Bar Nunn's quiet charm and mountain views
Bar Nunn is a rural town in the prairies just north of Casper, Wyoming. It was originally the site of Wardwell Field airport, which closed in 1952, and its streets occupy some of the airport’s former runways. The town is home to around 3,000 residents, several public parks and a few shops and restaurants. “It’s a quiet town with nice views of the mountains," says Realtor Greg Moline of Broker One Real Estate, who has been working in the Casper area since 2007. "There are some newer homes there, and they tend to be more affordable compared to what you’ll find in Casper. The prices really depend on the oil industry’s boom and bust cycles, though. They can fluctuate quite a bit,” Casper is one of the most oil-rich regions on the West Coast.
Homes include a mix of older and newer styles on large lots
Homes in Bar Nunn sit along quiet, suburban streets surrounded by grassy flatlands. “Bar Nunn really started building homes about 50 years ago during the 1970s oil boom, then it went bust," Moline says. "After that, nothing much was built there until the 2006 oil boom, and that's why you see a lot of new construction there." Ranch styles, split-levels and traditional designs are the most common. The lot sizes are generous, with some offering nearly a half-acre of land. Prices range from $280,000 to $430,000. Some manufactured homes are available, offering a more affordable option. Bar Nunn gets a 2 out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, compared to 4 nationally.
Bar Nunn has some restaurants, but residents head to Casper for groceries
The town has two local restaurants. The Hangar Bar & Grill occupies one of the airport’s former hangar buildings, a massive brick structure that has been restored and renovated. The restaurant serves classic American cuisine, along with breakfast and brunch staples. Next door is Chatters, a pub and pool hall. Industrial and commercial companies sit along the town’s outer rim. Residents can head to Casper for grocery chains, big-box stores, breweries and an array of dining and shopping options. “Most people are going into Casper for everything. It’s just a few minutes away,” Moline says.
Local community parks and nearby river trails
Antelope Park, located in the center of town, has basketball courts, tennis courts, a baseball pitch, a playground and walking paths. Romie Nunn Park offers a playground and grassy open space. It was named after Romie Nunn, who purchased the former airport grounds in the 1950s and steadily sold off parcels for residential development. A few miles south, there’s plenty of outdoor recreation along the banks of the North Platte River, including many trails and landscaped parks.
The region faces significant wildfire risk
Bar Nunn and the surrounding areas are at an increased risk for wildfires, owing to its dry climate and high winds. Several major fires have occurred in the region over the past 20 years, including the Sheep Herder Hill Complex Fire in 2012 and the Elk Fire at Bighorn National Forest in 2024. Natrona County has implemented a range of precautionary measures to help prevent wildfires.
Students attend Natrona County Schools
Natrona County Schools offers school choice for county residents. Students can start close to home at Bar Nunn Elementary School, which gets a C rating from Niche. For the next steps, there’s C.Y. Middle School and Natrona County High, both earning B ratings. The high school offers a range of specialty courses, including International Baccalaureate and agricultural programs. Extracurriculars include everything from a Dungeons and Dragons club to a local chapter of the Future Farmers of America.
Getting around the Casper area by car
Bar Nunn is bordered by Interstate 25, easing the commute for people heading to work in Casper. Residents will likely need a vehicle because no bus lines service the town. It’s about 10 miles to the Casper/Natrona County International Airport and about 7 miles to the Banner Wyoming Medical Center.
