Things to Do Around Story, Wyoming

Nestled in the shadow of the majestic Bighorn Mountains, the tiny community of Story, Wyoming, offers a perfect blend of serene escapes and thrilling adventures. Just south of Sheridan, this tucked-away gem invites visitors to unwind amid pine-scented forests, dip into rich Western history, and savor the simple joys of mountain life. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Story serves as an ideal base for exploration. Drawing from local insights at the Story Pines Inn, here's a curated guide to the top things to do in and around this enchanting corner of Wyoming, updated for fall 2025.

Lace Up for Epic Hikes in the Bighorns

The Bighorn National Forest surrounds Story like a living postcard, with dozens of trails winding through dense woods, past cascading waterfalls, and up to breathtaking panoramic vistas. For an easy introduction, try the Red Grade Trails, a popular network offering relaxed paces with stunning lookouts and frequent wildlife sightings. At times you can see elk, deer, and maybe even a black bear at a distance. More adventurous souls should tackle the Penrose Trail, a 7.1-mile out-and-back route rated moderately challenging, taking about 3 hours and 50 minutes round-trip through wildflower meadows and rocky ridges. It's one of the area's most beloved paths, complete with interpretive signs about the forest's ecology.

For a waterfall fix, head to Porcupine Falls Trail, it’s magical in autumn when leaves turn gold. Or push your limits on the Cloud Peak Route, a multi-day backpacking epic to Wyoming's highest point in the Bighorns. No matter your fitness level, these trails promise fresh air and unforgettable scenery, pack layers, as mountain weather shifts quickly.

Cast a Line into World-Class Fly Fishing

Story's proximity to pristine creeks, rivers, and alpine lakes makes it a fly angler's paradise. The nearby Tongue River and Clear Creek teem with trout, and guided trips through the Fly Shop of the Bighorns in Sheridan elevate the experience with float trips, walk-and-wade outings, and access to private waters. Operating since 1986, this full-service outfitter stocks the largest selection of flies and tying materials in the region and offers half- or full-day adventures tailored to beginners and pros alike.

Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the shop also sells souvenirs like Wyoming-themed stickers and shirts for your post-catch brag book. Pro tip: Fall is prime time for dry-fly action as cooler temps bring hungry fish to the surface. Book ahead via their Sheridan location at 307-672-5866.

Uncover Layers of Western History

History pulses through Story's veins, with echoes of the Old West just minutes away. Start at Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, a pivotal outpost from the 1860s Bozeman Trail era, where tensions boiled during Red Cloud's War. Wander the reconstructed stockade walls on the 200-acre grounds, imagining life for soldiers and civilians amid timber wolf howls and Lakota raids. The on-site Interpretive Center features a detailed diorama of the fort in 1866, plus exhibits on daily frontier grit—admission is $8 for non-residents ($4 for Wyomingites), with kids under 18 free.

The site also stewards the nearby Fetterman and Wagon Box battlefields, free-access areas evoking a historical tense era for settlers and the fierce clashes of 1866-1868. For deeper dives, grab a book from the gift shop or join seasonal living-history events.

Delve into Art and Culture at The Brinton Museum

A short drive north to Big Horn reveals The Brinton Museum, a treasure trove of Western and American Indian art housed in a stunning 1920s lodge overlooking the Bighorns. Admission is free, thanks to generous sponsors, making it an accessible highlight for culture seekers. Current exhibits include "To Honor the Plains Nations," showcasing Indigenous artifacts and stories, while the upcoming "Her View: Women in the Collection" (October 30 to December 22, 2025) spotlights female artists and creators.

The museum operates seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through summer, shifting to Thursday-Monday in winter. Don't miss lunch at The Brinton Bistro, where panoramic mountain views pair perfectly with farm-to-table fare, think bison burgers and local brews.

Stroll and Savor Historic Downtowns

Venture 30 minutes north to Sheridan or 30 minutes south to Buffalo for a taste of Wyoming's vibrant past. Sheridan's Historic Main Street buzzes with neon-lit saloons like the legendary Mint Bar (complete with its bronc-rider sign) and eclectic shops peddling Western wear and artisan goods. Pop into King's Saddlery and Museum for custom cowboy gear and a peek at frontier saddles, or tour the opulent Trail End State Historic Site, former home of Senator John Kendrick. Grab a craft beer at Black Tooth Brewing or join a self-guided walking tour of 70 historic buildings, including Buffalo Bills stomping grounds at the Sheridan Inn.

In Buffalo, the charm amps up with the Historic Occidental Hotel, a 1880s icon that hosted Teddy Roosevelt and Calamity Jane, opt for a ghost tour if you're feeling spooky. The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum dives into Old West lore with artifacts from the Johnson County War, while downtown's brick-lined streets brim with galleries, the Mountain Meadow Wool Mill for hand-spun yarns, and eateries serving hearty ranch fare. Both towns shine in fall with harvest festivals and fewer crowds, perfect for leisurely window-shopping.

Tee Off Amid Mountain Splendor

Golfers, rejoice: The Powder Horn Golf Club in Sheridan, just 15 miles north, boasts an 18-hole championship layout with elevation changes and wildlife sightings, think teeing off near grazing pronghorn. South of Story, the Buffalo Golf Club offers 18 holes amid rolling foothills, ideal for a relaxed round.

For variety, try Kendrick Municipal Golf Course in Sheridan, a municipal gem with affordable greens and mountain views, or Hidden Bridge Golf Club near Story for a scenic nine-hole challenge. Fall's crisp air and golden aspens make September and October prime tee times, book early as these spots draw locals and travelers alike.

Story, Wyoming, isn't just a destination, it's a mindset, where the pace slows and the mountains call. Whether you're hiking dawn-lit trails or toasting history in a historic saloon, this corner of the Cowboy State delivers soul-stirring moments. Plan your getaway at Story, WY and let the adventure unfold. See you on the trail!

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