Things to do in Dayton

Dayton sits where US-14 starts climbing the Bighorns, which makes it the perfect basecamp: hike Tongue River Canyon in the morning, drive the Scenic Byway past Fallen City and Steamboat Point, float the Tongue on a hot afternoon, and land at the Crazy Woman Saloon. Our full Dayton list is below.

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Every Dayton place we recommend

• Dayton MercantileFood

  101 Main St, Dayton, WY 82836

  Perfect fuel-up before you head up the Bighorn Scenic Byway. Small-town Wyoming exactly as it should be.

• Tongue River Canyon TrailHiking & Biking

  The essential first hike — a dramatic canyon 20 minutes from downtown, walls rising on both sides, the river roaring beside you. Moderate, ~7 miles out-and-back but rewarding from the first mile. Go in the morning.

• Bighorn Scenic Byway (US-14)Scenic Drives & Falls

  The classic climb out of Dayton past Fallen City, Steamboat Point, and Sibley Lake. Pull-offs, picnic spots, and roadside fishing the whole way up. Our favorite half-day drive.

• Tongue River (fishing access)Lakes & Fishing

  Wade-friendly trout water minutes from Dayton and up the canyon. Stop at the Fly Shop of the Bighorns first for flies and the current read.

• Crazy Woman SaloonBars & Breweries

  307 Main St, Dayton, WY 82836

  A proper small-town Wyoming saloon at the foot of the byway — cold beer, honest bar food, and locals who'll actually talk to you. The perfect last stop coming down off the mountain.

• Tongue River Water Trail (Float / Tube)Lakes & Fishing

  A lazy summer float from Dayton down the Tongue — mapped put-ins and take-outs, easy water on a hot afternoon. Check flows first (they swing with runoff) and shuttle two cars. Pure Wyoming summer.

• Sand Turn OverlookScenic Drives & Falls

  The pull-off where the whole plain opens up below you as US-14 crests out of Dayton — sunset gold, paragliders, and the best two-minute view on the byway.

• Amsden Creek Wildlife Habitat AreaCulture & History

  A WGFD wildlife area above Dayton — winter range for elk and deer, big-game viewing, and quiet foothill hiking. Bring binoculars at dawn.

• Scott Bicentennial Park (Dayton)Culture & History

  Dayton's riverside town park on the Tongue — shade, a playground, and easy water access before you head up the byway.

• Hans Kleiber Studio & MuseumCulture & History

  The preserved studio of 'the Artist of the Bighorns,' master etcher Hans Kleiber — a tiny, remarkable museum most travelers never find. Pure Dayton hidden gem.

• Dayton Bell TowerCulture & History

  Dayton's little historic bell tower on the Tongue — a two-minute stop and a sweet slice of small-town Wyoming on the way to the byway.

• Tongue River CaveHiking & Biking

  A wild, undeveloped cave up Tongue River Canyon for the adventurous — headlamps, old clothes, and caution required. A true local secret.