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Gillette, WY

Frequently asked questions

Gillette, WY

Gillette is a city in and the county seat of Campbell County, Wyoming, United States. The town was founded in 1891 as a major railway town on the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad.

The population was estimated at 33,403 as of 2020, making it the 3rd most populous city in Wyoming after Cheyenne and Casper. Gillette's population increased 48% in the ten years after the 2000 census, which counted 19,646 residents after a boom in its local fossil fuel industries.

Gillette is centrally located in an area involved with the development of vast quantities of coal, oil, and coalbed methane gas. The city calls itself the "Energy Capital of the Nation"; Wyoming provides nearly 35% of the nation's coal. However, a decline in coal use in the U.S. has led to a decline in the local economy, leading some local officials to look for other industries or employment opportunities. As a major economic hub for the county, the city is also a regional center for media, education, health, and arts.

Gillette is located at 44°16′58″N 105°30′19″W (44.282660, −105.505256). It is situated between the Bighorn Mountains to the west and the Black Hills to the east, in the Powder River Basin. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 19.00 square miles (49.21 km²), of which 18.97 square miles (49.13 km²) are land and 0.03 square miles (0.08 km²) is water.

Few trees were in Gillette when it was founded. The native trees, box elder and cottonwood, were found along creeks. The oldest surviving non-native trees were planted in the 1940s. The earliest were almost exclusively elm, cottonwood, white poplar, green ash, Colorado blue spruce, and ponderosa pine. In the 1960s, crab apples, honey locust, catalpa, European mountain-ash, and other evergreens were planted. Nurseries started to sell trees in the 1970s, which further increased tree diversity.

Campbell County Memorial Hospital in Gillette is part of Campbell County Health. The hospital has 90 beds for acute care and is certified as an area trauma hospital.

Before its founding, Gillette started as Donkey Town, named after Donkey Creek, and then was moved and called Rocky Pile after Rocky Draw. Gillette was founded in 1891 with the coming of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and incorporated on January 6, 1892, less than two years after Wyoming became a state. Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad changed the name to Gillette, after Edward Gillette, a surveyor for the company.

Health and wellness are paramount in Gillette, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Campbell County Health stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Campbell County Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include LIFT Fitness, Club Energize and All Dimensions Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Gillette, such as the Antelope Loop Trail and Burnt Hollow Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Gillette, WY are Campbell County Rockpile Museum, Frontier Auto Museum & Cafe, and Dalbey Memorial Park.

Population: 33,496 (2023). ZIP code: 82716. Area code(s): 307, exchanges 670, 682, 685-688. Elevation: 4,554 ft (1,388 m). Area: 23.17 sq mi (60.01 km²).

FAQs

Is Gillette, WY worth visiting?

In Gillette, there is an endless amount of things to do with your friends and family. From majestic geological features, to wildlife, food, and more, you’ll find one day never is quite enough for exploring the top things to do in Gillette, WY. It’s not a visit to the West without taking a peek at their most famous residents. Pay a visit to the Durham Bison Ranch and experience one of the best things to do in Gillette, Wyoming. From June through August, you can snap photos while you tour one of the world’s largest and oldest working bison ranches, featuring over 3,000 of these spectacular beasts.

Is Gillette, WY a nice place to live?

Living in Gillette offers a unique lifestyle that blends small-town charm with the spirit of the American West. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for families and individuals looking for affordability. The community is tight-knit, often coming together for local events, festivals, and outdoor adventures. From hiking and fishing in the summer to snow-related activities in the winter, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Gillette.

What is Gillette, WY noted for?

Gillette, Wyoming, is known as the energy capital of the nation, offering tours of the Eagle Butte Coal Mine in the summer. It’s also home to CAM-PLEX, the largest multi-event facility in the western U.S. hosting countless entertainment opportunitings, including live music, rodeos, theater and much more. For those looking to avoid the crowds, take a short drive to Durham Buffalo Ranch, one of the largest privately owned bison ranches in the county.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Gillette

Campbell County Health 

Campbell County Parks and Recreation Department 

LIFT Fitness

Club Energize 

All Dimensions Fitness

Antelope Loop Trail 

Burnt Hollow Trail

Campbell County Rockpile Museum

Frontier Auto Museum & Cafe

Dalbey Memorial Park

Travel Wyoming

Visit Gillette

Best Places

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