The Sheridan Area

(Article courtesy of Sheridan Travel & Tourism www.sheridanwyoming.org)

How the west is still being won in Sheridan, Wyoming - Choosing an authentic Western vacation just got a whole lot easier. Sheridan has been named the number one Western Town in America, and it's not for the reasons you might think.

Sure, the area is steeped in western history, and Buffalo Bill Cody once called the Sheridan Inn his home for a time in the 1890s. But according to True West Magazine, which announced today its "Top 10 True Western Towns of the Year," this small northern Wyoming town takes first place honors because everything about it is authentically Western.

"The culture is Western, in all of its varieties and meanings. The pace of life is Western. When you're in Sheridan, no matter where you hail from, you are Western. It's that magic which really makes the town stand out," writes the True West staff.

Nestled at the base of the unspoiled Big Horn Mountains, this town not only gives history buffs a reason to celebrate, it makes for an unforgettable family vacation and then there's the adventure seekers, who can climb, hike, bike, even hang glide in wilderness that is still something of a well-kept secret. In fact, Sheridan's list of Top 10 Activities for vacationers holds appeal for all, from the smallest of family members to retirees.

Dozens of Western towns applied or were nominated for the award, which is being handed out for the first time. Each was judged on its history and heritage; efforts to preserve, maintain and promote that heritage; and success in attracting tourists. Finally, True West contributing editors, writers, historians, travel experts and friends evaluated how each town succeeded in meeting the criteria. They then arrived at a Top Ten list—with Sheridan at the top.

The judges noted that Sheridan has several historic districts and dozens of historic sites—and hosts numerous Western events each year. It has raised a million dollars for a new history museum, scheduled to open in 2006. And renovation work continues on the historic Sheridan Inn, where Buffalo Bill Cody auditioned acts for his Wild West show in the 1890s. True West Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell traveled to Sheridan to present the award to local officials on January 28, 2006. To view our award, stop now at City Hall, or beginning in the spring at the Wyoming Information Center museum, where 150,000 visitors will enjoy viewing and reading all about it.

The full feature article can be accessed at www.twmag.com/press/ (user name: gu3st password: twmag06). For an interview or further information, please contact Mark Boardman - True West Magazine, mboardman@twmag.com 888-687-1881 or Penny Becker - Sheridan Travel and Tourism at stt@sheridanwyoming.org 307-673-7120 or visit www.sheridanwyoming.org.