern Wyoming (locals' consensus)
• Massive portions ($12 for a pound of meat + 2 sides)
• Casual counter service, outdoor picnic tables

Order: Pulled pork sandwich + mac & cheese

13. Los Agaves (Authentic Mexican, Not Tex-Mex)

Location: 1901 Sugarland Drive (south end of town)

Why locals go:

• Family-owned, recipes from Jalisco
• Massive burritos ($9), house-made salsa
• No tourists (they stick to downtown)

Order: Carne asada burrito + horchata

Shopping & Supplies (Local Favorites)

14. The Book Shop (Independent Bookstore)

Location: 117 N Main St (upstairs, easy to miss)

Why it's special:

• Curated Wyoming/Western lit section
• Used books (50% off retail)
• Owner knows every book in the store (get recs)

Locals buy: First editions, regional authors, hiking guides

15. Big Horn Mountain Sports (Gear Rentals, Expert Advice)

Location: 334 N Main St

Why it's better than REI:

• Staff actually hike/ski locally (not just sales associates)
• Gear rentals (snowshoes, cross-country skis, tents)
• Free trail maps and beta (ask about current conditions)

Insider tip: Rent gear here before heading to the Bighorns (save $$$ vs. on-mountain rentals)

16. Cottonwood Kitchen (Home Goods, Local Artisans)

Location: 205 N Main St

What you'll find:

• High-end kitchen gadgets, linens, pottery
• Local honey, jams, Wyoming-made gifts
• Artisan's Loft (studios upstairs)

Why locals shop here: Unique gifts, supports local makers

Seasonal Events Tourists Miss

17. Sheridan Farmers Market (Summer Saturdays)

Location: Grinnell Plaza (5th & Grinnell, downtown)

When: May–September, Saturdays 9 AM–12 PM

What to buy:

• Local honey, grass-fed beef, fresh produce
• Handmade soaps, candles, baked goods
• Live music, food trucks

Insider move: Arrive at 9 AM for best selection (sells out by 11)

18. Coffeen Avenue Historic Home Tour (Annual)

When: Last weekend in June

What it is:

• Self-guided tour of Sheridan's historic mansions
• Private homes not usually open to public
• $15 ticket (proceeds go to historic preservation)

Why it's special: See inside Sheridan's architectural gems

Where Locals Actually Stay (When Family Visits)

When Sheridan residents have out-of-town guests, they book:

1. The Onyx (226 N Main St)—boutique downtown stay, walkable to everything
2. Historic Sheridan Inn—for family reunions (on-site restaurant)
3. Mill Inn—budget-friendly, kid-friendly suites

Why locals recommend The Main Exchange:

• "Feels like staying in a friend's house, not a hotel"
• "Chef's kitchen means we can cook family meals"
• "Walkable to Main Street—no need to drive"

Professionally managed by Wyo Stays—300+ five-star reviews, trusted by locals.

Insider Tips from Sheridan Natives

1. Skip weekend Main Street parking—park on Burkitt Street (free, 2-block walk)
2. Best sunset views: Kendrick Park (west end of town)
3. Free live music: WYO Theater summer concert series (Thursdays)
4. Avoid tourist traps: Chain restaurants on Coffeen Ave (go downtown or local spots)
5. Best day trip: Medicine Wheel (90 minutes west)—sacred Native American site, stunning views

Key Takeaways

1. Best coffee = The Grounds (local roaster, hidden alley entrance)
2. Secret trails = Red Grade Trail, Tongue River Island loop
3. Locals-only bars = Suds 'N Soda (laundromat + bar), The Sagebrush (dive)
4. Hidden dining = Silver Spur (steakhouse), Moe's BBQ (strip mall gem)
5. Artisan scene = Artisan's Loft (working studios above Cottonwood Kitchen)

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Staying in Sheridan? Book The Onyx for boutique downtown access to all these hidden gems—or contact us for more local insider recs.

Want the full experience? Read our 48-hour itinerary or winter travel guide.