Exploring How Artisans in This Wyoming Town Preserve Their Handcrafting Legacy

The American West is rich with tales of audacity and innovation, from Buffalo Bill’s dazzling exploits to the daring adventures of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. This legacy adds to the allure of Sheridan, Wyoming, where, behind these iconic figures, skilled craftsmen and women have meticulously created the tools that contributed to their fame, often resisting the tide of industrial change. In this historic town, many traditions remain intact.

Sheridan began humbly with a simple log cabin but swiftly evolved into the County seat. As the coal and cattle industries expanded, the city’s population surged with immigrants from around the globe. The arrival of the railway, and Sheridan’s inaugural long-distance trolley, transformed travel, attracting visitors eager for an authentic Western experience, whether at nearby Eaton’s Ranch or during the nearly century-old WYO Rodeo.

A Living Testament to Craftsmanship

As the cowboy population surged in Sheridan, the need for versatile items that captured the frontier spirit increased. Artisans like Don King met this demand by creating exquisite handmade leather goods, suitable for both cattle drives and display in a museum. At King’s Saddlery, located on Main Street, visitors seeking souvenirs often find themselves alongside locals purchasing their tack, a tradition upheld for over 70 years. Following in Don King’s footsteps, California’s Tom Balding has spent four decades crafting custom bits and spurs, with his highly regarded shop showing no signs of slowing down.

Sheridan continues to serve as a central hub for riders and their gear while also embracing a diverse artisan legacy that spans various crafts beyond ranching. At King’s Saddlery and online, you can find the exquisite handmade knives of Judson Rateliff, crafted from natural materials like turquoise and buffalo horn, designed to endure for generations. Likewise, Kevin Willey of KAW Rawhide and Steel meticulously hand-forges his stainless and Damascus steel blades to order, alongside durable bits and spurs.

Cultivating Creativity Among All Artists

In addition to functional metalwork, Sheridan boasts a vibrant community of artists dedicated to pure artistic expression. Rod Dugal, a ceramicist from Louisiana who also chairs the Department of Art at Sheridan College, draws inspiration from the natural shapes and materials of the Bighorn Mountains to create simple, utilitarian earthenware. Meanwhile, Wyoming native Stephen Mullins balances his time between throwing clay for personal projects and managing Red Bison Studio, a community hub offering ceramics classes to both locals and visitors.

For those eager to dive deeper into Sheridan’s artistic landscape, the UCross Foundation is a must-see. Located just thirty minutes from downtown in the scenic countryside, this residency program has nurtured artists of all backgrounds since 1983, greatly enriching the on-site gallery with works from contemporary creators inspired by the local preserve and its vibrant ecosystem.

Experiences in Artisanal Craft

Between exploring boutiques and galleries, visitors can indulge in a stop at Luminous Brewhouse for small-batch ales and handmade pretzels crafted from brewing leftovers. Often referred to as “Sheridan’s living room,” this brewery, run by two veteran homebrewers, is an ideal place to connect with locals. For a true cowboy experience, the family-owned Koltiska Distillery offers a unique selection of spirits, ranging from classic vodka to rich Winter-Mint liqueur.

Tours of the distillery are offered every afternoon from Wednesday to Sunday, so don’t forget to enjoy some hearty fare, showcasing Sheridan’s rich ranching heritage. Jimmy Legerski of Legerski Sausage Company, a skilled butcher carrying on a family tradition of three generations, crafts an impressive array of sausages, prime cut steaks, and fresh ground hamburger, all available for grilling at their downtown retail shop and in local restaurants.

For those short on time, the Brinton Museum provides a comprehensive glimpse into Sheridan’s rich craftsmanship tradition. Situated on the historic Quarter Circle A Ranch, it showcases exhibitions of Native American and Western Art, including an extensive collection of Native American pieces, along with a bright bistro and sweeping patio views of the Bighorn Mountains. The museum is housed in an eco-friendly building featuring the tallest rammed-earth wall in North America, encapsulating the essence of Sheridan in one location.

Although the Brinton is closed from late December to early February during the snowy season, Sheridan’s boutiques and galleries are open year-round. Daily direct flights land at Sheridan County Airport, while international airports in Casper, Wyoming, and Billings, Montana—each just a two-hour drive away—ensure that visitors from around the globe can easily access the rich cultural legacy of the American West.