The Other Black Hills in Sundance

Looking to see Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Devils Tower National Monument without the crowded South Dakota summer experience? Head to Sundance, Wyo., just over the South Dakota-Wyoming border.

At Sundance, a tiny hamlet of 1,100 people, you can enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills without the commercialization popping up across the state line in South Dakota. Plus it’s near Devils Tower National Monument, a lesser-known park service gem and the first national monument in our country.

“If you don’t want to deal with traffic and RVs slowing down everything, Sundance is a great laidback place,” says local Dan Fairbanks who moved to town eight years ago. “We try to keep things real where it’s not Hollywood.”

And while Sundance is no Hollywood, it does have a claim to fame for housing a notorious historical figure. Infamous 1800s criminal Harry Longabaugh did his first prison stint in Sundance, which led to his widely recognized nickname “The Sundance Kid.” Longabaugh was confined to an 18-month jail stay after he stole a horse from a ranch hand that was loaded with a saddle and gun north of Sundance. The County sheriff tracked him down in Montana and brought him back to Sundance to face justice.

The Sundance Kid (left) with Butch Cassidy’s (right) Wild BunchPublic Domain

Unfortunately, jail time didn’t change his shifty ways. After he was released, The Sundance Kid joined Butch Cassidy and the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, launching the longest crime spree in the country’s outlaw history. He died in 1908 at age 41.

Sip N Walk

Come sip ‘n’ walk with us. Photo: Courtesy Crook County Museum

Meet The Sundance Kid, Calamity Jane, Sheriff Ryan who arrested The Sundance Kid, and other historical figures played by locals in costume as you stroll downtown during a Sip N Walk Historical Tour. Held two times a week in July and August, the tours are led by a narrator who will give you the backstories on the handful of characters you encounter. At the end of the tour, you’ll meet The Sundance Kid himself who will tell you what really happened before he was arrested.

The walk starts at the town gazebo in front of the courthouse where every adult receives a souvenir tin cup with a choice of beer, wine or lemonade. A nod to the West’s lawless past, there is no open container law in Sundance, so you can enjoy your beer in public. Kids can choose between old-fashioned sarsaparilla, a popular drink in the 1800s, or lemonade. Call the Crook County Museum for tour prices and to sign up at 307-283-3666.

Sundance Square in Sundance, Wyoming

You’ll notice Sundance Square right next to Crook County Museum. Not only will you find a statue of the Sundance Kid, but you’ll also find a playground and splash pad for kids. There are restrooms and picnic tables, making it a great place to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Beyond the square you’ll find Bruce Seidel Gallery, which sells wildlife art, landscape art and more. You’ll find original paintings, as well as prints, mugs, cards and more.

Visit Crook County Museum

County Range Wars exhibit at the Crook County MuseumCourtesy Wyoming Office of Tourism

Afterwards, learn more about The Sundance Kid at The Crook County Museum. See wanted posters, the courtroom furniture from his trial and the original court papers filed during the trial. There’s an exhibit on the Native Americans who inhabited what is present-day Crook County and another on Devils Tower National Monument. The nation’s first monument, it’s a sacred Native American natural formation that has become a mecca for rock climbers.

The museum also runs a geocache program, so pick up your geocaching passport there and use the app to start either of two courses. You also can opt for one of two self-driving tours and one self-guided walk, so inquire for details at the museum.

“It’s pretty cool because it takes you to unique places,” Fairbanks says. “There are stories that have stories behind them.”

Check out White Ranch Park in Sundance

Sundance’s newest recreational hotspot is White Ranch Park. It’s directly off I-90 at exit 185. You’ll find trails for mountain biking and hiking on this 100-acre property. Pets are welcome and there are five trails to explore. The park is open dawn to dusk, and there are restrooms at the trailhead. Camping is prohibited.

Explore the Bear Lodge Mountains

Sundance’s mountain backdropPhoto by David Porter courtesy of Sundance Chamber of Commerce

Beyond, explore the Bear Lodge Mountains by foot, mountain bike or horse. Hit the trails on horseback with Seven J Outfitters. Dude ranches Kara Creek Ranch and Diamond 7 Bar Guest Ranch offer horse tours as part of a stay. Mountain bikers and hikers can head to the Reuter Trailhead to access easy-to-difficult mountain bike trails, Carson Draw being an easy 3.8 mile ride with optional spurs you can take. Interested in OHVing? Head to the Ogden Creek Trailhead. Stop at the United States Forest Service office downtown for details.

To reach the trailhead, take Hwy. 14 northwest for almost 1 mile to Crook County 63, also National Forest Service Road (NFSR) 838. Turn right (north) and stay on Warren Peak Road (NFSR 838) for 2.7 miles to the Reuter Motorized Trailhead immediately west of the Reuter Campground.

Vore Buffalo Jump near Sundance

Exhibit of bones at the Vore Buffalo JumpCourtesy Wyoming Office of Tourism

Just 6 miles east of Sundance, you’ll find the Vore Buffalo Jump, a significant Late Prehistoric Plains Indians archaeological site discovered during the 1970s when workers were constructing I-90.

Starting in 1500 through 1800, at least five tribes of Native Americans used the natural sinkhole to hunt bison, chasing them over the cliff to stock up on meat to feed their tribes, fur for clothing, hide to create teepees and more. Today, scientists are digging through 20 feet of archaeological layers, sifting through the remains of as many as 10,000 bison. Alongside bison remains are chipped stone arrow points, knives and other Native American tools.

It’s the first major attraction you’ll see if you’re driving from South Dakota. In 2022, the site is open June 1 through Aug. 22 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those 13 and up cost $9 and children ages 7-12 are $5. West bound visitors should take exit 205 off I-90 and east bound should take exit 199. The facility is located on Hwy. 14.

Dining and Lodging in Sundance

Unwind at the Longhorn SaloonCourtesy Wyoming Office of Tourism

At night, head to the family friendly Longhorn Saloon + Grill for a steak, burger or salad. Look for the black and white nearly life-sized longhorn cow coming out of the restaurant’s exterior. Owned by locals Joshua and Charity McLoughlin, its renovated interior is smoke-free and features 8 televisions to watch your favorite team play.

To stay the night, the lodging options are locally owned bed and breakfasts, small hotels and guest ranches. Serena Inn & Suites is located right off the interstate. In the downtown, you will find Bear Lodge Motel and Deer Lodge Motel.  There’s also Bunkhouse Bed & Breakfast and Mountain View RV Park & Campground.

For more information: 
307-283-1000
www.sundancewyoming.com

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