Top 10 True Western Towns of 2014

This charming little town in the eastern Sierras is renowned for its annual Mule Days Celebration, in which more than 700 mules compete in over 180 events. Folks there are working to build an American Mule Museum to honor the sturdy beasts that played such an important role in building the Old West.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Way back in 1912, Calgary held a little “Frontier Days and Cowboy Championship Contest.” It went over so well they decided to do it again in 1919. Over the years it’s grown into the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” a.k.a. the Calgary Stampede.

LeClaire, Iowa

Today the birthplace of “Buffalo Bill” Cody may be better known as the base of the History Channel’s hit show American Pickers. After a visit to host Mike Wolfe’s shop, Antique Archaeology, stroll downtown to check out the Buffalo Bill Museum, enjoy a tasting at the Mississippi River Distilling Company and a steak at Sneaky Pete’s Bar & Grill.

Cave Creek, Arizona

Horses tied to the hitching post at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral are just one sign that Cave Creek is still a Wild West town. It is a place to live the Western lifestyle, with miles of scenic riding trails and plenty of honky-tonks,  great restaurants like Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House and Old West boutiques such as Valerie’s.

Prescott, Arizona

Founded 150 years ago, Prescott was Arizona’s first territorial capital. Learn more about its fascinating history at the Sharlot Hall Museum, then visit the historic town square, where numerous festivals are held throughout the year, including the Prescott Frontier Days & Rodeo held every 4th of July. Don’t miss the Palace, Arizona’s oldest frontier saloon, located on the town square’s aptly named Whiskey Row.