merlin's hide out

Merlin's Hide Out is a unique store in that it sells products made from animal hides. The prices vary as does the types of products offered. What makes this place so special is Merlin and his crew. They are more than welcoming - they will give you a tour of their building and explain the process of tanning the different types of hides.

You may believe you are stepping inside a store that will have hides and products for sale, but you will discover there is more than meets the eye. The person welcoming you in the door will possibly be Merlin or his wife. They will fill you with information on how the process works, giving you a tour of the facilities. Don't be afraid to ask questions, they will have an answer. This is a fun, fun place to stop that is out of the ordinary, but will surely leave you with a memory.

We happened upon this hide tanning place from the previous review on trip advisor and a leaflet from the town. We stopped by and the lady owner was so welcoming and gave us a full tour of the small tannery where they skin animals such as buffalo and process the hides. She was really informative and it was very interesting and we asked questions which she was pleased to answer. She took us into the shop to see finish products, there were made up products on sale such as bags, hats and mitts in buffalo skin, there were also pelts of various animals such as beaver, coyote, mink, badger, skunk, cow hides. We didn't buy anything but I don't think she really expected us to buy anything, we had just come for a look round.

GO TO MERLINS HIDEOUT!!!The tannery is on the property and Merlin, the tanner, will give you a full tour. Warning: the tour can be a bit intense (these are animal skins, hides, and furs). My brother and I loved learning how the whole process works. Merlin is a lifelong local with few words but a great sense of humor.The retail shop is in a separate wood cabin next door (the owners' home is on the property too). We were surprised how beautiful the shop was inside. There were all kinds of fur and leather products but mainly whole animal skins and of course buffalo hides (they call them robes). We got a buffalo robe which is amazing and beautiful. We also got some leather 'cosies' and keychains.Barb and Merlin are the owners and will give you a great taste of Wyoming hospitality. They offered us drinks and gave us all the local history an happenings. Afterwards they brought us to the local ice cream shop - I forget the name but great ice cream!