Plan your summer vacation around these historic rodeos and enthralling destinations.
When the barrel racers of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association hit the road this June they’ll be making moves for potential National Finals Rodeo qualifications. They’ll travel thousands of miles over the course of the summer, make countless runs and, hopefully, win lucrative paychecks. Fans have the luxury of following along with their progress via media organizations, social media and television, but there’s nothing quite like being there in person to witness the excitement firsthand. Summertime is a perfect time to schedule a vacation, and for barrel racers it’s an added perk that we can build our vacations around some of the most historic events in the world. Rodeos like Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Calgary Stampede and many more hold such a rich history for rodeo fans, but beyond witnessing the action inside the legendary arenas, there’s also plenty of attractions to visit surrounding those rodeos as well.
Barrel Horse News has put together this list of must-see rodeos during the summer months, as well as tourist destinations, great food and enthralling sites along the way.
Arizona
Prescott Frontier Days — World’s Oldest Rodeo
When: July 1 – July 7, 2024
Where: Prescott, Arizona
Restaurants: From wine bars and authentic Mexican cuisine Prescott has a variety of enticing restaurants. Visit experienceprescott.com for more info.
Local Attractions: Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center built in 1905, Sharlot Hall, Museum of Indigenous People and the Phippen Museum. Take the Grand Canyon Railway to enjoy a special trip aboard a vintage train through pine forests and prairies as you travel the historic Grand Canyon expedition.
Driving Distance: Prescott is a perfect location for those who like to explore. Within driving distance is Sedona, Chino Valley, Jerome and not to mention the Grand Canyon. Under three hours of drive-time and you can experience the Grand Canyon and be back to Prescott by the evening.
Home of the Navajo PRCA Rodeo
When: May 31 – June 2, 2024
Where: Window Rock, Arizona
Local Attractions: As part of the Navajo Nation’s annual Fourth of July celebration the Window Rock, Arizona, pro rodeo has presented an opportunity for rodeo athletes to earn paychecks during their summer run, but it’s a great opportunity for visitors to visit sites such as the world renowned Navajo National Monument, the Navajo Nation Museum and the Chaco Cultural National Historical Park.
Driving Distance: Enjoy the scenic route to Shiprock. View the Chuska Mountains, Cleopatra’s Needle and Venus Needle. To learn more about the vast historic and many regional attractions check out visitgallup.com.
Colorado
The Greeley Stampede
When: June 26 – July 7, 2024
Where: Greeley, Colorado
Restaurants: From classic American cuisine to upscale Italian and breweries Greeley has a lot to offer for food and drinks. Visit greeleytogo.com for a list of more than 150 restaurants. Visit colorado.com for more from the Centennial State.
Local Attractions: Centennial Village living history museum, the Colorado Model Railroad Museum and the Greeley History Museum.
Driving Distance: 50 miles northeast of Denver near the South Platte and Cache la Poudre rivers Greeley offers many local parks, lakes and streams nearby.
Pikes Peak or Bust / NFR Open:
When: July 9-13, 2024
Where: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Restaurants: Downtown Colorado Springs offers a great selection of food and drinks. The Famous Steakhouse is a great stop for big slabs of prime rib and a cocktail. There’s several breweries and bars to choose from, or if you’re looking for a family-friendly option Bingo Burger is a good option for the group.
Local Attractions: ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy, Western Museum of Mining and Industry
Driving Distance: Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site and Flying W Ranch are all within the region of Colorado Springs. Plus, an hour drive will get you to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Lake Pueblo State Park, or Denver, Colorado. For more about Colorado Springs’ rich history and cast tourism go to visitcos.com.
Wyoming
Cheyenne Frontier Days:
When: July 19 – 28, 2024
Where: Cheyenne, Wyoming
Restaurants: The Metropolitan Downtown, led by chef Juan Coronado features high-end New American cuisine. Sanford’s Grub & Pub houses a large craft beer collection and a cajon-spin menu. A hometown favorite 2 Doors Down is the go-to burger and shake shop in downtown.
Local Attractions: Cheyenne Depot and Depot Museum, formerly known as the Union Pacific Depot, finished construction in 1887 and renowned as one of the most beautiful railroad stations in North America. Today, the depot showcases a museum, brewery and is home to the Cheyenne Visitor Center. The Downtown Mercantile, The Wrangler and Prairie House Home Goods are all local treasure troves, and the Cowgirls of the West Museum is a must-see for fans of history. Visit cheyenne.org and travelwyoming.com for more information about the state of Wyoming.
Driving Distance: The greater Cheyenne area is home to several breweries and distilleries, all locally owned and operated many in Cheyenne and others like Sheridan, Wyoming’s Blacktooth Brewing Company and Pine Bluffs Distilling are within driving distance. Cheyenne is also near several national forests and grasslands such as the Pawnee National Grassland and the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, among others.
The Cody Stampede Rodeo
When: July 1 – 4, 2024
Where: Cody, Wyoming
Restaurants: Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel and Restaurant, 2 Mules Chuckwagon, The Cody Cattle Compay, and more.
Local Attractions: Cody Nite Rodeo happens every summer night June through August. Cody Trolley Tours offer 22 miles of live performances by Western guides where you’ll learn all about the town founded by “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Visit Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Old Trail Town and the Kirwin Ghost Town Tours.
Driving Distance: Just 50 miles from Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton National you can see geysers, lakes, mountains and wildlife. Shoshone National Forest is also near and comprised of 2 million acres of land and forest. There’s also three scenic byways featuring stunning landscapes in the Cody-Yellowstone area, or even take a thrilling ziplining adventure at Sleeping Giant.
Canada
The Calgary Stampede
When: July 5-14, 2024
Where: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Restaurants: Little Chief Restaurant, Sidewalk Citizen Bakery, Ten Foot Henry, Re:Grub, Modern Steak and more.
Local Attractions: Scotsman’s Hill offers one of the best views of Calgary’s skyline. Calgary is rich with attractions, culture and art. Be sure to check out a few of the things the city has to offer such as: George C. King Bridge, Calgary Tower, Many Chiefs Tours, Moonstone Creation, Blackfoot Crossing, King Eddy Hotel, Fort Calgary, Boer War memorial, Lougheed House and so much more. Check out visitcalgary.com for more.
Driving Distance: Alberta is full of attractions and sights to see. While visiting Calgary you’re within driving distance of Jasper National Park and the Canadian Badlands. Just over an hour away you can visit Horseshoe Canyon and take in its breathtaking view. The Royal Tyrrell Museum is just under two hours and you can choose from a number of activities like canoeing through the Red Deer River badlands. A bit of a trek at three hours, but worth the drive, take in the breathtaking blue-green colored waters of the Moraine Lake in the Canadian Rockies.
The Ponoka Stampede
When: June 25 – July 1
Where: Ponoka, Alberta, Canada
Restaurants: Ranchers Castle, Longhorn Saloon and Grill, Pizza D’oro Pizza and Pasta, The Peppered Elk, and more.
Local Attractions: The Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, Battle River Valley Trail System, Fort Ostell Museum, The Legacy — the world’s largest saddle bronc rider.
Driving Distance: Located between Calgary and Edmonton, Ponoka is close to several other captivating attractions in Alberta. If you’re up for a roadtrip, visit the Mud Buttes while visiting Gooseberry Lake Provincial Park near the town of Consort. Or, visit the grasslands at Little Fish Lake Provincial Park.
South Dakota
Black Hills Roundup
When: June 30 – July 4, 2024
Where: Belle Fourche, South Dakota
Restaurants: Hitching Post Tap House, Wild Magnolia, Cowboy Back Bar and more are great local dining options. Check out visitbellefourche.com for more.
Local Attractions: Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center showcases historic Western and Native heritage. Downtown Belle Fourche offers beautiful bronze statues of rodeo heroes, a historic post office, and Warrior Trail offers a myriad of shops and restaurants. The “Gateway to the Northern Black Hills” lets visitors fish for walleye, hike, play golf or take in the wildlife of the region. Red Onion Marketplace is held each Saturday in June through September featuring handcrafted baked goods and food.
Driving Distance: In under two hours you can make it to the Badlands National Park to see breathtaking views and regional wildlife. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is only an hour and half drive from Belle Fourche.
Sitting Bull Stampede
When: July 2 – 4, 2024
Where: Mobridge, South Dakota
Restaurants: Grand River Casino and Resort, Great Plains Family Restaurant, KT’s Fireside Supper Club.
Local Attractions: Sitting Bull Monument is located about seven miles southwest of Mobridge. The Walleye Up Statue and Oscar Howe Murals are local artistic attractions that are great stops for your trip. Visit travelsouthdakota.com for more info.
Driving Distance: Located on the Yellowstone Trail of US Highway 12, Mobridge is within driving distance of beautiful landscapes and national parks, and the Missouri River. In an extended drive of 3 ½ hours you can visit the historic Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, South Dakota.
