Wheatland's mountain backdrop and agricultural heritage
Wheatland is in a valley at the base of the Laramie Mountains, within the shadow of Laramie Peak. "It's just a part of rural America with farming and rodeos. What Wyoming stands for," says Pat Hollingsworth, owner of Western Sky's Family Diner. She's lived here for nearly 30 years and says the town's been consistent. "It's pretty much stayed how everyone wants it: small." Wheatland's name comes from its earliest days, when a late 19th-century irrigation project transformed its desert-like landscape into farmland, particularly known for, yes, wheat production. Today, Wheatland is within the largest privately financed irrigation district in the United States, and a coal-powered plant provides its energy. Corner churches, "slow down, we love our children" signs and family friendly parks speak to Wheatland's neighborliness. The town also hosts various festivals and activities throughout the year.
From vintage to modern homes, some on vast acreage
Homes close to downtown include ranch-styles, minimal traditional cottages, Tudor Revivals and American Foursquares on small, verdant lots. Some date back to Wheatland's earliest days. On the outskirts, homes can be on over 40 acres, custom-built for hobby farming. Wheatland also has two-story, modern new construction on its western side. Townhouses, condos and manufactured homes are the minority. The median sale price in Wheatland is around $240,000, compared to the national median of around $400,000.
Public schools rated B to C by Niche
Students attend the Platte County School District and start at Libbey Elementary School, which covers kindergarten through second grade. The school earns a B rating from Niche. West Elementary School, for third through fifth grade, gets a C-plus. Wheatland Middle School scores a B rating and offers an International Baccalaureate program. Wheatland High School scores a C rating.
Parks with playgrounds, sports courts and room to roam
Lewis Park is next to Wheatland's public swimming pool. It's a popular spot for sheltered picnics, playground meetups and practicing sports from frisbee golf to tennis, pickleball to basketball. It also has a skate park and camping sites supporting RVs and tents. Pocket Park is a small green space beside a local brewery and steakhouse in downtown Wheatland. It's also set up for casual picnicking and hosts the weekly farmers market from late spring to summer. Dearinger Park offers ample open space for pickup sports. Jim & Betty Dunham Memorial Dog Park is where the pups play, and tee time happens at Wheatland Golf Club, a public nine-hole course.
Diners, delis and drinks deliver hometown flavor
Most shops and restaurants surround South Street, Interstate 25 or downtown. Some are in buildings over 100 years old. Retail options range from Ace Hardware to Drube Supply home goods store to Wheatland Country Store for western apparel. Western Sky's Family Diner is a casual comfort food spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. "Every day we have a special," Hollingsworth says. "People really like the chicken fry and the freedom burger." Windy Peaks Brewery & Steakhouse is a go-to for ribeye, sliders, pub grub appetizers and draft beer. Brooklyn's Tavern specializes in New York-style slices, and Los Dominguez Mexican Restaurant offers south-of-the-border classics. The Wanderer on Gilchrist is a popular coffee shop that makes specialty drinks. Thrifty Foods and Safeway are in town for groceries.
A season for rodeos, poetry and outdoor movies
Platte County Fair, a tradition since 1911, hosts the rodeo at the fairgrounds in July. Other Wheatland events include Summer Movies in the Park at Lewis Park from July to September and the Laramie Peak Cowboy Poetry Gathering in July, hosted at The Bell, a local bed and breakfast. The Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo is held about an hour away in a 19,000-seat stadium.
I-25, bus and paratransit connect Wheatland to wider Wyoming
Interstate 25 passes through Wheatland, connecting it to nearby small towns, such as Glendo, 30 miles away, and larger cities, such as Wyoming's capital of Cheyenne, 70 miles away. Public transportation includes an intercity bus service through Greyhound and a local paratransit service provided by Platte ParaTransit.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
