Natrona County is located in central Wyoming, with Casper serving as both the county seat and largest city. Established in 1888, Natrona County is named after the sodium carbonate (natron) deposits found in the region. The county is rich in history, tied to the early oil boom, mining, and western expansion. Over the years, Natrona County has developed into an economic hub for Wyoming, particularly due to its energy industries.
With a population of approximately 80,000 residents, Natrona County is home to several cities and towns, including Casper, Mills, Evansville, Edgerton, and Midwest. The region’s economy is diverse, with oil, natural gas, agriculture, and tourism being key contributors. Natrona County is known for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural heritage.
Casper
Geography and History
Casper, the county seat and largest city in Natrona County, is located along the North Platte River at the base of Casper Mountain. Founded in 1888 as a stop on the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad, the city’s early growth was driven by the discovery of oil in the Salt Creek Oil Field, located nearby. Casper quickly became known as “The Oil City,” and its fortunes were tied to Wyoming’s booming energy industry. The city has since evolved into a regional center for commerce, healthcare, and education.
Casper’s downtown area is home to a variety of historical buildings, museums, and cultural landmarks, reflecting the city’s deep roots in the American West. It also serves as a gateway for outdoor activities in the surrounding area, including hiking, skiing, and fishing in the North Platte River.
City Facts
- Nickname: “The Oil City”
- Area: 27.24 square miles
- Population: Approximately 58,500
- Elevation: 5,150 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82601, 82602, 82604, 82605, 82609
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Casper is well-served by major highways, including Interstate 25, which runs through the city and connects it to Cheyenne and other cities to the south. U.S. Highway 20, U.S. Highway 26, and U.S. Highway 87 also pass through Casper, making it a central transportation hub for the region. The city is home to the Casper/Natrona County International Airport, offering commercial flights to major hubs like Denver. Additionally, public transportation within the city is provided by the Casper Area Transportation Coalition (CATC).
Famous Landmarks
- Fort Caspar Museum: Historic fort and museum commemorating the area’s role in westward expansion
- Nicolaysen Art Museum: Featuring contemporary art and local exhibits
- Casper Mountain: Popular for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and camping
Mills
Geography and History
Mills is a small town located just west of Casper, along the North Platte River. Originally established as a site for a lumber mill, the town developed in the early 20th century as a working-class community supporting Casper’s oil and rail industries. Over the years, Mills grew slowly but steadily, maintaining its identity as a small, residential town with easy access to the amenities of nearby Casper.
Mills continues to serve as a bedroom community for Casper, with many residents commuting to the larger city for work. The town offers a quiet, suburban lifestyle while still being connected to the economic opportunities of the region. Its location near the river and several parks provides residents with access to recreational activities.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Small Town, Big Heart”
- Area: 2.18 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,000
- Elevation: 5,118 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82644
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Mills is conveniently located near several major highways, including Wyoming Highway 258 and U.S. Highway 20/26, which connect it to Casper and other parts of Natrona County. The town is also just a short drive from Interstate 25, making travel to and from the area easy. While Mills does not have its own airport, the nearby Casper/Natrona County International Airport provides commercial air service to the region. Public transportation is available through the CATC system, which serves the greater Casper area.
Famous Landmarks
- North Platte River: A key location for fishing, kayaking, and outdoor recreation
- Mountain View Regional Park: A recreational area near Mills, offering sports fields and playgrounds
Evansville
Geography and History
Evansville is a small town located east of Casper, along the North Platte River. Named after W.T. Evans, an early settler in the region, the town was established in the early 1900s as a hub for the oil and rail industries. Much like Mills, Evansville’s proximity to Casper has shaped its development, with many residents working in the larger city while enjoying the quiet suburban life that Evansville offers.
The town has grown steadily in recent decades and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and community-oriented events. Evansville also offers access to a range of recreational activities, with the North Platte River running through the town and several parks providing outdoor spaces for residents.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Gateway to the North Platte”
- Area: 3.49 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,000
- Elevation: 5,115 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82636
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Evansville is situated along Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 20/26, providing easy access to Casper and other regional destinations. This makes it a convenient place to live for those who commute to Casper or other nearby areas. The town is also close to the Casper/Natrona County International Airport, offering air travel options. Public transportation is available through CATC, connecting Evansville to the broader Casper metro area.
Famous Landmarks
- Edness K. Wilkins State Park: A popular park along the North Platte River, known for hiking, picnicking, and bird-watching
- Evansville Community Center: A hub for local events and gatherings
Edgerton
Geography and History
Edgerton is a small town located about 40 miles north of Casper in the heart of Wyoming’s oil country. The town was founded in the 1920s as an oilfield camp during the boom years of the Salt Creek Oil Field, one of the largest and most productive oil fields in the state. Edgerton and its neighboring town of Midwest became known for their close ties to the oil industry, with many residents working in oil extraction and processing.
Today, Edgerton remains a small community, with much of its economy still tied to the oil fields. The town’s history as an oil boomtown is still visible in its layout and infrastructure, and it serves as a reminder of Wyoming’s energy-rich past and present.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Oil Town”
- Area: 0.29 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200
- Elevation: 4,836 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82635
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Edgerton is located along Wyoming Highway 387, which connects the town to Interstate 25 and other parts of central Wyoming. The nearest major transportation hub is Casper, where residents can access the Casper/Natrona County International Airport and larger highways. Given its remote location, most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation, as public transit options are limited in this rural area.
Famous Landmarks
- Salt Creek Oil Field: One of the oldest and most productive oil fields in Wyoming, central to the town’s history
- Edgerton Museum: A small local museum showcasing the town’s oil heritage
Midwest
Geography and History
Midwest is another small town located just a few miles from Edgerton in Natrona County. Like Edgerton, Midwest was founded as an oil town during the boom years of the Salt Creek Oil Field. Established in the early 1900s, Midwest quickly became a bustling community as oil workers and their families moved into the area. The town’s name reflects its connection to the Midwest Oil Company, which played a significant role in the early development of the region’s oil industry.
Today, Midwest remains a small town with a population that fluctuates with the fortunes of the oil industry. While its population has declined since the boom years, Midwest’s history as a center for oil production remains an important part of its identity.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Heart of the Oil Patch”
- Area: 0.25 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400
- Elevation: 4,669 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82643
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Midwest is connected to Wyoming Highway 387, which runs parallel to the highway serving Edgerton and links the town to the broader region. Interstate 25 is about a 30-minute drive away, providing access to Casper and other parts of Wyoming. The town’s residents typically use personal vehicles for transportation, and the nearest airport is Casper/Natrona County International Airport.
Famous Landmarks
- Midwest Refinery: Historic site of early oil refining in Wyoming
- Salt Creek Historical Marker: Commemorating the role of the Salt Creek Oil Field in Wyoming’s development