Glenrock offers rural, small-town living east of Casper
Glenrock is a rural town situated amid wide-open prairie lands east of Casper, Wyoming. Its 2,400 residents live in a quiet, idyllic setting near the banks of the North Platte River, with distant views of the Laramie Mountains. The town got its start as a stop on the Oregon Trail, where hundreds of thousands of settlers passed through on their way to the west coast. Today, it’s known for its low-key downtown district and its scenic setting. “I love the small-town atmosphere. Nobody acts like you’re a stranger here,” says Tina Harper, owner of #1 Properties of Casper and a longtime Glenrock resident.
The town has a wide range of housing styles
There is a range of housing options in Glenrock, with everything from century-old bungalows to midcentury-era ranch-style and recently built Traditional homes. Residents come home to quiet, tree-lined streets that extend toward the prairies and sand dunes outside town. Homes closer to the center of town are situated on a traditional street grid, while those in the outskirts offer expansive, rural lots. Prices range from around $250,000 to $600,000, depending on the size and age of the home. Flooding may be an issue for some residents given the town’s proximity to Deer Creek and North Platte River. The town gets a 2 out of 10 CAP Index crime score, compared to 4 nationally.
Community parks, paths and riverine adventures
Parks and outdoor recreation are a major perk for residents. Glenrock Town Park is a sprawling green space with a playground, baseball diamonds, a skate park and tennis courts. Trails wind through the park and along the banks of Deer Creek, a tributary of the North Platte River. Avid golfers can tee up at Glenrock Golf Club, a public, nine-hole course with views of rolling hills and farmland. During the winter months, residents can stay in shape at the Glenrock Recreation Center, which has an indoor swimming pool, a basketball court and a workout area. Outdoor opportunities are close by, with plenty of places to hunt, hike, fish and explore in a 30-mile radius.
Live music, parades and community events
Glenrock has plenty of annual events, especially during the summertime. Glenrock Town Square hosts music nights every Friday between June and August, drawing hundreds of people for live music, food trucks and libations. “Not only does everyone in town come out, but we even get people coming from Casper and Douglas. And the bands love it because there’s always a big audience,” Harper says. Another big event for the town is Deer Creek Days, which takes place the last weekend of June. Locals come out in droves for a parade, a car show, mutton busting and music.
Glenrock has a small but lively downtown district
Glenrock’s small downtown area, centered around Birch Street, offers a handful of restaurants, a few shops and a grocery store. “We’ve got about five bars here, and about as many churches,” Harper says. Bobbi’s Classic Diner & Motel, a relatively new addition to the strip, brings out locals for a classic diner experience. For drinks, pool and pub fare, residents can swing by Knotty Pine Saloon or Deer Creek Bar & Lounge, both of which are open until 2 a.m. most nights. Sip’s Coffee Company is the town’s go-to for espresso drinks. Groceries and everyday essentials can be found at Lynn’s Superfoods and Dollar General.
Students can attend elementary, middle and high school close to home
Students can start their education at Grant Elementary School, which gets a B rating from Niche. The next steps are Glenrock Intermediate School and Glenrock Jr/Sr High School, both of which get B-minus ratings. The high school has a wide range of athletic programs and extracurriculars, including a chapter of the Future Farmers of America, a LEGO robotics club and a drama club.
Getting around East Central Wyoming via I-25
Glenrock is about 2 miles from the nearest Interstate 25 on-ramp, easing commute times for local travelers. “We’re a bedroom community. Most people hop on the highway and drive to Casper for work,” Harper says. It’s about 23 miles to Casper, the second largest city in the state, and about 27 miles to Douglas, a small town east of Glenrock. Residents will likely need a car to get around, as there is no public transportation in the town. It’s about 33 miles to the Casper/Natrona County International Airport, and about 24 miles to the Banner Wyoming Medical Center.
