How to Live Like a Local in Casper, WY

This Minnesota native and South Dakota transplant shares her guide to living in Casper, Wyoming.

By Amy Antonation on February 9, 2024

Courtesy of Angie Volzke

Angie Volzke’s first visit to Casper, WY, wasn’t the easiest: She and her husband arrived in the midst of an October snowstorm. Still, the Minnesota native and longtime South Dakota resident wasn’t deterred. “We could see the potential in the city and the people,” says Volzke, who’s now the creative coordinator at Visit Casper. 

And after living in Casper for over two years, she makes a bold claim: “Growing up with ‘Minnesota nice’ is nothing compared to the folks I’ve met here. People will strike up conversations with you while standing in line at a food truck or compliment your outfit while walking down the street.” Here’s Volzke’s guide to living in Casper, from one transplant to another. 

What’s your favorite place to grab a bite or a drink?
My favorite place to grab a drink is Backwards Distilling Company. Not only do they make their own spirits, but the drinks they craft with them are truly amazing. Plus, they switch up their menu with the seasons so there is always something new to try. I also love the Saturday doughnuts from Grant Street Grocery and Market; they truly make your weekend start with a smile and skip in your step!

What’s your favorite outdoorsy thing to do around Casper?
My husband and I were never very outdoorsy people, but we decided to act like locals and try a few things. In the winter we picked up snowshoeing, which was never even a thought in my mind to try because I dislike the cold so much – but it’s absolutely beautiful on the trails in the winter! You can easily park at the Casper Mountain Trail Head and take a route at your level. 

This summer, we picked up a few paddleboards to take down the North Platte River. There are various locations to get on and off at, but we put our boards in at Robertson Road because it’s close to our house and do a two-hour float to Morad Park. After our first float, we were hooked and can’t wait to bring our friends and family when they are visiting.

What are your favorite not-so-outdoorsy things in town? 
I’m an artsy person, and living in a community that supports the arts is big for me. Luckily, Casper has everything from the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra to Broadway and ballet shows at Ford Wyoming Center, to the Nicolaysen Art Museum. The art scene is amazing here, and there are so many talented people. If you’re an artist, be sure to enter your work in ART 321’s many different shows.

What is a can’t-miss event in Casper? 
Casper is always having something fun going on, but the one event you cannot miss out on is the College National Finals Rodeo. Watching the college athletes compete in an event center full of excited fans is something everyone should experience. It’s a weeklong competition, so it’s easy to go on a day that’s convenient to you, but the final night is electric.