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Casper is the largest city and county seat of Natrona county, located in Central Wyoming. The city occupies a valley created by the junction of the North Platte river and the Laramie mountains. Casper is the largest city between Cheyenne and Billings, and between Rapid City and Salt Lake City. The city is the financial and administrative center for a vast region of Wyoming that encompasses some of the state's most important mineral producing areas, especially the oil and gas fields located nearby. If you're passing through the state, Casper is a likely choice for an overnight stop or as a place to find food and supplies before heading to the national parks in the state's northwestern corner or to the forests located to the southeast or to the north.

Understand

Casper grew up around the ferries that enabled travelers on the Oregon Trail and California Trail to cross the North Platte River. The presence of settlers transiting westward and the growing presence of the US military made the region around present-day Casper a focal point in the late 19th century war against Native American tribes in the region, many of whom had suffered prior dislocation from the north and east as the US pushed the frontier westward. This conflict resulted in a military battle in which Lt. Caspar Collins perished. As "Collins" had already been used in the designation of Ft. Collins to the south, the settlement on the North Platte became known as "Casper" (changed from "Caspar" thanks to a clerical error). In later years, the arrival of the railroad and the discovery of oil in nearby fields consolidated Casper's relative importance in the region. Today, the city is a commercial hub for the surrounding region, whose economy is closely tied to energy and mineral extraction business. Casper is the second largest city in Wyoming, after Cheyenne. The city has a few attractions to entertain visitors for a day or so, but the real attraction lies in the surrounding areas, which include some of the state's most interesting historical and natural sites. Independence Rock, South Pass City, Ayre's Bridge, Castle Gardens and two national forests are within a 60-mile drive of downtown Casper. The Oregon and California trails once passed through the city and visible signs of their presence can be found within a stone's through of the city's boundaries.

Climate

Casper
Climate chart (explanation)
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Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation+Snow totals in inches
See Casper's 7 day forecast    Data from NOAA (1981-2010)
Metric conversion
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Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation+Snow totals in mm

Get in

By air

Natrona County International Airport (CPR IATA) [1] Served by Allegiant Air to Las Vegas and Phoenix, Delta to Salt Lake City, and United to Denver. The airport has on-site car rental facilities and it's easy to arrange a pick-up by one of the many hotels that offer shuttle service. Taxi service is not always easy; if you want to arrange a pick-up, you can call RC Cab (+1 307 235-5203)or Casper Cabs (+1 307 234-8294) to arrange a pick-up. They'll wait outside after your flight. If you call when you arrive, expect a 20-30 minute wait.

While it might seem unexpected in an airport this small, lines at security can be long. There is only one security checkpoint and flights to Denver and Salt Lake City seem to leave at the same time, making the otherwise underused airport seem crowded and small. It's best to go through security at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure. If you're lucky, your boarding pass will get a stamp from one of the security staff's extensive collection. Travelers report seeing Hello Kitty, Snoopy and various seasonal holiday greetings on their boarding passes, turning them into unexpected souvenirs.

By car

Casper is located at the intersection of Interstate 25, US Route 20/26, and Wyoming State Route 220. Approximate driving times are: 2 hours and 30 minutes south of the Montana border, 2 hours and 30 minutes north of Cheyenne, and 4 hours and 45 minutes east of Grand Teton National Park.

Get around

Casper Area Transportation Coalition - closest Natrona county has to a bus system.

The cost for elderly and disabled is $2.00 per one way trip, $5.00 for general public and $1.00 for children 12 and under when accompanied by an adult traveling to the same destination. Passengers are required to register the first time they use the service and purchase trip tickets.

If you find yourself enjoying a bit too much of Casper's nightlife, you can always call the Tipsy Taxi, a service provided by a coalition of the town's bar owners. A taxi will pick you up and take you home free of charge. They will also come pick you up to take you back to retrieve your car for a substantial discount. Tipsy Taxi +1 307 234-8294

See

  • 2 Nicolaysen Art Museum, 400 E Collins Dr,, +1 307-235-5247. Tue-Sat, 10-5, Sun, noon-5. The Nicolaysen is one of few Wyoming institutions focusing on contemporary arts, showcasing a wide variety of work across multiple media. Together with other galleries in Casper, "the Nic" offers a welcome respite from the constant "Old West" theme seen in galleries throughout the Rocky Mountains. Exhibits showcase the work of local, national and international artists. The Nicolaysen's website offers details about exhibits and opening hours.

Do

  • Casper Ice Arena, 1801 East 4th St, +1 307 235-8484. A permanent indoor ice facility offering year-round skating, with open sessions, figure skating, curling, and hockey.

Buy

  • Eastridge Mall, 601 Southeast Wyoming Blvd. The only mall in the city, anchored by JCPenney, Macy's, Sears, and Target.
  • Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters, 125 East 2nd St. An amazing selection of Western apparel and accessories - claims to have over 50,000 pairs of cowboy boots in stock. Worth a visit if you're passing through.
  • Mountain Sports, 543 Center St, toll-free: +1-800-426-1136. Mon-Sat, 9-6; Sun. 11-4. One of the oldest sporting good stores in Wyoming. Helpful, knowledgeable staff and a very good selection of sporting gear, particularly for winter sports. Can provide rental equipment for skiing. A good source of information about local outdoor activities.

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Connect

Go next

Routes through Casper
to Billings ends Template:Lfarrow Buffalo  N  S  DouglasCheyenne
Yellowstone N.P.Thermopolis  W  E  DouglasValentine
Grand Teton N.P.Riverton  W  E  DouglasScottsbluff



This city travel guide to Casper is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.