Casper, Wyoming

Wild Bunch outlaw Tom O’Day may not have entered Casper willingly (in 1903, he was tried and jailed for stealing a herd of horses nearby), but many emigrants did. They traveled through the heart of Wyoming on the Oregon, California Mormon and Pony Express Trails. Wyoming’s second-largest city is found along the North Platte River, with Casper Mountain rising 3,000 feet above.

Best Place to Buy Land: East Casper; quite a bit of new development in that area.

Average House Cost: $150,000-$300,000.

Favorite Local Cuisine: Good ol’ American cuisine! Try Poor Boys Steak House (739 N. Center St.), known for its steak, chicken, seafood—and a great bucket o’ salad before every meal!

What’s the latest gossip? Most folks are talking politics—it’s all about the Presidential Campaign!

What historic sites do the schoolchildren visit? The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (1501 N. Poplar St.) and the reconstructed 1865 post, Fort Caspar (4001 Fort Caspar Rd.).

Best Western Art Gallery: The Nicolaysen Art Museum and Discovery Center (400 E. Collins) features local and Rocky Mountain regional art and photographs.

Do-Not-Miss Attraction: Casper Mountain. Hike, bike and camp in the summer, and ski, snowboard and go sledding in the winter.

Good Cowboy Bar: The Wonder Bar (256 S. Center St.), one of Casper’s oldest watering holes—folks once moseyed inside while still straddling their horses!

Who knows Casper’s history best? Kevin Anderson, archivist at the Goodstein Library at Casper College. He usually knows the answers to my historical questions.

Best Western Bookstore: Blue Heron Books & Espresso (201 E. Second St.).

Favorite Local Event: The Beartrap Summer Festival, held on Casper Mountain every July, features Bluegrass music, food and retail vendors, and plenty of fresh air!

What’s happening in April? Rodeo! Casper College presents its Ropin’ & Riggin’ Days April 18-20 at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds.

Best Spot to View Wildlife: Living? Casper Mountain. The Werner Wildlife Museum (125 College Dr., a short walk from the Casper College campus) will teach folks about wildlife indigenous to Wyoming.

Weather: Chilly winters, with sunshiny days. Warm and welcoming summers!

Preservation Project: Talks of redeveloping the Old Yellowstone District, between Poplar street and downtown.

 

Special thanks to local writer Kate Rice for sharing her love of the town with us.