Worland is a growing town on the Big Horn River
Worland is along the Big Horn River, surrounded by rugged, semi-arid landscapes. "We are a typical outdoorsy Wyoming town. We aren't far from the mountains, hot springs and hunting. And we have a good economy," says Nicole Donahue, the broker and owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. She says the town saw some pre-COVID shrinking but has started to pick up since then despite a low housing stock. "Wyoming is just where people want to be, especially our town because we have a good hospital here. I see a lot more retirees." Donahue moved here 12 years ago and is now the president of the Rotary club of Worland, which is championing the town by investing in its parks. Though Worland has at times struggled to grow, it is the business hub of the Big Horn Basin, leading in agriculture, oil and gas.
Homes on acres and cottages on small lots
Ranch-style homes, small cottages and two-story traditional homes are common across Worland. "Single-level housing is very sought after. But so is anything with acreage," Donahue says, adding that these acreage homes are on the outskirts. She notes that inventory is very low, yet days on the market are still long due to higher interest rates. Prices mostly range from around $120,000 to $470,000. While the Bighorn Mountains are visible from Worland, the town is flat overall. It has a densely urban feel closer to the town center, where yards are small and spring with mature trees. Homes aren’t right on the river, but some offer views of it.
Public and higher education in Worland
Students attend the Washakie County School District. Elementary education is divided into three schools. "The kids benefit because they can help each other at their developmental levels," Donahue says. East Side Elementary School earns an A on Niche and covers kindergarten through first grade. The A-minus-rated South Side Elementary School serves second to third grade, and the B-plus-rated West Side Elementary School serves fourth to fifth. Worland Middle School earns an A-minus, and Worland High School earns a B rating. Students may also attend White Hawk Academy High School, which opened in 2024 and focuses on interest-driven instruction that resonates with students' passions and goals. Northwest College operates a satellite campus in Worland.
City park investments and fun by the river
Worland has 10 city parks, and the rotary club invests heavily in them. "We gave $10,000 for [a new] pickleball facility, and we are helping develop Riverside Park further into a BMX bike course," Donahue says. The new pickleball facility is slated for Newell Sargent Park, which also has a softball field, tennis courts and a community garden. Rotary Riverside Park is along the Bighorn River with a playground, picnic tables overlooking the water and a scenic walking trail. People float along the river on inner tubes and inflatable boats and fish from the bank. During the winter, Donahue says anglers head around 50 miles south to Boysen State Park for ice fishing. "People will ski and snowmobile too, but you have to go up the mountain, more in the Ten Sleep area." Ten Sleep is a mountainous town less than 30 miles away. Worland also has an aquatic center and a public golf course. Goosberry Badlands is a rugged hiking area within 30 miles. Hot Springs State Park is less than 35 miles away.
Boutiques, outdoorsy shops, local spots to eat
Donahue describes the commercial scene as developing. "We struggle for retail especially. The old-timers will tell you that everyone used to come here to do their shopping, but now, with Amazon, it's different." Current options include Black Sheep Boutique and Arts clothing store, Ray's Custom Rods fishing store and Outdoorsman sporting goods store. As for restaurants, Worland offers gastronomic variety. "We've got amazing Mexican food here. Los Tapatios is really good," Donahue says. The Other Store is a popular coffee shop with a robust breakfast and lunch menu. Worland also has chains, including Arby's and McDonald's. Locals snag groceries at Blair's Market.
Celebrating diversity and the arts
One of the most popular Worland events is at the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center. "We bring in a bunch of artists. Everyone gets to watch them complete a piece in an hour, and we auction [the art] off," Donahue says. She says funds from the events go toward the museum and the Rotary Club. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Big Horn Basin, including the Paleolithic era. Other longstanding events in Worland are the Pepsi Wyoming State BBQ Championship and Bluegrass Festival in August and CultureFest, which celebrates the town's diversity, in June.
Robust highways and a walkable town center
U.S. Highways 16, 20 and 789 pass through Worland. Donahue says there is no public transportation here, but the center of town is pedestrian friendly.
Worland's flood history
The last time Worland flooded significantly was in 2017.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
