Perched on the edge of Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains, the Sheridan Inn is a majestic blend of Old West charm and haunting frontier tales. Whether you’re a Wild West history buff or a ghost hunter on the prowl for your next investigation, this historic inn has something unforgettable to offer. Known as the hub of early Sheridan’s social life and once managed by the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody himself, the Sheridan Inn weaves together over a century of captivating stories. From its architectural roots to its lingering spirits, the inn bridges time and invites travelers to step into the golden, and perhaps ghostly, days of yesteryear.
If you love historic hotels with a twist of the supernatural, pack your ghost-hunting gear and cowboy boots—we’re taking you on a spirited journey through one of the most iconic buildings in the American West.
The History
Buffalo Bill’s Legacy
When the Sheridan Inn opened its doors in 1893, the wild spirit of the American frontier was alive and well. The railroad had recently made its way into northern Wyoming, and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad needed accommodations for travelers—and visionaries. Enter Buffalo Bill Cody, one of the biggest celebrities of the era, who quickly saw the inn’s potential as a social hub and headquarters for his expansive land ventures.
Buffalo Bill managed the Sheridan Inn from 1894 to 1896. Under his stewardship, it became more than a resting stop. It was here that he’d host infamous auditions for his Wild West Show, lining up hopeful cowboys and sharpshooters outside the inn. Among the locals, landing a spot in the show was not only an honor—it was a ticket to fame. Cody’s legacy still lingers in the very foundation, and many say his spirit hasn’t completely moved on.
Architectural Significance
The Sheridan Inn was designed by architect Thomas R. Kimball in the style of a Scottish hunting lodge—a rare architectural choice for the Wyoming plains. Its steep gabled roof, wood-framed structure, and long front porch with 22 dormer windows (one for each original guest room) quickly became iconic.
The 145-foot-long covered front porch was the ultimate stage for social gatherings, summer dances, and even political speeches. Visitors included dignitaries, performers, travelers, and railroadmen alike. The building was a marvel at the time, featuring electric lights and full indoor plumbing—true luxuries on the American frontier.
The Decline and Revival
Like many buildings of the Old West, the Sheridan Inn went through periods of decline, particularly in the mid-20th century. After being shuttered and neglected for years, local preservationists and enthusiasts rallied to save it. In 1964, it was designated a National Historic Landmark—an accolade well-deserved for its cultural and historical significance.
Several waves of restoration followed, with the most recent completion in the mid-2010s. The structure was modernized while maintaining its historical integrity. Today, the inn operates with 22 uniquely restored rooms—each reflecting the name and story of a major historical figure or theme associated with the inn and the region.
The Haunt
The Resident Spirit: Miss Kate Arnold
No historical building would be complete without its resident ghost—and at the Sheridan Inn, that spectral honor belongs to Miss Kate Arnold. A dedicated caretaker who lived at the inn for nearly 60 years, Miss Kate was more than a manager; she was the lifeblood of the place.
From the early 1900s until her death in 1968, Miss Kate was the inn’s steadfast steward. Following the official closure, she refused to leave, choosing instead to live without running water or electricity so she could continue caring for her beloved Sheridan Inn. It’s little surprise that when she passed, she requested her ashes be interred in the wall facing her favorite window—overlooking the porch where Buffalo Bill once stood.
Paranormal Activity
Guests and staff have reported numerous unexplained occurrences inside the Sheridan Inn, particularly near Miss Kate’s room. Common experiences include:
- Soft footsteps echoing down empty hallways.
- The subtle scent of perfume where no guests are present.
- Cold spots and flickering lights despite updated wiring.
- Locked doors that mysteriously open and shut without explanation.
- Sightings of a woman in early 20th-century clothing peering through windows or walking the corridors.
Paranormal teams who have conducted investigations at the inn note a particularly strong electromagnetic presence in and around Kate’s room, as well as responsive spirit box sessions attributing phrases like “stay” and “watching you” to a female entity. Most believe these events are not ominous but are Miss Kate keeping an eye on her cherished sanctuary.
A Friendly Presence—or Something More?
Despite her otherworldly tendencies, many believe Miss Kate is a benevolent spirit. Guests often describe a comforting, maternal presence rather than malevolence. Still, some paranormal investigators have reported heavy emotional swings and chills while exploring the upper floors.
Others claim to have picked up additional, perhaps residual, hauntings associated with Buffalo Bill’s time—such as the sound of hoofbeats on the porch or faint ragtime music drifting through the hotel late at night.
Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal expert or a curious traveler with EMF detectors in tow, the Sheridan Inn’s spiritual echoes are worth investigating firsthand.
Conclusion: History You Can Feel—And Maybe See
The Sheridan Inn is not just a hotel; it’s a living (and haunting) chronicle of the American West. It’s one of the rare places where you can trace step after step of Western legends and possibly encounter those who never truly left. Ghost hunters will find endless curiosities here—from residual energy left by Buffalo Bill himself to the loyal and loving spirit of Miss Kate Arnold.
Don’t just read about the stories—go and feel them. Book a stay, bring your EVP recorder, and see if you can catch a glimpse of the past lurking in the warm glow of its century-old chandeliers. If you’re looking for a haunted hotel with heart, history, and a truly unforgettable presence, the Sheridan Inn in Wyoming is calling. And who knows? Miss Kate might be waiting to greet you.