The town of Basin is located in Big Horn County at the intersection of U.S. Highway 16/20 and Wyoming Highway 30. It is the county seat and is home to historical buildings such as the courthouse and library.
Incorporated in 1902, Basin is 60 miles east of Cody, WY and 110 miles from Yellowstone National Park's east entrance. A short drive east will put you in the Big Horn Mountains in 25 miles. We are at the heart of the Big Horn Basin and all that it has to offer.
It was founded in 1896 by Winfield Collins and named for the Bighorn Basin. In 1897, it became the county seat, following a raging fight for that designation between Otto, Basin and Cody. Basin was known as Basin City until it was incorporated in 1902 and City was dropped from the name. Basin is often called the “Lilac City” due to the many lilac bushes throughout the town. Many of the bushes died off one cold cold winter but have made a comeback especially at courthouse square.
Basin isn’t typically thought of as a “tourist” town as we only have one motel and one RV park. There is a bed and breakfast in Otto which is west of Basin. However, there is a grocery store, two gas stations with convenience stores, two drive through coffee places, one grill, an ice cream store and a pizza/burgers/fried chicken place within one of the convenience stores. Food is also available at the bar in town. In nearby Burlington you’ll enjoy a great pizza place that is in an old bank. South of Basin is Manderson which has a café.


We have a very large and beautiful park with a cover gazebo and playground. It is great place to stretch your legs, relax and let the kids run around. During the summer we have an outdoor pool and a fishing pond. There is a lighted walking path and baseball fields.

The boat ramp in Basin gives easy access to the Big Horn River for boating or fishing. There are bathrooms and a grassy area for day stays. It is also a great place start a 4 wheeler drive out to the trailed badlands to the east.

If you need a wifi or computer fix the library offers both at no charge.

The towns/areas of Hyattville, Burlington, Otto and Manderson offer a view into small town America. They all have free parks with playgrounds. Be sure you check out the petroglyphs in Hyattville and Wardell Reservoir for fishing/boating. It is located near Otto

Our annual events:
June-
*First weekend-Lilac Days, Friday and Saturday. Activities include dance, ball game, music, vendors, baby contest, princess contest and the crowning of the Lilac Queen.
*Second Saturday-town wide yard sale. If you like to yard sale this is your day. Typically 15-20 homes sign up. Maps of the homes are available at the chamber at 7:55 a.m.
*Entertainment in the Park-This starts the third Thursday of June. Various local artists entertain in Washington Park from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m every Thursday. This runs through the end of July.

July/August: The Big Horn County Fair-steers, sheep, horses and more. See local 4H and FFA kids show off their animals and projects. Enjoy pig wrestling, a rodeo, music, demo derby, vendors and dog shows. The parade is Saturday at 10 a.m.

November: Shop Small Saturday. This is an annual event the Thursday after Thanksgiving. By shopping at a local small business you could win Lilac Loot which may be used the same as cash at participating merchants.

December:
*Christmas Lights-Once voted the most lit up small town in Wyoming this is the place to go if you enjoy Christmas lights. Both main streets have lights strung across them. The courthouse is adorned with a star and hundreds of streamer lights. Nearly every building on main street has some type of lights or lighted ornaments. The Sunday before Christmas is a free light tour. People meet at the chamber at 5 p.m. and ride a bus around town to see some homes decorated to the max. After the tour there is free chili and goodies at the chamber.
*Christmas Bazaar-This is held the second Saturday on December at the Fairgrounds and Basin City Arts Center. Vendor and vendors of gifts and goodies.
*Little Shoppers- Also held the second Saturday of December this is at the Fairgrounds. Children 12 and under may shop for just $1 a gift. No parents or grandparents allowed. Our volunteers help the children fill their shopping list.

We have a very active Facebook page where we share what is happening in the area every week and highlight what our members are featuring. You can find us at Basin Area Chamber/South Big Horn County. Our web site is basincc.com

If I could sum up Basin in one sentence it would be Mayberry with broadband.