Celebrating the Outdoors: Why Our Quality of Life is Our Best Economy

The Engine of Our Tourism Economy  You can’t live in Sheridan in the summer without feeling the energy of our tourism economy. This past week at the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce Luncheon held at the Historic Sheridan Inn, Domenic Bravo, Executive Director for the Wyoming Office of Tourism, confirmed what many of us see every day: Wyoming is a premier destination.

In 2025, direct travel-related spending hit a staggering $5.0 billion statewide. That’s not just a number—it’s revenue that supports our local small businesses, keeps our taxes lower, and funds the amenities we enjoy year-round.

The “Great Gravel” of Sheridan County   I personally enjoy the same activities that bring visitors from across the globe to our doorstep. While the Bighorn Mountains call me to ski, hike and snowshoe, my current focus is on two wheels.

On June 6, I’ll be lining up for my third Dead Swede Gravel Race/Ride/Tour. Now in its tenth year, organizers expect over 1,000 riders to tackle the 20-, 40-, 60-, and 100-mile courses. According to event co-founder Jordan LeDuc of the Sheridan Bicycle Company, word has gotten out that we have “excellent gravel,” drawing participants from over 35 states. Because it’s a multi-day event, these riders stay in our hotels and eat in our restaurants, making the Dead Swede a vital building block in our local economy.

New Spaces for Outdoor Recreation  We have even more reasons to celebrate. The Sheridan Community Land Trust recently opened its new Welcome Center and offices at the Big Goose Natural Area (14 Lane Ln).

The mowed trails along the creek are a treasure for anyone looking for a peaceful walk with friends—four-legged ones included! While there is a wonderful off-leash area, my Boston Terrier, Migo, has proven a bit too “adventurous” for that, so we stick to the leashed trails. Whether on or off a leash, we are so fortunate to have these beautiful natural spaces preserved for our community.

The Path Forward    For me, it comes down to a simple philosophy: sharing our home with the world is both a matter of Wyoming hospitality and a matter of good business. When we welcome visitors to our trails and downtowns, we aren’t just being good neighbors—we are strengthening our local economy and ensuring Sheridan County remains a vibrant place to live, work, and play.