Sundance | USA Wyoming

Sundance is an incorporated town and the seat of Crook County, situated in the valley of the Bear Lodge Mountains on the western edge of the Black Hills. Defined by its deep association with Old West outlaw lore and its status as the "Gateway to Devils Tower," it serves as a critical tourism and ranching hub for Northeast Wyoming.

Historical Timeline

Inhabited by the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Kiowa peoples. The town is named after the Sun Dance ceremony practiced by several Plains tribes on or near the majestic Sundance Mountain. A critical historical event occurred in 1875 when it was established as a trading post. In 1887, a young Harry Longabaugh was arrested for stealing a horse, saddle, and gun north of town; he served 18 months in the Crook County Jail-his only incarceration-and subsequently adopted the nickname "The Sundance Kid." In 2026, the town maintains its frontier character while managing high-volume interstate transit and regional recreation.

Demographics & Population

The 2026 population is approximately 1,123. The demographics are White (96.2%), Two or more races (2.8%), and Native American (0.5%). The economy is driven by Tourism, Agriculture, Education, and Utility Services (Powder River Energy). The median household income is approximately $60,208.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Sundance is a classic small-town grid located directly off I-90.

Downtown Historic District: Features wide streets originally designed for freight wagons and teams of horses; contains the "Old Stoney" building and local diners.

Sundance Mountain Area: The southern backdrop of the town, featuring residential enclaves and views of the Black Hills.

I-25 Business Corridor: Located at exits 185-189; provides essential traveler services, fuel, and lodging.

Top City Landmarks

Crook County Museum & 1875 Art Gallery: Housed in the "Old Stoney" building; features the original courtroom where the Sundance Kid was tried and over 7,000 artifacts.

Sundance Kid Statue: A popular photo point honoring Harry Longabaugh, located near the museum.

Sundance Mountain: A sacred site for indigenous tribes and a dominant geological feature used for hiking and scenic vistas.

Sundance White Ranch Park: A 100-acre park at the base of Sundance Mountain offering multi-use trails for hiking and biking.

Vore Buffalo Jump: (Located 19 km east); a globally significant archaeological site where Late-Prehistoric tribes harvested buffalo in a natural sinkhole.

Sundance Square: A central community gathering space for local events and farmers' markets.

Transportation Network

Movement is automotive-centric. Sundance is a major stop on I-90 and is served by US-14 and WYO-585. Public transit is non-existent. Gillette-Campbell County Airport (GCC) (100 km west) and Rapid City Regional (RAP) (130 km east) provide commercial air service. There is no passenger rail service.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is very high. Crime is negligible. Environmental hazards are the primary concern: Severe winter blizzards that frequently close I-90, high-velocity winds, and wildlife collisions (deer and elk) on rural roads.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Internet speeds are high, with fiber available via local providers. Mobile service is robust within the city and along the interstate. Card acceptance is universal. Wyoming has no state income tax. Crook County/Sundance levies a 6% total sales tax.

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from -11°C to 2°C in winter and 12°C to 29°C in summer. The area is semi-arid with a significant annual snowfall (approx. 200 cm). Air quality is pristine.

Culture & Social Norms

The standard tipping percentage is 20%. A "Small-Town-Hospitality" greeting is standard. Dress codes are "Western-Functional" (denim, work boots, and outdoor technical gear). The city is culturally defined by Outlaw Folklore, Native American Heritage, and Ranching Independence.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: $4.25 (USD)

1 Standard Lunch: $15.00 (USD)

1 Museum Admission: $5.00–$10.00.

Nearby Day Trips

Devils Tower National Monument: (33 km northwest; the nation's first national monument).

Keyhole State Park: (35 km west; a major destination for boating and walleye fishing).

Spearfish Canyon, SD: (40 km east; famous for limestone cliffs and waterfalls).

Facts & Legends

Sundance is the only place in the world where the Sundance Kid was ever jailed. Historically, the town was a vital trading post that connected the Black Hills to the interior Wyoming plains. A local legend involves the "Sundance Kid's Loot," a rumored cache of coins hidden by Longabaugh during his escape from the sheriff in 1887. Another legend concerns the "Smoking Waters" of the nearby springs, which early settlers believed possessed curative properties similar to those found in Thermopolis.