Gillette WY

Gillette – Known as the "Energy Capital of the Nation," this Wyoming city sits at the crossroads of the natural resource industry and small-town charm. Surrounded by vast plains and rolling hills, Gillette offers a unique blend of frontier spirit, rich history, and warm hospitality. Whether you're exploring museums, enjoying the outdoors, or attending a local rodeo, Gillette delivers a true taste of the American West.

• Population: ~33,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers (20–85°F).
• Places To Visit: Rockpile Museum, Eagle Butte Coal Mine, AVA Community Art Center, Dalbey Memorial Park, Devils Tower (nearby).
• Top Activities: Touring coal mines, hiking and biking, fishing at area lakes, attending Friday night events at Cam-Plex, exploring history and Western culture.
• Famous Food: Wyoming ribeye steaks, hearty burgers from local diners, bison chili, and fresh homestyle pies.

Gillette, Wyoming is known as the "Energy Capital of the Nation" due to its thriving coal, oil, and natural gas industries. Alongside energy, the city offers growing opportunities in healthcare, education, and skilled trades. Gillette has a strong community focus and is a great place for those looking to build stable careers in both traditional and emerging fields.

Top 5 Jobs in Gillette, Wyoming

Gillette, Wyoming is a small city with a friendly atmosphere and some great spots for students to unwind, socialize, and enjoy their free time. Whether you're into outdoor activities, enjoy a good coffee, or are looking for a place to catch a movie, Gillette has something for you.

Dalbey Memorial Park – Also known as the Fishing Lake, this park is a perfect spot for a picnic, a casual walk, or even some fishing. The wide open spaces are ideal for hanging out and playing sports with friends.

Aroma Coffee Shop – A cozy place for students to meet, study or relax. With a variety of coffees and pastries, Aroma offers a laid-back vibe that's perfect for catching up with friends or hitting the books.

Camelanes – This bowling alley is a great spot for a fun night out. Whether you're an experienced bowler or just want to enjoy the atmosphere, Camelanes offers a dynamic setting for students to socialize and have a good time.

Big Lost Meadery and Brewery – For students who are 21 and over, this local brewery offers a relaxed environment to enjoy locally crafted drinks. It's a perfect place to unwind and enjoy some live music during weekends.

Skyline Drive – For those who love scenic views, taking a drive up to Skyline is a must. The overlook provides a breathtaking view of Gillette, especially at sunset, and is a nice place to relax and enjoy the surrounding beauty.

Camel Drive-In Movie Theater – Experience a classic drive-in movie experience with friends. Watching movies under the stars is a great way for students to enjoy their favorite films in a unique setting.

Energy Capital Sports Complex – Engage in various sports activities or simply enjoy watching your favorite games. This complex offers a variety of sporting events throughout the year, fostering community spirit and recreation.

Gillette, Wyoming, located in the heart of the Powder River Basin, offers several educational opportunities through community colleges and satellite campuses. While the city itself doesn't host large universities, it supports higher education through accessible programs designed for career readiness and academic advancement.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Gillette

Gillette College – A public community college and part of the Wyoming Community College Commission. Gillette College offers associate degrees and certificate programs in fields such as nursing, welding, business, and criminal justice. The college is known for its strong connection to the local workforce and practical, hands-on learning experiences.

University of Wyoming at Gillette – A satellite extension of the University of Wyoming, this center allows students to earn a bachelor's degree without leaving Gillette. It offers courses in education, business, and social sciences and emphasizes flexible scheduling and online learning support.

Wyoming Department of Workforce Services – Gillette Workforce Center – While not a traditional college, this state-run institution provides training programs, career development resources, and adult education classes aimed at helping residents gain workplace skills and industry certifications.

Northern Wyoming Community College District (NWCCD) – Gillette College is part of this district, which provides additional academic and technical support from its sister schools in Sheridan and Johnson counties. Students in Gillette can benefit from shared resources and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Campbell County School District – Adult Education Program – Designed for students looking to complete a GED, learn English, or gain job skills, this public education program plays a critical role in preparing adult learners for further education or employment opportunities.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Gillette

University of Phoenix – Gillette Learning Center – Although not a traditional campus, the presence of University of Phoenix representatives in Gillette helps local residents connect with online degree programs in business, psychology, and health management, providing support while learning remotely.

Park University – Distance Learning (Serving Gillette Area) – A private liberal arts university headquartered in Missouri, Park University offers accredited online bachelor's and master’s degrees with academic advising accessible to students in Gillette, mainly focusing on business, public administration, and criminal justice.

Grand Canyon University – Online Programs in Gillette – This private Christian university offers an extensive range of online degrees in education, healthcare, and business to students residing in Gillette, featuring a user-friendly platform and support from academic counselors.

Western Governors University (WGU) – WGU serves students in Gillette through its accredited online degree programs in teaching, business, IT, and health professions. Known for its competency-based approach, WGU offers flexible pacing tailored to working adults.

University of Mary – Gillette Area Online Access – A private Catholic university based in North Dakota, University of Mary provides online and evening programs in areas like nursing, education, and leadership, with occasional in-person seminars available in nearby Wyoming locations.

Gillette, WY, may be a small city, but it offers quality high school options that prepare students for higher education and successful careers. With dedicated educators and strong community support, these schools provide solid academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Top Public High Schools in Gillette, WY

• Campbell County High School – As the largest high school in Gillette, it offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, athletic programs, and career pathways, helping students succeed beyond graduation.
• Thunder Basin High School – A newer public high school known for its modern facilities, strong academic focus, and vibrant student life with opportunities in STEM and the arts.
• Westwood High School – This alternative high school offers smaller class sizes and individualized learning plans to support diverse student needs in a flexible environment.
• Lakeview Elementary and 4J School (K-12) – Though primarily serving younger grades, 4J School offers a strong community-based K-12 education option with a family-style learning environment.
• Prairie Wind Elementary School (Feeds into Thunder Basin HS) – As part of the educational path to local high schools, Prairie Wind builds a strong academic foundation early on.

Top Private High Schools in Gillette, WY

• Heritage Christian School – Offers a faith-based education with small class sizes, personalized attention, and high academic standards from a Christian worldview.
• – While mainly serving K–8 grades, Trinity Lutheran provides a solid preparatory environment for high school through its academic and spiritual development program.
• John Paul II Catholic School – This school emphasizes moral development, core academics, and a strong sense of community in a Catholic setting, often guiding students into successful high school careers.
• Kid’s Academy Private Education (Middle School and up) – Offers private instruction for upper-level students with a focus on flexible, individualized education plans and small group learning.
• Private Homeschool Networks (Various Providers) – Several private homeschool collectives in Gillette offer group classes, tutoring, and enrichment programs to support home-educated high school students.

Gillette, Wyoming, is a close-knit community known for its rugged landscapes and energy industry, but it does not host any major professional sports teams like those in Los Angeles. However, the city has a strong passion for sports at the local and regional level, especially in high school athletics and amateur leagues.

⚾ Baseball – Gillette Riders (American Legion Baseball)

• Gillette Riders – The Riders are a well-known American Legion baseball team made up of local high school players. They compete at a high level each summer, often against some of the best teams in the region. Playing at Hladky Memorial Stadium, the team draws strong local support and has developed young talent for decades.

🏀 Basketball – Local High School and College Sports

• Campbell County High School Camels – The Camels are a cornerstone of the Gillette sports scene. With strong boys and girls basketball programs, they frequently compete for state championships in Wyoming’s top high school division. Their high-energy games are key community events.
• Thunder Basin High School Bolts – The Bolts are relative newcomers but have quickly made their mark since the school opened in 2017. They field competitive basketball teams and build on the city's long athletic tradition.

🏈 Football – High School Football Powerhouses

• Campbell County Camels Football – One of the most respected football programs in the state, the Camels have a history of success and strong regional rivalries. Their Friday night games are a major social gathering for locals.
• Thunder Basin Bolts Football – With state-level aspirations each season, the Bolts have quickly developed into one of Wyoming's most competitive teams. The crosstown rivalry with Campbell County adds excitement and pride within the community.

🏒 Hockey – Gillette Wild (NA3HL)

• Gillette Wild – Playing in the North American 3 Hockey League, the Gillette Wild are a junior hockey team made up of players aged 16–20. They provide a path to college hockey and sometimes professional leagues. Their games at Spirit Hall Ice Arena are spirited and well-attended, creating a true hometown hockey experience.

⚽ Soccer – Gillette Edge (Youth Soccer Club)

• Gillette Edge Soccer Club – While not a professional outfit, the Edge program offers competitive soccer to youth players in the region. Many local athletes get their start here before moving on to play at high school and college levels.

🏁 Motorsports – Gillette Thunder Speedway

• Gillette Thunder Speedway – Hosting local car races from spring through early fall, this dirt-track speedway brings in drivers and fans from across Wyoming. It’s a thrilling part of Gillette’s weekend entertainment and shows the city’s love for motorsports.

Gillette, Wyoming is a small city with big charm, rooted in rich history and Western pride. Known as the "Energy Capital of the Nation," this city has some fun and unique stories to tell. Here are 10 fun facts about Gillette that might surprise you:

1. Energy Capital – Gillette is known as the "Energy Capital of the Nation" because it produces more coal than any other city in the U.S.
2. Powder River Basin – The city sits on the Powder River Basin, which holds one of the largest coal reserves in the world.
3. Citizens of Gillette Syndrome – In 1975, the term "Gillette Syndrome" became famous. It describes the stress that can come with high-speed population growth, based on what happened to Gillette during a boom in the energy industry.
4. A Hunter’s Paradise – If you love the outdoors, Gillette is surrounded by amazing spots for hunting deer, elk, and antelope.
5. Community Spirit – Gillette hosts a beloved event called Donkey Creek Festival every summer, where locals enjoy art, music, and food.
6. Close to Devils Tower – Gillette is just about an hour's drive from Devils Tower, America’s first national monument and a sacred site to Indigenous peoples.
7. Rockpile Museum – The Campbell County Rockpile Museum offers a glimpse into the area's cowboy and coal mining past. It’s a must-see when in town.
8. Home to CAM-PLEX – Gillette is home to CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities, a huge complex that hosts everything from rodeos to concerts and trade shows.
9. Wild West Roots – Like much of Wyoming, Gillette has Wild West roots with stories of ranchers, coal miners, and outlaws shaping its early history.
10. Small City, Big Impact – With a population of under 35,000 people, Gillette punches above its weight in terms of economic output thanks to its vast energy production.