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Cities and Towns in Niobrara County, Wyoming

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Founded in 1911, Niobrara County is one of 23 counties in the state of Wyoming. Historically, Niobrara County was formed from part of Converse County. The city of Lusk is the county seat. With FIPS code of 27, Niobrara County has a population of 2,438 and area of 2,626 square miles (6,801 km²).

Map_of_Niobrara_County_Wyoming

List of all cities in Niobrara County, WY alphabetically

  • Lance Creek, WY
  • Lusk, WY
  • Manville, WY
  • Van Tassell, WY

Major Cities and Towns in Niobrara County, Wyoming

Lusk

  • Area: 2.07 square miles
  • Population: 1,567 (as of the 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 82225
  • Latitude and Longitude: 42.7628° N, 104.4528° W

Location and History

Lusk, the county seat and largest town in Niobrara County, is located in the eastern part of Wyoming. The town was founded in 1886 by Frank S. Lusk, a rancher and cattleman, after whom it is named. Lusk quickly grew as a railroad town when the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad extended its line to the area. The town served as a crucial stop for cattle drives and later became a center for the region’s oil and mining industries. Lusk’s location along the historic Cheyenne-Deadwood Stage Route added to its significance, as it became a key stop for travelers heading to the Black Hills. Today, Lusk is known for its rich history, small-town charm, and strong community spirit.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lusk is served by Niobrara County School District #1, with Niobrara County High School being the primary educational institution. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the Stagecoach Museum, which offers exhibits on the town’s history, including its days as a stagecoach stop and its connections to the railroad and cattle industries. Another key site is the Lusk Water Tower, a historic structure that has become a symbol of the town. The nearby Rawhide Wildlife Habitat provides opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Lusk’s annual events, such as the Legend of Rawhide Pageant and the Niobrara County Fair, celebrate the town’s Western heritage and bring the community together for festivities. Lusk’s blend of history, culture, and community make it a vibrant and welcoming place to live and visit.

Manville

  • Area: 0.30 square miles
  • Population: 95 (as of the 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 82227
  • Latitude and Longitude: 42.7828° N, 104.6147° W

Location and History

Manville is a small town located west of Lusk in Niobrara County. The town was established in the early 20th century and named after H. S. Manville, a prominent rancher and businessman in the area. Manville grew as a ranching and agricultural community, with the Chicago and North Western Railway providing crucial transportation links for the town’s agricultural products. The town was once a bustling hub for the surrounding ranches, but its population declined as transportation routes shifted and the economy changed. Today, Manville remains a quiet, rural community with a strong connection to its ranching roots.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Manville is part of the Niobrara County School District #1, with students typically attending schools in nearby Lusk. The town is known for its peaceful atmosphere and strong sense of community. A key landmark in Manville is the historic Manville Cemetery, which dates back to the early 1900s and serves as a reminder of the town’s long history. The surrounding landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and exploring the wide-open spaces of eastern Wyoming. Manville’s small size and close-knit community make it an ideal place for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of larger towns. The town’s history as a ranching community and its enduring rural character are central to its identity.

Van Tassell

  • Area: 0.18 square miles
  • Population: 15 (as of the 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 82242
  • Latitude and Longitude: 42.6578° N, 104.0989° W

Location and History

Van Tassell is the smallest incorporated town in Wyoming, located near the eastern border of Niobrara County, close to the Nebraska state line. The town was established in the early 20th century as a stop on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, which played a key role in its development. Van Tassell was named after H. W. Van Tassell, a local rancher and politician. The town grew as a service center for the surrounding ranching and farming communities, but its population declined significantly as transportation routes and economic conditions changed over the years. Today, Van Tassell is a small, close-knit community that reflects the rural lifestyle of eastern Wyoming.

Major Schools and Landmarks

As a very small town, Van Tassell does not have its own schools; students typically attend schools in nearby Lusk. The town is known for its quiet, rural setting and strong community spirit. A key landmark in Van Tassell is the Van Tassell Post Office, which has been in continuous operation since the town’s early days and serves as a gathering place for local residents. The surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, and exploring the prairie landscapes that define this part of Wyoming. Despite its small size, Van Tassell’s history as a railroad town and its enduring sense of community make it a unique and historically significant place in Niobrara County.

Lance Creek

  • Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
  • Population: N/A (Unincorporated community)
  • Zip Codes: 82222
  • Latitude and Longitude: 43.0425° N, 104.6622° W

Location and History

Lance Creek is an unincorporated community located in the northern part of Niobrara County. The town was established in the early 20th century during the oil boom, which brought an influx of workers and development to the area. Lance Creek quickly grew as a center for oil production, with numerous wells and facilities established to extract and process the valuable resource. The community was named after Lance Creek, a nearby stream that provided water to the early settlers. Although the population has decreased since the peak of the oil boom, Lance Creek remains an important part of Niobrara County’s history and economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

As an unincorporated community, Lance Creek does not have its own schools; students typically attend schools in nearby Lusk. The town is known for its connection to Wyoming’s oil industry and the wide-open spaces that surround it. A key landmark in Lance Creek is the Lance Creek Oil Field, which played a significant role in the development of the region’s economy and still has active wells today. The nearby Thunder Basin National Grassland offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the expansive prairie landscape. Lance Creek’s history as an oil town and its enduring role in the region’s energy production make it a unique and historically significant community in Niobrara County.