Attractions in Shell, Wyo.
There are hundreds of great activities, adventures and authentic western towns to explore within 100 miles of the mountain trails. Despite its scant population of 50, Shell is a rather unique little town.
Be sure to check out the little town of Shell, Wyo., which plays home to The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch. One of North America’s largest upscale working cattle and riding guest ranches, the Hideout is located on 300,000 acres in the Big Horn Basin. To learn more about this premiere guest ranch, visit The Hideout online at www.thehideout.com.
The Antler Inn
Located cross from the Shell Post Office and beside The Shell Store or Old Shell Lodge, The Antler Inn is a great little café and bar. The establishment has an authentic Wyoming atmosphere and offers a selection of beer and hamburgers amidst hunting pictures and antlers. The owner of The Antler Inn, Al Martin, is an avid outdoorsman, rifle and bow hunter, and can offer patrons insight to the widely unseen areas of Big Horn County.
Dirty Annie’s Restaurant & Country Store
A favorite local watering hole in Shell is Dirty Annie’s, a quaint country store and café located alone U.S. Highway 14 heading toward Shell Canyon. Dirty Annie’s offers fishing licenses, Wyoming souvenirs, fast café-style food and a small convenience store. Owner Jim hails from Scotland, boasting an impressive moustache many Scotsman would be jealous of. Dirty Annie’s is a great place to sit down, grab a hearty breakfast and start the day. For more information, visit them online at www.dirtyannies.com.
The Treasure House Western Antiques
For those who enjoy antiquing, The Treasure House, owned by local resident, Ed Smith, is a great place to stop. The Treasure House is located along U.S. Highway 14 beside Dirty Annie’s.
The Historic Shell Lodge along Highway 14 in the center of Shell
The Old Shell Lodge dates back to 1892 and is made entirely of locally mined River Rock. The lodge was purchased three years ago by a Belgian family, now residents of Shell, who also manage the nearby Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch. Since its purchase, no efforts were spared to renovate this terrific building and the surrounding privately owned park.
The little cabin located next to The Old Shell Lodge was purchased by another Belgian citizen, and has also been entirely restored and renovated. At present, it was also entirely restored and renovated and is available for rent as a vacation property. For more information on vacation rentals, visit the “Vacation Rentals” page at www.trapper-creek-guest-ranch.com.
The Hideout: Combining Horses, Ranching and Cattle drives and cattle work with Great Lodging and Food
Stop by and say hello to Manager Peter De Cabooter and the gang at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch. They offer a wealth of knowledge about Big Horn County attractions and events. Meet Ramon Castro, the head wrangler at The Hideout, who has started over 1,500 young horses and trained many more. Ramon participated in the 2010 Extreme Mustang Makeover, clinching first place in reining and cattle work. Come winter time, Ramon trains privately owned horses with the assistance of Shawn Kelly and Marijn Werquin. For more information on horsemanship, training and wranglers at The Hideout, visit www.thehideout.com.
Authentic Western Art from Shell, Wyo.
Shell is home to Ann Hanson, one of the better-known Western painters. Her studio is located across from The Hideout on Trapper Creek Road in Shell, Wyo. Visit her studio or her website at www.annhanson.com.
Wyoming & Big Horn Mountain Vacation Rentals
If you are looking to rent a house, cabin or property for your vacation or extended stay in this great area please visit www.trapper-creek-guest-ranch.com or call The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch at (307) 765-2080. We speak English, Spanish, Dutch, French and German.
Other News in The Shell Area
Also located in the Big Horn Basin are some of the largest and most important dinosaur track sites in North America. Two particularly active sites in Shell Valley are Red Gulch Dinosaur Track Site and Gypsum Springs Dinosaur Track Site. Both are full-day adventures and local guides even offer the chance to dig for your very own dinosaur bones. Some of the best fishing in the West can be enjoyed around here at the many lakes, streams and creeks. Animal lovers in your group will enjoy the abundant and diverse wildlife. Check out a complete list of local wildlife on the State of Wyoming's Game and Fish webpage http://gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/index.asp .
Other Wyoming towns to check out include Cody and Sheridan, Wyo. Sheridan is located just 80 miles east of Shell via U.S. Highway 14 and features a great downtown with dining, shopping and a pleasant local atmosphere. Cody, located 70 miles west of Shell along U.S. Highway 14, is known as The Rodeo Capital of the World and is home to the night Cody Nite Rodeo, which runs from mid-June to mid-August. Cody features several great restaurants, antique stores and art galleries, as well as the Buffalo Bill Museum. Plan for a full day when visiting either of these great old western towns.
