5 Reasons You Can’t Miss Downtown Casper
The rumors are true: downtown Casper is thriving.
A gem of Casper for locals and visitors alike, downtown is where Casper’s early history meets the hustle and bustle of our modern city. Walk the historic streets, window shop, grab a drink or bite to eat and take in live music. From monthly Art Walks in the summer and free events in our year-round outdoor plaza to specialty crafted local cocktails and new brews at the local watering holes, there’s something for everyone downtown.
1. Living History
Some of Casper’s earliest history happened in the streets of now-downtown Casper. As Casper became more modern in the late 1800s, the center of town was Center and First Streets, just as it is today. This means that a lot of life, business and history has been played out on these streets and in the historic buildings that line them. Many of the buildings you see today were built in the early 1900s. Stop by the Casper Visitor Center and pick up a self-guided walking tour map to discover downtown’s history up close. Read more about downtown Casper's history here.
2. David Street Station
If you want to experience Casper like a local, David Street Station is a must-see. This versatile gathering space hosts hundreds of events year-round including live music, festivals and farmers markets, a splash pad in the summer months, and an ice rink in the winter.
3. Experience Casper’s Artistic Side
Well known for outdoor recreation and Wild West history, Casper also has a surprisingly vibrant and active arts scene, and there’s no better place to experience it than downtown. In downtown Casper, you’ll find iconic institutions like the Nicolaysen Art Museum and Art 321 as well as countless displays of public art like murals, sculptures and small galleries like Scarlow’s Art & Coffee that tell local stories through visual arts. One of the highlights of the art scene in Casper is the monthly Art Walk held on the first Thursday of the month, May - September and invites local artists, musicians and creators to partner with downtown businesses for a walking tour of downtown.
4. Indulge in Casper’s Culinary Scene
No matter what you’re craving, you can likely find it downtown. With several new restaurants popping up alongside longtime staples, you won’t go home hungry. Fuel up on made-from-scratch cuisine at Casper's newest brewery, Cygnet Brewing. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, stop by local favorite, Donells Candies for handmade chocolates, candies, ice cream or popcorn. If it’s time for happy hour, Backwards Distilling Company features some of the most unique and delicious cocktails the entire West has to offer.
Local Shopping
Casper’s downtown is home to unique shopping and one-of-a-kind goods. To fuel your shopping trip in our charming downtown, grab a coffee at Metro Coffee Company. Then peruse boutiques like Floral Rhino or gear up for your adventures at the legendary Ugly Bug Fly Shop. Take home something hand-crafted from 307 Metal Works or get fitted for a new hat at Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters. You’re sure to find the perfect gift, souvenir or essential item you didn’t even know you needed.
Learn more about what's happening downtown here or browse our events calendar.
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