OFFICIAL GUIDE 2020 THE ROAD TO YELLOWSTONE FISH THE NORTH PLATTE RIVER TASTE WYOMING’S HOTTEST CULINARY SCENE MAPS & ITINERARIES WELCOME TO CASPER Whether you’re visiting Casper for business or leisure, we’ve got the details covered. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access, relaxing indoor pool with a whirlpool and spacious guest rooms and suites with modern amenities. We’re just going to come right out and say it: we’re so glad you’re considering Casper. And while you’re here, we’ll let you in on a little secret: there’s no where in the world quite like it. Nowhere else perfectly combines small-town charms and big-city vibes or outdoor Conveniently located off opportunities with an urban vibrancy like Casper. From the ruts of the Oregon Trail to the top of Casper Mountain, you’ll find yourself immersed in history, adventure I-25, Exit 188B and the best of Wyoming. Whether you find yourself with this guide in hand as you are planning a vacation, as a Fitness Center long-time local or considering relocating to our great city, we’re happy you’re here. On-site dining at the Garden Grille and Bar, serving breakfast, dinner and room service Meeting space that accommodates up to 160 people Close to entertainment, sports and shopping attractions 1150 N. POPLAR ST., CASPER | 307-266-1300 VisitCasper.com 1 CONTENTS CONTACT 6-7 8-9 11-13 15-17 22-25 56-57 CASPER EVENTS CASPER’S DOWNTOWN CASPER’S 48 HOURS VISIT CASPER OFFICE 101 CALENDAR CULINARY CASPER ARTS & IN CASPER 139 WEST 2ND STREET, SCENE CULTURE Two days or less? SUITE 1B Take this local Tips for indulging CASPER, WY 82601 18-21 advice on Lou Taubert in Casper’s amazing HOW TO 27-29 VISITCASPER.COM can’t-miss spots Ranch Outfitters culinary scene EXPERIENCE FISH LIKE with reviews from CASPER’S A LOCAL 1 800-852-1889 other visitors HISTORY 1 307-234-5362 [email protected] Chief Executive Officer Brook Kaufman, CDME, CTA Bishop House [email protected] Museum The Gaslight Social Destination Services Coordinator Mikki Milosevic, CTA [email protected] Marketing Manager Amanda Scherlin, CTA [email protected] Visitor Center Coordinator Mary Elana Perotti, CTA [email protected] Content Marketing Coordinator Wayne Stewart, CTA [email protected] For more information on Casper, head to the Visitor Center in the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center at 1501 North Poplar Street. Three Crowns Golf Club 2 1-800-852-1889 VisitCasper.comHogadon Basin Ski Area 3 ONLY IN CASPER IS THE ROAD TO MONTANA YELLOWSTONE GILLETTE YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK SOUTH THIS MEMORABLE. DAKOTA Yellowstone National Park in northwest Whether you fly directly into the Casper/ Wyoming is a bucket list destination for travelers Natrona County International Airport or drive CASPER IDAHO around the globe. With other-worldly geological yourself into the region, Casper is the perfect NEBRASKA features, abundant wildlife and millions of acres hub for your trip. After a night or two soaking ROCK SPRINGS of pristine Wyoming wilderness, everyone up everything the city has to offer, you’re just a CHEYENNE should see this American gem at least once in short-- and scenic-- drive from the park’s LORADO their lifetime. southern entrance. UTAH CO But the perfect Yellowstone vacation doesn’t With affordable lodging, smaller crowds and begin or end at one of the park’s five entrances. A endless opportunities to experience the best parts Wyoming road trip is almost as legendary as a trip of the West, Casper is the perfect place to get to the world’s first national park, and it happens acquainted with Wyoming life before journeying to be the best way to get there. And on an iconic on to the park. Here, you can experience small drive through Wyoming, Casper is a must stop. town Wyoming charm in our downtown, stand in the footsteps of those who came before us Unlike in Yellowstone, Casper’s top-notch along the Oregon Trail, get a taste of the west outdoor recreation opportunities are near hotels, with local eats, brews and spirits, get up close and dining and nightlife. Many of our most prized personal with nature on Casper Mountain or land natural attractions are just a short drive from the the catch of a lifetime in the North Platte River. center of the city, leaving more time to create those Wyoming memories you’ll always cherish. 4 1-800-852-1889 5 CASPER 101 Whether you’re a longtime friend of the Oil City or NEW & NOTABLE a first-time visitor, there are a few things you should know about Casper. Backwards Distilling Company opened a downtown tasting room, serving their iconic locally distilled spirits in a brand-new, easy to access THE OIL location. Stop in for a cocktail at 214 S. Wolcott St. 852,000 CITY ANNUAL VISITORS IN 2018 The Wyoming Symphony Orchestra celebrates 70 years in their 2019-2020 season with a new music HIGHEST POINT: director, Christopher Dragon. Find concert dates 8,130’ CASPER MOUNTAIN and more information at wyomingsymphony.org. POP. 53,000 MILES OF Downtown Casper saw a new, large-scale mural 94 MULTI-USE TRAILS come to life that tells the story of Rev. James Reeb, a Casper man who served and was ultimately killed LOCAL in the civil rights movement in 1965 in Selma, AL. 196 RESTAURANTS The new mural can be seen from Center Street MST TIME between 2nd and Midwest streets downtown. ZONE SLC CPR DEN Casper/Natrona County International Airport offers multiple daily flights to Denver ELEV. 5,150’ and Salt Lake City NORTH PLATTE: 3,000 - 5,000 FISH PER MILE VISITOR CENTERS: National Historic Trails 13 LOCAL Interpretive Center MUSEUMS 1501 N. Poplar St. Visit Casper Office 139 W. 2nd St. Suite 1B MONTHLY AVERAGE TEMPERATURE HIGH/LOW DEGREES FAHRENHEIT: 38 39 50 57 67 80 90 86 76 61 49 38 Backwards Distilling Company 17 17 25 32 41 50 58 55 45 35 26 17 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 1-800-852-1889 VisitCasper.com 7 Go to VisitCasper.com/events to see all events. JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2020 EVENTS JULY 3-11 AUGUST 1-2 SEPTEMBER 19 JANUARY MARCH JUNE Central Wyoming Beartrap Music Festival Funky Junk Fair & Rodeo Beartrap Meadow on 615 S. Durbin St. Central Wyoming Fairgrounds Casper Mountain Local and regional makers come JANUARY 5 MARCH 1 JUNE 12-14 The Central Wyoming Fair Bluegrass vibes take over together twice a year to sell their and Rodeo celebrates the best Casper Mountain during one goods in the streets of Casper. Brunch and Bach Brunch and Bach NIC Fest of Wyoming’s largest outdoor Nicolaysen Art Museum Nicolaysen Art Museum Nicolaysen Art Museum of summer with carnival rides, monster trucks, a parade through concerts. Regional and national downtown Casper and five nightly acts take the stage during this The day after each Wyoming Join the symphony the day after Art, music, local vendors, food two-day festival. NOVEMBER Symphony performance in the each performance for art, music and entertainment fill the streets PRCA rodeo performances. new year, join the symphony, local and brunch. of downtown Casper during this restaurants and the Nicolaysen three-day festival. art museum for art, music and, of NOVEMBER 28 course, brunch. JULY 4 MARCH 20-22 Fireworks Festival Downtown Christmas JUNE 14-20 Parade & Tree Lighting Home and Garden Show Casper Events Center JANUARY 19-25 Casper Events Center College National Finals Kick off the holiday season Rodeo Celebrate Independance Day at the Casper Events Center with with the downtown Christmas 5150’ Restaurant Week Browse local and regional vendors Casper Events Center parade and the lighting of the at the largest home and garden a full-day of vendors, music and activities, ending with community Christmas tree at Get a taste of all things Casper as show in Wyoming at the Casper The top college athletes in the an impressive fireworks show David Street Station. local restaurants offer specials and Events Center. nation descend on Casper for overlooking the city. deals on local favorites. a full week of rodeo action to compete for a coveted national MAY championship. FEBRUARY JULY 7 Parade Day MAY 7-9 EVERY TUESDAY, Downtown Casper FEBRUARY 5 JUNE - SEPTEMBER Wyoming Outdoor Expo Casper Events Center Kick off the Central Wyoming Brunch and Bach Farmers Market PRCA rodeo with a large Nicolaysen Art Museum David Street Station Free expo celebrating Wyoming’s downtown parade and a AUGUST 22 wildlife. Hands-on activities for celebration of summer in Casper. Join the symphony the day after Every Tuesday night throughout kids and adults, outdoor vendors, Riverfest and Great each performance for art, music the summer, Wyoming Food For exhibits and demonstrations. Duck Derby and brunch. Thought project hosts a farmers Crossroads Park market at David Street Station JULY 20-21 complete with local vendors, Say goodbye to summer with live MAY 16 drinks and live music. Expedition League FEBRUARY 8-9 music, great food, craft beer and All-Star Spectacular a huge rubber duck race on the Funky Junk Mike Lansing Field North Platte River. An end-of- Canines for Charity 615 S. Durbin St. Dog Sled Race August staple in Casper and major fundraiser for our community’s Beartrap Meadow on Casper The best of the Expedition League Local and regional makers come integral trail systems. Mountain comes to Casper for a two-day together twice a year to sell their event including an All-Star game, goods in the streets of Casper.