This post is part of my 30-day U.S. road trip series, where I explore America’s most breathtaking national parks and landscapes. From the vibrant hues of the Badlands to the jagged peaks of the Rockies, every destination tells a story of natural beauty and adventure. Click here to read other blog posts from this trip.
Tucked deep in the sprawling plains of northeastern Wyoming lies Buckhorn. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it community with an unofficial population of just two. It’s so small, in fact, that it doesn’t even appear on the census. But what Buckhorn lacks in size, it makes up for in character, charm, and wide-open beauty.
First Impressions: Big Skies & Bigger Ranches
As my husband and I approached Buckhorn, the first thing that struck me was the vast, untouched landscape. The region is framed by rolling hills, open ranchland, and skies so wide they seem to go on forever. Many of the surrounding ranches sprawl over 5,000 acres, offering a glimpse into a lifestyle that still lives and breathes the legacy of the American West.
Life on the Range: Stories from a Local
One of the most memorable moments of our visit came from a chance encounter with a local contractor. Between bites of lunch, he described the daily visits of elk herds, sometimes a hundred strong, grazing across nearby land. His deep love for the area was unmistakable.
“I could never leave this place,” he told us. And I believed him.
He frequents the Buckhorn Bar and Grill, not just for himself, but to treat the workers on his current development project. And it’s easy to see why—this quaint, rustic bar is the kind of place where everyone knows your name (and probably your dog’s, too).
Buckhorn Bar and Grill: A Slice of Small-Town Spirit
The Buckhorn Bar and Grill is the heart of the community. Its walls are covered in dollar bills left by patrons, each scribbled with messages, jokes, or memories. This is a living scrapbook of travelers passing through. The warm, welcoming atmosphere made it the perfect place to chat with locals, enjoy a hearty burger, and absorb the spirit of the town.
A Taxidermy Time Capsule
Stepping inside the bar is like walking into a mini wildlife museum. Taxidermy mounts of elk, deer, cougars, and even a bear line the walls. Each piece is a nod to the surrounding wilderness and the rich hunting tradition of the region.
One of the bartenders shared stories behind the mounts—most of them tied to local hunts by the bar’s owner. It was an intimate and artistic glimpse into Wyoming’s untamed beauty, both preserved and revered.
Why Buckhorn Belongs on Your Travel Radar
Buckhorn may not be on most travel maps—but maybe that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s a place where nature, history, and hospitality intersect in unforgettable ways.
If you’re a traveler chasing off-the-beaten-path experiences or a photographer drawn to rustic landscapes and Western heritage, Buckhorn belongs on your itinerary.
Travel Tip for Photographers:
Golden hour here is magic. The soft light over rolling hills, with silhouettes of barns and roaming elk, creates stunning photography opportunities—ideal for both wide landscape shots and storytelling portraits.
Final Thoughts
In a world filled with over-touristed destinations, Buckhorn offers something rare: authenticity. From the vast wilderness to its tightly knit community, this tiny town is a reminder that sometimes the best travel stories come from the places no one’s heard of.
Next time you’re exploring Wyoming, take that detour—you just might discover a hidden gem like Buckhorn.
