10 Historic Saloons That Keep The Old West Spirit Alive

Diego Delso/Wikimedia Commons

Cowboy legends, whiskey-soaked bar tops, and echoes of rowdy nights—some saloons refuse to let history fade. These iconic watering holes still brim with the untamed energy of the Old West, standing as living symbols of a bygone era. Step inside and experience ten legendary saloons where the frontier spirit is very much alive.

The Buckhorn Saloon In San Antonio

Billy Hathorn/Wikimedia Commons

Opening its doors in 1881, the Buckhorn Saloon quickly came into the spotlight. Located in the heart of San Antonio, it’s known for its impressive collection of taxidermy and its historical significance. The venue provides a unique opportunity to peer into the past, with the old-time feel of the Wild West still very much alive.

The Saloon No. 10 In Deadwood

CyArk/Wikimedia Commons

If you’ve heard of Wild Bill Hickok, you’ve likely come across Deadwood’s Saloon No. 10—an iconic spot from the 1870s where he was famously shot. This historic venue captures the spirit of the Old West, blending rich local stories with its wild atmosphere, offering a peek into a time when lawlessness reigned and history was shaped.

The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar In Jackson Hole

Leonard J. DeFrancisci/Wikimedia Commons

Known for its saddle barstools and authentic Western charm, Jackson Hole’s Million Dollar Cowboy Bar has been a local favorite for decades. This lively spot offers a true taste of cowboy life, where you can enjoy a cold beer and soak in the vibrant, local atmosphere.

The Red Dog Saloon In Juneau

Wknight94/Wikipedia

The Red Dog Saloon in Juneau, Alaska, dates back to the Klondike Gold Rush and has been a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant history. This iconic bar, once a favorite of gold miners, is still going strong today. It gives visitors a taste of Alaska’s rugged past with live music and local food.

The Occidental Saloon In Buffalo

Martin Kraft/Wikimedia Commons

Buffalo, Wyoming, is home to the Occidental Saloon, a place steeped in cowboy and outlaw history. Dating back to the 1870s, the taproom has seen it all, from poker games to shootouts.  It now gives visitors the chance to relive the Wild West era and experience it firsthand.

The Golden Gate Saloon In Grass Valley

alvito/Wikipedia

Grass Valley’s Golden Gate Saloon has preserved its Old West charm over the years, offering a glimpse into California’s gold rush history with every visit. Once a favorite hangout for miners, it provided a place to relax and celebrate their discoveries, standing proudly as a reminder of the past.

The Long Branch Saloon In Dodge City

Zeitlupe/Wikimedia Commons

The Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City has hosted its share of fascinating figures, from lawmen to outlaws. Once the heart of action in this infamous Old West town, it still offers reenactments today, allowing visitors to step into history and have some fun along the way.

The St. James Hotel Saloon In Cimarron

Daniel Schwen/Wikipedia

When you walk into the St. James Hotel Saloon in Cimarron, New Mexico, you step into a chapter of Wild West history. Known for its ties to gunfights and infamous outlaws, this venue still feels like a time capsule, preserving the raw energy of the frontier in a place unchanged since the 1800s.

The Oriental Saloon In Tombstone

Marine 69-71/Wikimedia Commons

Located in the legendary town of Tombstone, this taproom has become a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the history of the Wild West firsthand. Tombstone’s Oriental Saloon brings the Western to life with its reenactments of famous shootouts. It should be your next stop to see the spirit of the Wild West in action.

The White Elephant Saloon In Fort Worth

Lyndi & Jason/Wikimedia Commons

For over a century, the White Elephant Saloon in Fort Worth has been a gathering place for cowboys and cattle drivers. It maintains that same occidental charm and lively atmosphere and offers music with drinks to anyone looking to experience a piece of Texas’ rich Old West heritage into the twenty-first century.