Douglas | USA Wyoming

Douglas is an incorporated city and the seat of Converse County, situated on the banks of the North Platte River in East-Central Wyoming. Defined as the "Home of the Jackalope," it is a quintessential Western town that serves as the permanent home of the Wyoming State Fair and a primary logistics hub for the region's energy and ranching sectors.

Historical Timeline

Inhabited by the Lakota and Arapaho peoples. Founded in 1886 as a terminus for the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad, it was named after U.S. Senator Stephen A. Douglas. A critical historical event occurred in the 1930s when local residents Herrick and Walker fabricated the first "Jackalope" taxidermy, launching a lasting piece of American folklore. During WWII, Douglas was the site of Camp Douglas, which housed nearly 3,000 Italian and German prisoners of war. In 2026, the city is a focal point for diversified energy development, including uranium and oil.

Demographics & Population

The 2026 population is approximately 6,450. The demographics are White (94%), Hispanic or Latino (12.5%), and Native American (0.7%). The economy is driven by Mining and Oil/Gas Extraction, Agriculture, Healthcare, and State Government Services. The median household income is approximately $79,800.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Douglas is a structured, river-adjacent city centered on its historic railroad heritage.

Downtown Historic District: Features preserved brick architecture, boutique shops, and Jackalope Square, the city's civic focal point.

State Fairgrounds District: Located on the west side; a massive complex that dominates city activity every August.

North Platte River Corridor: A recreational belt featuring the Heritage Trail and river access points.

Residential East: A district of historic homes dating back to the late 19th century, including railroad worker housing.

Top City Landmarks

Wyoming State Fairgrounds: The site of the state's premier summer event, featuring rodeo arenas and livestock pavilions.

Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum: Located on the fairgrounds; houses one of the state's largest collections of Native American and pioneer artifacts.

Douglas Railroad Interpretive Center: A downtown museum featuring a restored 1940s-era steam locomotive and various historic rail cars.

Jackalope Square: Home to a 2.5-meter-tall statue of the mythical jackalope; the site where visitors can obtain "Jackalope Hunting Licenses."

Ayres Natural Bridge: (Located 22 km west); one of only three natural bridges in the U.S. with water (LaPrele Creek) flowing beneath it.

Fort Fetterman State Historic Site: (Located 13 km northwest); a restored 1867 military outpost that once served as a primary supply point for the Indian Wars.

Transportation Network

Movement is automotive-centric. Douglas is positioned at the junction of I-25 and WYO-59. Public transit is limited. Converse County Airport (DGW) serves general aviation. There is no passenger rail service; BNSF and Union Pacific maintain high-volume freight traffic through the city.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is very high. Crime rates are among the lowest in the state for a city of its size. Environmental hazards include severe winter blizzards, high-velocity winds, and spring flooding along the North Platte River.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Internet speeds are high, with fiber-optic availability via Visionary Broadband and Spectrum. Mobile service is robust along the I-25 corridor. Card acceptance is universal. Wyoming has no state income tax. Converse County levies a 6% total sales tax.

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from -9°C to 3°C in winter and 12°C to 31°C in summer. The area is semi-arid and frequently windy. Air quality is pristine.

Culture & Social Norms

The standard tipping percentage is 20%. A "Practical-Frontier" greeting is standard. Dress codes are "Ranch-Casual" (denim and work boots). The city is culturally defined by Folklore (The Jackalope), Agricultural Tradition, and Railroad History.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: $4.50 (USD)

1 Standard Lunch: $15.00 (USD)

1 Pioneer Museum Admission: Free.

Nearby Day Trips

Laramie Peak: (75 km south; the highest point in the Laramie Range).

Glendo State Park: (45 km south; a major destination for boating and camping).

Medicine Bow National Forest: (60 km south; offering alpine hiking and snowmobiling).

Facts & Legends

Douglas is the only city in the world that issues official Jackalope Hunting Licenses (valid only on June 31st). Historically, the town was the first in Wyoming to have a Carnegie Library. A local legend involves the "Officer's Ghost" at Fort Fetterman, an apparition said to walk the parade grounds at twilight. Another legend concerns the "Ayres Bridge Serpent," a 19th-century tribal legend of a creature that lived in the dark pools beneath the natural stone arch.