Niobrara County is located in eastern Wyoming, bordered by South Dakota and Nebraska. It was established in 1911 and is one of the least populated and most rural counties in the state. Covering 2,626 square miles, Niobrara County is known for its wide-open plains, rolling hills, and agricultural roots, particularly in cattle ranching. The county is named after the Niobrara River, which flows through the region.
With a population of around 2,400 people, Niobrara County is the least populated county in Wyoming, making it a quiet, peaceful place to live. The county’s largest and only incorporated town is Lusk, which serves as the county seat. In addition to Lusk, there are several small unincorporated communities, such as Manville and Van Tassell, which reflect the county’s historical ties to the railroad and ranching industries.
Cities and Towns in Niobrara County
Lusk
Overview of Geography and History
Lusk, the county seat and largest town in Niobrara County, is situated at the junction of U.S. Highways 18 and 85. Lusk was founded in 1886 as a stop on the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad, and its development was closely tied to the railroad and the surrounding cattle industry. Lusk quickly grew into a regional hub for ranchers and railroad workers. Today, Lusk remains a key service center for the region, with a small but vibrant community.
Lusk is known for its strong sense of community, historical landmarks, and proximity to scenic areas. The town’s downtown area features historical buildings, and the annual Lusk Rawhide Festival celebrates the area’s Western heritage. Agriculture, specifically cattle ranching, continues to be a major part of the local economy, along with tourism related to the nearby Black Hills.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Heart of the Old West”
- Area: 2.03 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500
- Elevation: 5,020 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82225
- Area code: 307
Transportation
Lusk is well-connected by road and serves as a junction for U.S. Highways 18 and 85, which provide routes north to South Dakota and south to Cheyenne. These highways are essential for local travel and freight, making Lusk an important stop for travelers heading through eastern Wyoming. The nearest commercial airport is located in Rapid City, South Dakota, about 120 miles to the northeast, although general aviation is served by Lusk Municipal Airport. While public transportation is limited, the town’s location on two major highways makes it easily accessible by car.
Famous Landmarks
- Stagecoach Museum: Exhibits on the history of transportation in the West.
- Lusk Water Tower: A historic landmark from the early 20th century.
Manville
Overview of Geography and History
Manville is a small town located along U.S. Highway 20, about 10 miles west of Lusk. Founded in the early 1900s, Manville grew as a railroad town and was named after H.S. Manville, a prominent cattleman in the region. The town played a key role during the railroad boom, serving as a shipping point for cattle and other agricultural goods. Like many small towns in Wyoming, Manville’s fortunes have ebbed and flowed with the rise and fall of the railroad industry.
Today, Manville is a quiet rural community with deep agricultural roots. Though its population is small, the town serves as a home base for ranchers in the surrounding area. The town has retained much of its historic character, with several old buildings and structures still standing as reminders of its early days as a bustling railroad town.
City Facts
- Nickname: None
- Area: 0.19 square miles
- Population: Approximately 95
- Elevation: 5,040 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82227
- Area code: 307
Transportation
Manville is situated along U.S. Highway 20, providing easy access to Lusk and other towns in Niobrara County. Highway 20 is the main route for travel, connecting Manville to larger highways that lead to Casper and other major cities in Wyoming. The nearest airport for commercial flights is located in Casper, about 100 miles to the west. Manville’s rural location means that most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation, though its location on a major highway provides convenient access to surrounding regions.
Famous Landmarks
- Manville Post Office: One of the oldest continuously operating post offices in the county.
- Historic Railroad Depot: A reminder of Manville’s railroad history.
Van Tassell
Overview of Geography and History
Van Tassell is the smallest incorporated town in Wyoming and is located near the Nebraska border, about 15 miles east of Lusk along U.S. Highway 20. The town was established in the late 19th century and named after a local rancher, Van Rensselaer Schuyler Van Tassell. Like other towns in Niobrara County, Van Tassell was originally a railroad town, serving as a stop for cattle shipments from nearby ranches.
Although the town’s population has declined over the years, Van Tassell has maintained its status as an incorporated town, preserving its small-town atmosphere. The town’s economy remains largely tied to ranching, with vast stretches of open land surrounding the community. The town is also a gateway for travelers heading east to Nebraska or west toward the Wyoming interior.
City Facts
- Nickname: None
- Area: 0.09 square miles
- Population: Approximately 15
- Elevation: 4,162 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82242
- Area code: 307
Transportation
Van Tassell is located along U.S. Highway 20, providing a direct route to Lusk to the west and the Nebraska state line to the east. The town’s small size means that transportation options are limited, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for travel. The nearest major airport is in Rapid City, South Dakota, about 130 miles away. Although Van Tassell is small, its location along Highway 20 ensures that it remains a convenient stop for travelers passing through eastern Wyoming.
Famous Landmarks
- Van Tassell Community Hall: A historic gathering place for local events.
- Niobrara County Historical Marker: A marker highlighting the town’s role in the region’s history.
Node (Unincorporated)
Overview of Geography and History
Node is an unincorporated community located about 12 miles northeast of Lusk along U.S. Highway 85. It was founded as a small ranching and railroad community, serving as a stop for cattle shipments in the early 20th century. Node, like other small towns in Niobrara County, experienced periods of growth during the railroad era but saw a decline as transportation methods shifted and the local economy focused more on ranching.
Today, Node is a quiet, rural area with only a few residents. It remains an important part of Niobrara County’s agricultural landscape, as the surrounding area is home to large cattle ranches. Although it is not officially incorporated, Node continues to be recognized as a small community with historical significance.
City Facts
- Nickname: None
- Area: Not officially designated
- Population: Fewer than 20
- Elevation: 4,350 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82225 (Lusk)
- Area code: 307
Transportation
Node is located along U.S. Highway 85, providing access to Lusk to the southwest and to towns in South Dakota to the northeast. As an unincorporated community, Node has no formal infrastructure for public transportation, and most residents rely on personal vehicles for travel. The closest airport is in Rapid City, South Dakota, which is about 110 miles away. Though small, Node benefits from its proximity to the highway, ensuring easy access to surrounding areas.
Famous Landmarks
- Old Node Schoolhouse: A historical building that served the community’s educational needs in the early 20th century.