Kemmerer is a rural, evolving community with deep history
Kemmerer is a historic coal town with a strong community. Situated within a rural landscape, it boasts a small downtown area where the original JCPenney is still operating, and longstanding events are held. Heidi Despain, a broker who lives here and works for Quality Realty, says she mostly works with the local community as people tend to relocate within town, not out. "You know everyone that's here. Your kids grow up together; you go to church and ballgames together and help each other raise your families. You share your successes and tragedies." While coal has always been a leading industry here, it's facing an uncertain future after losing a contract with the local power plant. However, in 2024, Kemmerer broke ground on the first Natrium plant in the United States, co-founded by Bill Gates. The plant will produce carbon-free energy and bring 250 long-term jobs while also putting the town on the map. It's set to be fully operational by 2030.
Small cottages to ranch-styles on acres
Residential streets showcase Kemmerer's long history. "The center of town is [from] the late 1800s to early 1900s. That's fun right now because we have a lot of people who are refurbishing those [homes]," Despain says. This section is known for its small cottages, while more ranch styles and rustic farmhouses appear farther from the town's core. "Your old, original homes are on small lots; I'd say 5,000 to 7,000 square feet lots," says Relator Shelby Thatcher of eXp Realty, LLC, who lives nearby and specializes in Kemmerer's market. "People on the outskirts of town [can have] animals and horses. You can get anywhere from an acre to 40-acre properties." Both Despain and Thatcher say new construction is rare. The median home price in Kemmerer is $235,000.
Downtown Kemmerer has the original JCPenney
Thatcher says downtown Kemmerer is seeing renewed investment. "You've got this cool store that just opened, the Opera House Store, which was an actual opera house back in the day. Someone bought it and revived it, and now it's a cute little mercantile store." Other local retailers include Tynskys Fossils Inc, Country Cuts clothing store and the original JCPenney. The store still sells apparel and showcases historical remnants, including the first cash register. Place On Pine is an American restaurant that is popular for breakfast. Kemmerer also has a few Mexican eateries, coffee shops and bars. Ridley's Family Markets is the pitstop for groceries. Thatcher says people make the 50-mile drive to Evanston or head into Rock Springs or Logan, both within 95 miles, when they want more options. "You find pretty much anything you want [in Logan]. Evanston and Rock Springs are still limited."
Places to fish, play and celebrate in town
The local dog park is near the community fishing pond in Kemmerer. Anglers also cast their lines in the Hams Fork River, which flows through town. Kemmerer Little League Fields bring people together on game days. Fossil Island Golf Course, a fixture since 1920, offers a 9-hole course. Archie Neil Park is north of a general hospital and blocks from several churches, the library and downtown. It's a popular spot on summer days for its public swimming pool and playground. Triangle Park is a small passive green space with picnic tables and benches in the heart of town. The park comes alive in the summer when the Kemmerer Fossil and Mineral Expo is held in June, and the Oyster Ridge Music Festival arrives in July. The free music festival is over 30 years old and brings national rock, blues and "newgrass" artists to Kemmerer.
A small school district that caters to the individual
Students in Kemmerer attend the Lincoln County School District, which consists of just four schools. They may begin at Canyon Elementary School, which scores an A minus on Niche. Kemmerer Junior/Senior High School covers seventh through twelfth grades and earns a B plus. Students may also enroll in the tuition-free Virtual Prep Academy of Wyoming. The school covers kindergarten through eighth grade and is entirely virtual. The school also prides itself on taking an individualized approach to lesson planning. Parents or legal guardians are expected to actively participate in their child's learning, taking on the role of "learning coach."
It's a bus trip to Salt Lake City
U.S. routes 189 and 30 connect Kemmerer to greater Wyoming. Mountain States Express operates a bus service in town that takes commuters to Salt Lake City, 135 miles away.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
