Worland, Wyoming
In 1903, the Big Horn Basin became the center of an enormous irrigation project. At that time, the current site of Worland, Wyoming had a population of less than 100 people. With the project in full swing a year later, Camp Worland was growing and prospered into a community with a school, church, post office, and general store. A few years later, in 1906, Camp Worland faced a dilemna. The Burlington Railroad had begun laying tracks. These tracks were laid on the east side of the Big Horn River, and the encampment was located on the west side of the river. Forced to make a decision based on the future of their community, the townspeople decided to move their community across the frozen Big Horn River.
The town of Worland was incorporated in 1906. Today the community continues to grow and prosper. Heritage and determination continue to drive this friendly, hospitable, western town into the future. Within the town are modern houses, with nice lawns and gardens. The outskirts of Worland are marked with adobe houses of beet-field workers. Several industries operate in the Worland area, including a beverage bottling plant and an aluminum can manufacturing plant.
Worland, seat of Washakie County, is a center of rich farming and the winter stock feeding area. The stacks of the sugar refinery rise above the town to the southeast. Irrigated fields produce a green velvety landscape of beans, sugar beets, alfalfa, malt barley and grain. In early September, Worland celebrates Washakie Day, commemorating the building of the Burlington Railroad in 1906, and holds annual corn and wool shows.
Worland, Wyoming is centrally located in the Big Horn Basin. The Bighorn Mountains are located 25 miles east of Worland. The Bighorn Mountains and Bighorn National Forest extend from the plains and Great Basin area of Wyoming northward into south central Montana. The area is an outdoor paradise filled with recreational opportunities including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking, picnicking, sightseeing, photography, snowmobiling, skiing, and sledding.
Referred to as the "banana belt" of Wyoming, Worland often has mild winters and always beautiful summers. Residents enjoy their surroundings year round. It is not unusual to find golfers on the golf course during the winter months, fishermen on the Big Horn River, and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the desert badlands which surround this beautiful community in the heart of the Big Horn Basin. As little as five inches of rain may fall in the Big Horn Basin, while western Wyoming receives as much as 50 inches. Summer can be hot in the area as evidenced in the neighboring town of Basin, whose record breaking temperature for the state was 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
The proud heritage of this Wyoming community is visible through the many churches, schools, parks, and the local hospital. The Worland area also offers an 18-hole golf course, Washakie Museum, trail rides, rodeos, craft shows, car shows, balloon rally, toy and antique shows, an abundance of city parks, shopping and fine dining, and more. Warm and friendly, Worland is truly a Western town to remember.
Worland, WY Weather
Currently Outside81F Sunny. Pleasantly warm. |
Other pages you might find helpful:
City of Worland
Official site for the City of Worland, Wyoming.
Washakie County
Official site for Washakie County of Wyoming.
Washakie County Library
Official site for the Washakie County Library of Worland.
Washakie County School District
Washakie County School District official webpage.
Washakie Development Association
WDA can assist private businesses with relocation and expansion in Worland, Ten Sleep, and the rest of Washakie County.
Worland Parks
City of Worland department of Parks and Recreation.
Wyoming Business Council
The Wyoming Business Council provides helpful information on the town of Worland and its surroundings.
