Wyoming : Safety by CitySheridan, Wyoming, is one of those places that feels like stepping into the pages of a history book while still giving you all the modern perks you’d want in a vacation spot.
Sitting in the shadow of the Bighorn Mountains, this city has long been a crossroads of cultures, from the indigenous peoples who lived here for centuries to the settlers who arrived later.
Let’s start with the land itself.
For generations, the Crow, Northern Cheyenne, and other Native nations called this area home, hunting bison and holding deep spiritual connections to the region.
The stories of these people are still woven into Sheridan’s identity, and museums like the Brinton Museum and others highlight this rich history.
Then, you’ve got the Wild West legacy.
Sheridan wasn’t just a pass-through town; it was a meeting place for figures like Buffalo Bill Cody, who actually planned part of his legendary Wild West show here.
The city doesn’t stop with history.
Its downtown is full of charming shops, art galleries, and some pretty great coffee if you’re into that.
And if you’re up for an adventure, the Bighorns are right there, offering everything from hiking to fishing.
It’s a city that somehow balances rugged, old-school Western charm with a welcoming, lively vibe.
With an easy stop off of I-90, this is a great place to spend a day or long weekend between Billings, Montana, and the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Warnings & Dangers in Sheridan
OVERALL RISK: LOW
The risk in Sheridan is low, and the rewards are many. I would recommend checking prices for lodging and dining before you go, as some visitors get sticker shock when they see how popular and pricey this city has become.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Sheridan offers a range of transportation options for getting around town and exploring the nearby Bighorn Mountains. Check The Hub's routes and timing to see if it suits your needs. The Sheridan Trolley provides seasonal rides, while local taxi services and ride-hailing apps are readily available in town. Rental cars offer the most flexibility and convenience.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Purse snatchings are the bigger concern than pickpockets, with 19 purses taken in the past five years and six of those being in 2023. The risk is low, but I have to be honest, that's the highest number I've seen in any Wyoming community.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Sheridan has a low risk of natural disasters. The area is not prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or major earthquakes. Seasonal flooding can occur near rivers, and wildfires are possible in dry summer months, particularly in forested areas. Overall, Sheridan’s natural disaster risks are minimal compared to many regions but up that risk to medium during wildfire season or a Red Flag Warning.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Only three robberies have been reported in the past five years, and two of them were in the same category as muggings. However, the risk is low, and basic safety steps like not walking around at night alone will keep it that way.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
This is a low risk in a very remote and rural area surrounded by wilderness. The presence of the interstate might mean more patrols for illegal drug shipments or sex trafficking, but there's nothing a visitor needs to worry about when it comes to terrorism beyond the "it could happen anywhere" risk that every city faces.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low. The police department has a document called "Protect Yourself Against Scams" that you can download and review. The risk is low, but it always helps to know the latest trends.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women should have no concerns about visiting Sheridan, but basic safety steps apply as they would anywhere.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. Sheridan posts the annual reports as the CCR on their water utility website. The 2023 report shows full compliance and no violations. I do want to note that they have an FAQ about the potential for brown water, which is due to iron leaching through the old pipes. If it happens for more than 24 hours, call the utility.
Safest Places to Visit in Sheridan
The tourism website is SheridanWyoming.org, which offers a digital vacation guide that can be downloaded without giving personal information, like name or email.
There’s also DowntownSheridan.org, which is – as the name suggests – all about downtown.
You can also find them on Facebook by looking for the Downtown Sheridan Association.
Downtown is a mix of the Old West, modern amenities, and stunning Bighorn Mountain views.
Take a self-guided historical walking tour or catch a show at one of the three theaters.
Downtown also has several art galleries and public art displays.
Also known as the John B. Kendrick Mansion, Trail End is a historic house museum that offers a glimpse into early 20th-century life in Wyoming.
The mansion is noted for its Flemish Revival architecture and well-preserved interiors.
The Museum at the Bighorns will be moved to downtown Sheridan by the summer of 2025.
If you’re reading this after that date, look for it in the old Woolworth building downtown.
This museum explores the history of the American West from a local perspective, highlighting the stories of the men and women who settled in Sheridan County.
Situated within King’s Saddlery, the Don King Museum offers a glimpse into life in the Old West.
The collection includes horse-drawn vehicles, taxidermy, firearms, and an extensive array of saddles and Western tack.
Located on the historic Quarter Circle A Ranch in Big Horn, just south of Sheridan, The Brinton Museum features 19th, 20th, and 21st-century Western and American Indian art.
The museum is housed in the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. building, which is an architectural attraction in itself.
Plus, this attraction is free!
When you want to explore the region, consider Bighorn Canyon National Recreational Area, which has sheer cliff walls 2,000 feet high in many spots.
Plus, there’s Tongue River Canyon, a great place to spot the bighorn elk.
If you’d like to see wild horses, then Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range is for you.
Every public land location has activities in all seasons, from snowmobiling to ice climbing to bouldering to skiing.
There’s also the option to ride mountain bikes on remote trails or hop on a horse to explore the trails that way.
Places to Avoid in Sheridan
Crime isn’t a concern in Sheridan, so you don’t need to worry about dangerous parts of town or bad neighborhoods.
You should know that this part of Wyoming (well, most parts of Wyoming) is incredibly windy throughout the year.
The winds can range from annoying to dangerous.
Plus, with 70 inches of snow annually, you should also know that March still feels like winter here.
In addition, the mountains to the west tower almost 10,000 feet above Sheridan.
That means microclimate weather will be very different in the national forest than in the city.
Finally, don’t go into the wilderness areas of Bighorn National Forest without filling out a registration form.
This is for your safety in the rugged, high-elevation wilderness.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Sheridan
- Sheridan has a local police department, and you can follow them on Facebook @SheridanWYPoliceDepartment. The phone number is (307)674-6483.
- You can use the interactive crime map on the police department’s website to see the most recent criminal activity. This is a great way to get updated information compared to the annual data that we provide. This map allows you to set the search parameters, from types of crime to locations to time frame (30 days, 90 days, etc.).
- Sign up for emergency notifications in the city and county through CodeRED. The alerts provided will include severe weather, winter weather, public safety threats, and major road closures. The program is free, and alerts can be sent via text message, email, or phone call.
- Parts of Sheridan are in a Deer Management Archery Zone, which means during designated times of the year, hunters will be out with bows and arrows trying to help control the population of deer. That’s also a good reminder to keep an eye out for deer on the side of roads, as they can jump across roads quickly and cause accidents.
- If you plan on drinking alcohol while you’re visiting Sheridan, you should know about the Safe Rides program that runs 24/7. Anyone who has had too much to drink can call Safe Rides and get a ride home. About 400 people use this service every month, and it keeps drunk drivers off the road.
- Winter visitors need to watch where they park if snow is in the forecast because snow emergency routes mean no street parking during a snow storm. This is so the snow plows can get through. It looks like the city uses Everbridge to send out snow alerts, but I honestly think that might be outdated information since CodeRED would cover the same thing. At the risk of missing an alert, you can sign up for both.
- Use the Connect Sheridan website to report issues you come across, like storm damage, potholes, or broken streetlights. This can help keep the community safe for everyone.
- Avoiding skunks is sage advice at any time, but it’s especially important in Sheridan County, where rabies-infected skunks have been found. The Wyoming Game & Fish website can help you learn about other wildlife concerns.
- Expect to be in places without mobile phone service around Sheridan. That will include some of the rural roads and trails throughout this region. Bring a paper map and store it in a waterproof bag.
- Follow @SheridanCountyGovernment on Facebook to get updates from the county’s emergency management agency. This will include wildfires that could lead to evacuations or road closures. You can also create an account on Wyoming 511 to get alerts about preferred routes.
So... How Safe Is Sheridan Really?
In a low-crime state, Sheridan goes even lower, with a violent crime rate that is half the national average and 75% lower than the national average.
Over the past five years, not even 17% of violent crimes happened against a stranger.
In addition, about half of the cases occur in private homes.
Even the theft rate here is 30% below the national average.
The top two categories are “Other” and “Shoplifting.”
Only 10% of thefts in 2023 were car break-ins.
However, don’t let that cause you to let your guard down.
Always lock your car doors and remove personal items from inside.
I could go on and on about how safe it is here from a crime perspective, but the fact that Sheridan regularly ranks among the safest cities in Wyoming says it all.
You will need to keep an eye on the weather and fire conditions, but those types of safety risks are largely within your control.
How Does Sheridan Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Sheridan | 84 |
| Honolulu | 65 |
| Chicago | 65 |
| Dallas | 64 |
| Memphis | 54 |
| Orlando | 64 |
| Las Vegas | 62 |
| Sydney (Australia) | 80 |
| Santiago de Chile (Chile) | 71 |
| Vienna (Austria) | 88 |
| Hong Kong (China) | 70 |
| Manama (Bahrain) | 54 |
| Tianjin (China) | 67 |
Useful Information
Visas
All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.
Currency
Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.
Weather
Sheridan, Wyoming, experiences four distinct seasons, with mild summers averaging highs in the 80s and cold winters dipping into the teens. The annual snowfall is about 70 inches, mostly between November and March. Spring and fall bring moderate temperatures, while the surrounding mountains receive heavier snow, perfect for winter sports.
Airports
The closest commercial airport to Sheridan is Sheridan County Airport, offering direct flights to Denver. For more options, Billings Logan International Airport in Montana is about a two-hour drive north, providing extensive domestic connections.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.
Sheridan Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 3 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 20 | 26 | 32 | 31 | 24 | 17 | 8 | 3 |
| Low °C | -11 | -10 | -4 | -1 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 12 | 7 | 1 | -6 | -11 |
| High °F | 37 | 39 | 48 | 57 | 68 | 79 | 90 | 88 | 75 | 63 | 46 | 37 |
| Low °F | 12 | 14 | 25 | 30 | 39 | 48 | 55 | 54 | 45 | 34 | 21 | 12 |
Wyoming - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Afton | 82 |
| Alpine | 83 |
| Casper | 80 |
| Cheyenne | 81 |
| Dubois | 78 |
| Gillette | 83 |
| Guernsey | 78 |
| Hulett | 79 |
| Laramie | 85 |
| Lusk | 82 |
| Rock Springs | 81 |
| Saratoga | 78 |
| Sheridan | 84 |
