20 Best Places to Live the West

by Kevin Carmody, American Cowboy

From Cheyenne to Winnemucca, we've scoured the West to round up top picks for an authentic Western experience.

How do you live the West? Interesting question. That depends on one's perspective, and one's relationship with the frontier, barbed-wire fences, and American folklore. For some, living the West entails much more than just dressing the part-and the sure wannabes sure are easy to pick out. It's all about experiencing life, simplified-riding a horse, sleeping under the stars, and getting away from civilization.

As our cities become even more congested, those with a thirst for the Western way of life can still find that oasis, that utopia, where livestock roams free, the air and water are clean, and troubles of suburbia are temporarily put on hold. It's hard to define what's authentically Western-you know it when you see it. From small cities barely found on a map to others you can fly straight into, here, in no particular order, are a few destinations that definitely fit the bill as being authentic Western treasures. Enjoy the ride.

Cheyenne, Wyo. You already know about the world-famous Cheyenne Frontier Days, but Wyoming’s state capital offers much more. Blow off some steam by visiting Old Number 4004 (aka Big Boy), the world’s largest steam locomotive. Western entertainment and hospitality takes center stage at the Bit-O-Wyo Ranch, such as trail rides, dinner shows and music. Cheyenne’s rich railroad heritage comes alive at the Cheyenne Depot Museum. For a different kind of horsepower, ride a trusty steed or take a tour through a herd of buffalo at the Terry Bison Ranch. This is a classic cowboy town where one can truly step back into the Old West. www.cheyenne.org	Tucson, Ariz. The Old West once came alive here, starting when mining shaped the area. Today, the Old West heritage lives on. Walk where the stars did in Tombstone, the site of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the filming of countless Hollywood movies, such as McLintock! starring John Wayne. It’s still untamed out here—watch for railroad depots and mines, saloons, jails, gunslingers and dance-hall singers. Live the history on horseback, or in the nearby towns of Bisbee, Benson, and at such places as the Arizona Folklore Preserve and Trail Dust Town, to name just a few. http://www.visittucson.org/
Toppenish, Wash. Billed as “The City of Murals and Museums,” this vibrant town with easy access to the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River offers eye-catching visuals with Old West and Native American tradition. The city’s pride and joy are 70 painted outdoor murals. In the summer, take a horse-drawn wagon tour around town to see them all. The American Hop Museum is the only one of its kind, and the Yakima Valley Rail & Steam Museum is the jewel of the restored Toppenish Depot. See Native American heritage at the Yakama Nation Museum and Cultural Heritage Center and view a stunning number of waterfowl at Toppenish Wildlife Refuge. http://www.toppenish.net/	Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colo. Long before becoming a ski mecca, this area thrived as Old West supply towns to surrounding gold, silver, and coal mines. Take a step back in time at the Gunnison Pioneer Museum, and see the evolution of ranching heritage through hats dating back to the late 1880s. While Gunnison is home to the state’s longestrunning rodeo, the Cattlemen’s Days, just 30 minutes away is Crested Butte, gateway to a variety of outdoor activities, such as trout fishing, horseback riding, hiking, biking and even stargazing. Laid-back and uncrowded, the area offers nearly 2 million acres of public land. http://www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/
Ruidoso, N.M. Before it became a resort town nestled in the Rocky Mountains of southern New Mexico, this was a battleground of the 1878 Lincoln County War, when the notorious Billy the Kid and the Regulators duked it out with the owners of the county general store. Much remains from that time, even today, such as Billy the Kid’s hideaway in nearby Dowlin’s Historic Old Mill and preserved Civil War artifacts from Fort Stanton. Today, Ruidoso has become a favorite of horseback riders, mountain bikers, and outdoors enthusiasts. The Lincoln National Forest is known as the birthplace of Smokey the Bear. http://www.ruidoso.net/	Stephenville, Texas Cowboys and cowgirls have flocked here for years and the area has produced 19 world champions (PRCA and PBR) and six cowboys in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, including Ty Murray. A whopping 140 PRCA members live in a 50-mile radius of Stephenville, located 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth and two hours from Abilene. Why? Stephenville embodies the West—wide-open spaces, cattle, and the cowboy way of life. The Cowboy Capital Hall of Fame recognizes the area’s Western heritage. For those with a sweet tooth, take the short drive south to Dublin’s Dr. Pepper Bottling Company and Old Doc’s Soda Shop. http://www.stephenvilletexas.org/
Calgary, Alberta Ten days every July isn’t nearly enough cowboy for Calgary. Although the Calgary Stampede is billed as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” it’s the day-today life here that embodies the cowboy lifestyle. For those who just want to ride, or really make a go of it and step back in time, Calgary delivers. Start at Fort Calgary, where it all started in 1875. Eat an authentic cowboy meal at Homeplace Ranch and take an easy-going, or days-long, trail ride at Boundary Ranch. Don’t forget Highway 22, the historic Cowboy Trail, featuring more than 400 miles of ranching country and nearly boundless adventures. http://www.tourismcalgary.com/	Lander, Wyo. Take a hike and get away from it all with spectacular views of the Wind River Mountains. Lander saw its first trappers in 1811, became a small military post in 1869, and borders the Wind River Indian Reservation, so get ready to powwow this summer. Really live it up with the help of Lander Llama Company, which uses a different four-legged animal to help one experience the wilderness and true West. Don’t forget the Pioneer Days Parade and Rodeo, the oldest paid rodeo in the country, or “hang” out at the International Climbers’ Festival. http://www.landerchamber.org/
Prescott, Ariz. Once a mining town and territory capital, this city 90 miles south of Phoenix hasn’t forgotten its past. Most of the downtown buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, including Whiskey Row, once home to 40 saloons— including The Palace, frequented by Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and Virgil Earp, among others. Prescott is home to the “World’s Oldest Rodeo,” which dates back to 1888. Wild West traditions are celebrated at the Folk Arts Fair in June and the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering in August. Great trail rides and campsites await nearby at Prescott National Forest. http://www.cityofprescott.net/	Bartlesville, Okla. If cowboys made the West, then oil was the lifeblood that kept most of it going. In 1897, this frontier town in Indian Territory became the site for the first commercial oil well in Oklahoma. Frank Phillips, a barber turned bond salesman, hit the big time, striking 80 consecutive wells, and the rest is history with the creation of Phillips Petroleum Company. Phillips’ former home in Bartlesville, the Frank Phillips Home, is now a museum maintained by the Oklahoma Historical Society. On the property lies the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, home of a variety of animal species, fine art, and Colt firearms. http://www.visitbartlesville.com/

Prineville, Ore. The oldest incorporated city in central Oregon got its start by establishing its own municipal railway in the early 1900s, which still runs today. Ranching roots run deep in the region with the 64-year-old Crooked River Roundup and the annual Prineville Horse Races each July. History buffs flock to the Bowman Museum, an old stone building that showcases the area's legendary heritage. Top fly-fishing is barely out of town on the Lower Crooked River, and the Prineville Reservoir State Park is a top recreational spot for those who want to boat, swim, fish, or just picnic or camp. http://www.visitprineville.com/	Dodge City, Kan. The wildest of the early frontier towns, Dodge City had law and order restored by Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, and Bill Tilghman. Its rich heritage lives on today. Cowboys still work the cattle every day at area ranches and feedlots. Those who think they can do the job can visit Moore Ranch, a short 40-mile drive away. This is a real working ranch where you can help with fixing fences, moving a herd, or branding. Not so adventurous? Take in the history at Boot Hill Museum and Front Street, which preserves the past of Dodge City and the Old West, or the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo each August. http://www.americancowboy.com/am09/Top-20-Places-to-Live-the-West/www.dodgecity.org
Oakdale, Calif. Cowboy and ranching roots, agriculture, and recreation are intertwined in the fertile Central valley, less than two hours from San Francisco and a gateway to Yosemite National Park. Cowboy events happen frequently, highlighted by the mid-April Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo, a fixture since 1945. The Oakdale Cowboy Museum is housed inside the historic Southern Pacific railroad depot, and downtown is chock-full of antique and locally owned stores. Don't miss Oakdale's Chocolate Festival each May, then work it off in the Stanislaus River and Woodward Reservoir, which offer rafting, swimming, sailing, boating, and fishing. http://www.oakdalechamber.com/	Ennis, Mont. This area in the spectacular Madison River Valley was first explored by Lewis and Clark in 1805. Today, the town of Ennis remains a jewel among the wilderness that's just far enough off the beaten path from Yellowstone National Park to retain its authentic charm. More than 200 years later, there's still much to explore-on horseback, with rod and reel, or in hiking boots. Downtown boardwalks define this authentic Western town, which is home to the annual Ennis on the Madison Fly Fishing Festival and the annual Fourth of July Rodeo and Parade. Step back in time by panning for gold in nearby Virginia City and Nevada City or explore the Lewis and Clark Caverns. http://www.ennischamber.com/
Fort Robinson, Neb. A former U.S. Army fort and Crazy Horse's final resting place, Fort Robinson today is a state park that was declared a National Historic Landmark nearly 50 years ago. With more than 22,000 acres of Pine Ridge scenery, Old West history, camping, and the park's own buffalo and longhorn herds, Fort Robinson offers a well-rounded Western experience. Each August, head to nearby Crawford and watch bikers rumble past on their way to Sturgis, S.D., for the annual rally. Hot Springs, S.D., is just an hour-long scenic drive away. You can also choose to visit the National Grasslands, or take a dip at Cascade Falls. www.stateparks.com/fort_robinson.html	Hill City, S.D. Smack dab in the middle of the famed Black Hills, Hill City got its start as a mining town. Somehow, Hill City manages to straddle the line between the Old West and the nuances of today. You can check e-mail at one of five bed and breakfasts, then witness a gunfight (reenacted, of course), ride on horseback far into the backcountry, or go camping. Its small-town atmosphere boasts scenic trails to go with hunting or fishing. In a half hour, you can be at Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Don't forget about the 1880 Train, a vintage steam engine. http://www.hillcitysd.com/
St. Joseph, Mo. "Where the West officially started getting Wild," this hilly river town served as a trading post and general store for gold hunters on their journey West. Later, the Pony Express began routes from St. Joseph to Sacramento, Calif., and the Pony Express National Museum traces that history. Tour the James Home, the actual house-turned museum where the notorious Jesse James was shot and killed in 1882. Today, a much milder St. Joseph pays homage to its Western path with Trails West!, an annual fine arts festival that celebrates the cultural heritage of the area. http://www.stjomo.com/	Spokane, Wash. The hub of a region reaching into Idaho, Montana, and Alberta, Spokane certainly knows its 4 Rs- rodeo, riding, reining, and ranching. Commercial wheat farming took hold in eastern Washington some 120 years ago, with farmers harvesting their fields with horse-drawn combines. Spokane celebrates its heritage at the Ride the West Horse and Ranch Expo, held each May, and the Spokane County Interstate Fair every September. Take the family to the Rockin' B Ranch Cowboy Supper Show or see the Looff Carrousel at Riverfront Park, a hand-carved masterpiece that turns 100 this year and is still fully operable. http://www.visitspokane.com/
Kanab, Utah Welcome to "Little Hollywood," where more Westerns were produced than anywhere outside of California. The Clint Eastwood classic, The Outlaw Josey Wales, was among the more than 100 motion pictures that were filmed in this southern Utah town. Today, Frontier Movie Town hosts free movie set tours. Additional mystique resides in the Parry Lodge, where the stars kicked back while filming. Don't limit yourself to the city limits- drive 90 minutes in just about any direction to embark on a treasure trove of national wonders, including the Grand Canyon, Zion Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell, and Pipe Springs National Monuments. http://www.kanabchamber.com/	Winnemucca, Nev. Beginning as a crossroads of the West, this rural northern Nevada town first functioned as a river crossing and trading post. Even Johnny Cash included Winnemucca in his song, "I've Been Everywhere." Today, Winnemucca remains distinctly Western, proud of its hospitality, and not afraid to celebrate its mining, ranching, and railroad heritage. The Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend features real working cowboys and cowgirls who live the ranching lifestyle every day. You can find a rodeo or jackpot just about every week, and ranches surround Winnemucca, some being run by fifth- and sixth generation families. Really learn about the West at the Buckaroo Hall of Fame. http://www.winnemucca.nv.us/