History of Sundance, Wyoming
Sundance is nestled in the valley of the Bearlodge Mountains in northeastern Wyoming, along the western edge of the Black Hills. The town is known for western history, scenic beauty, small-town hospitality and stories from the days of the Old West.
Western History and Local Legends
Sundance was established in 1875 as a frontier trading post and grew during the wide-open days of the Wyoming frontier. Freight wagons, horse teams, ranchers, travelers and outlaws all played a role in the early history of the area.
The Sundance Kid famously served his only jail time here, and visitors can still explore local history through the Crook County Museum, housed in the restored Old Stoney building in downtown Sundance.
Small-Town Hospitality
Sundance offers the kind of relaxed, welcoming experience that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy your visit. There are no long lines for shopping, dining, fuel or groceries, and the town makes a convenient home base for exploring the Black Hills and northeast Wyoming.
Nearby attractions include Devils Tower National Monument, Aladdin, Vore Buffalo Jump, Keyhole State Park and Reservoir, Spearfish Canyon, Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore.
A Great Black Hills Home Base
Sundance sits along Interstate 90 at exits 185–189 and is a short drive from many of the region’s most popular attractions.
Landscape and Location
Located in the northeast corner of Wyoming, Sundance sits along the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountain range in the heart of the Wyoming Black Hills. Local terrain ranges from open prairie to ponderosa pine-covered mountains.
Sundance sits at an elevation of approximately 4,750 feet, with nearby elevations reaching more than 6,000 feet within a few miles of town.
Rainfall in the area averages about 19 inches per year, while snowfall averages about 79 inches per year. Average January temperatures are near 36°F/14°F, while July temperatures average around 85°F/55°F.
Getting to Sundance
Sundance is located along Interstate 90 at exits 185–189. Visitors can also access the area by air through the Rapid City or Gillette airports. Regional bus service is available through Powder River Transportation, with connections to Denver, Colorado and Billings, Montana.
Explore More Crook County History
History is a big part of the Sundance and Crook County experience. Visit local museums and partner organizations to learn more about the people, places and stories that shaped northeast Wyoming.
Local Museums & History Partners
Explore more local history through the museums and organizations preserving the stories of Crook County and Devils Tower Country.
Explore Crook County History
