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, the 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.
Vintage to modern builds, some on vast acres
Close to downtown, ranch styles and minimal traditional cottages dotted by Tudor Revivals and American Foursquare are on small, verdant lots. Some date back to Wheatland's earliest days. On the outskirts, properties 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.
Public schools rated B to C on Niche
Students attend the Platte County School District and start at two elementary schools. Libbey Elementary School covers kindergarten through second grade and earns a B rating on Niche. West Elementary School, for third through fifth grade, gets a C-plus. Wheatland Middle School scores a B rating and participates in 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 the public swimming pool in Wheatland. It's a popular spot for sheltered picnics, playground meetups and practicing sports in Wheatland — from frisbee golf to tennis, pickleball and 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 serve up hometown flavor
Most shops and restaurants surround South Street, Interstate 25 or downtown in early 19th-century buildings. Retail options range from Ace Hardware Wheatland 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 slices and Los Dominguez Mexican Restaurant in south-of-the-border classics. The Wanderer on Gilchrist is a popular coffee shop making specialty drinks. Thrifty Foods and Safeway are in town for groceries.
A season for rodeos, poetry and outdoor movies
Platte County Fair, a tradition at the local fairgrounds since 1911, hosts the rodeo in July. "And Cheyenne has frontier days," Hollingsworth says. The Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo is held in a 19,000-seat stadium around an hour away from Wheatland 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.
I-25, bus and paratransit connect Wheatland to wider Wyoming
Interstate 25 passes through Wheatland, connecting it to nearby small towns, such as Glendo in 30 miles, and larger cities, such as Wyoming's capital of Cheyenne in 70 miles. Public transportation includes an intercity bus service through Greyhound and a local paratransit service provided by Platte ParaTransit.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
