Country living in Douglas
Douglas, named the “home of the Jackalope,” is a rural community in east-central Wyoming. In North American folklore, the jackalope is a mythical creature described as a jackrabbit with antelope horns. Each year in June, the city of Douglas celebrates the legend and community history with Jackalope Days, an event featuring a car show, live performances, street dance and fun activities. The county seat of Converse County, Douglas has about 6,000 residents, and people are near many outdoor areas and have access to recreational activities like hiking, hunting and boating. “People come here because they love living out in the country,” says Sara Borton, a local Realtor at House Real Estate Group with nearly 10 years of work experience. “Our county doesn’t have restrictions, and you can raise cattle, horses and pigs in your backyard. This is what people come here for.”
Single-family homes around Douglas
The gridded, residential streets in the city are accompanied by tree-lined sidewalks, and the commercial areas are often located in historic districts. Homes here were built throughout the 20th century, with a mix of newer properties from the 2000s. The median home price is approximately $300,000, below the national median of about $400,000. Smaller two-bedroom cottages and cabins can sell from $60,000 to about $160,000. Ranch-styles, split-levels and traditional farmhouses typically go between $200,000 and $450,000. “Properties below $160,000 are going to be a fixer-upper,” Borton says. “Houses that are within town limits typically stay under $400,000, and those farther out with lots of land can go over $600,000.”
Parks and recreation areas in Converse County
The city has about a dozen parks, an outdoor municipal pool and water park that opens in the summer, and an 18-hole golf course. People can go fishing by the North Platte River, or explore the 2.4-mile walking trail along the waterfront. Ayres Natural Bridge Park has one of the three natural bridges in the country, featuring fishing, hiking and picnic areas, a sand volleyball court and a playground. Rafting and camping are also popular activities at the park. Glendo State Park is about 30 miles away, offering water sports like floating and boating in the summer and ice fishing in winter. “Hunting is also very big here,” Borton adds.
Shopping and dining options in Douglas
Retail stores and eateries are concentrated along Richards Street and Yellowstone Highway. The Depot Restaurant serves classic American fare with local beer, and La Costa offers casual Mexican food. Grocery options include Safeway and several smaller convenience stores. “Douglas Grocery is a locally owned store,” Borton says. “And people take pride in our local shops.” In August and September, residents can also shop at the area’s farmers market in Jackalope Square. Bomgaars, a regional family-operated retailer for farm and ranch supplies, is also located on Richards Street.
Converse County School District No. 1 serves the area
The city is served by Converse County School District No. 1. The elementary grades are split between three schools. Douglas Primary School, which serves kindergarten and first grade, rates a B. Douglas Intermedia School teaches grades two and three and gets a C-plus. Douglas Upper Elementary School receives a B-minus and serves fourth and fifth graders. Douglas Middle School and Douglas High both get a B-minus. The local high school has a variety of sports programs, including swimming and golf. Eastern Wyoming College has a campus in Douglas, offering programs in nursing and several other disciplines.
Signature events in Converse County
The annual Wyoming State Fair takes place at the state fairgrounds, featuring carnival rides, rodeo and derby races, produce competitions, concerts and live entertainment. Each June, Douglas Railroad Days celebrates the community’s historic roots with free barbecue and tours of the trains.
Highway access and proximity to airports
Douglas is accessible via Interstate 25, which connects Wyoming to New Mexico, and Wyoming Highway 59. People can also take the intercity bus Express Arrow to cities such as Casper, Cheyenne, about 130 miles south, and Denver. Casper/Natrona County International Airport is about 60 miles west, offering direct flights to Denver through United Airlines. Denver International Airport is approximately 230 miles away with more domestic and international flight options. Memorial Hospital of Converse County is right in the city.
