Water From the Mountains to the Plains
Water – essential to all life. Wheatland, Wyoming, was put on the map because of water, and that is such an important component in the history of the area it can’t be overlooked. A vision of what water could do for this vast rangeland is what brought the town of Wheatland into existence in the late 1870s. The town became the county seat for Platte County because of the establishment of the largest privately owned water companies in the United States. The irrigation project brought in many new settlers who stayed and developed the area into an agricultural mecca. Scottish cattle barons, who were buying up vast amounts of rangeland, came to the county at about the same time and saw the virtue of the large irrigation system that provided the life blood to this community.
The Western way of life is still alive and well in Wheatland, and water is still a prevalent resource in its economy, along with a coal-fired power plant and the many area streams and lakes for recreational use. The abundance of wildlife and fish are in part due to the accessibility of water in this corner of a rather arid region. Opportunities for hiking, hunting, fishing, photography, boating, rock climbing and sightseeing abound within a short scenic car ride. Wheatland has a history rich in agriculture, entrepreneurship and western ways that are apparent still in this bustling community. A vibrant, historic downtown, community festivals throughout the year, beautiful city parks, walking and biking trails, a museum, active businesses throughout the town, eye-catching murals, and a welcoming attitude among the residents make Wheatland a perfect stopping point for some great day trips to explore all the facets of this Western town and Platte County.
INTERACTIVE AREA MAP
DEMOGRAPHICS
Wheatland, the county seat and largest town in Platte County, provides easy access to scenic and recreational areas. Set amid farms and ranches that are irrigated by the largest privately owned irrigation system in the Country, the town has a nine-hole public golf course, city parks with a free camping area, a swimming pool and tennis courts, Laramie Peak Museum, library, bowling alley, movie theater and fairgrounds. Good roads lead east to the Grayrocks Reservoir or west to the mountain parks.
A family-centered community now, as it was in the early years, Wheatland supports many church and civic activities. Primarily an agricultural community, Wheatland boasts a large, clean industrial plant and many small businesses. For a community of this size, Wheatland is proud of the medical facilities at the Platte County Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home. Doctors aren’t in short supply in this forward thinking community.
The Laramie River Station power plant is located six miles northeast of Wheatland. LRS was constructed for a cost of $1.6 billion. It represents one of the largest consumer-owned regional joint power supply programs in the United States. Grayrocks Dam and Reservoir, located six miles east of the plant, supplies water for steam and cooling. Tours will be given by appointment.
Recreational opportunities abound, with outdoor activities at the top of the list. Fishermen can get to fishing sites located just a couple of minutes from town, either at Wheatland Reservoir, Grayrocks Reservoir, or the Laramie River. The Platte County Fair & Rodeo tops the list of major events, usually held the second full week of August. The Platte County Chamber of Commerce sponsors a Summer Fun Fest and Antique Tractor Pull ending with a street dance, at the Town’s 40-acre Lewis Park, the 2nd Saturday in July. Other activities range from Contemporary Quilt Festivals, Art and Craft Shows, Stars of Tomorrow, Casino Night, Wheatland Jaycee Fireworks, Platte County Bike Race, Octoberfest/Moonlight Madness, Town and Country Appreciation Night dance, Christmas Lighting Ceremony, Knowledge Bowl, to the highly charged and enthusiastic high-school athletics events. Those who like college football or basketball can drive just a little over an hours time and watch the University of Wyoming games.
GOVERNMENT
Mayor/Council, Police Department – Chief + 7 officers, Local Fire Department – 27 volunteers, Planning commission, Building codes, Business License Required, Zoning Regulations, Community Industrial Plan.
RECREATION
The Town of Wheatland is the home to four (4) parks, two (2) little league fields, two (2) soft ball fields, and one (1) Legion field. The four parks have a variety of amenities to offer: Tennis Courts Skate Park Basketball Court Band Shell and Stage Playgrounds Picnic Shelters/Tables Walking Paths Overnight Camping Frisbee Golf Horseshoes Lots of Green Space Additionally, Wheatland is home to a 9-hole public golf course.
UTILITIES
Electricity – Town of Wheatland Natural Gas – Black Hills Energy Water – Town of Wheatland Sewer – Town of Wheatland Solid Waste Disposal available
HOUSING
(Occupied) Single family: 1153 Mobile homes: 312 Multi family: 298
SERVICES
The Town of Wheatland is the county seat for Platte County. Most business and community services are represented and available in the Town of Wheatland.