Moving to Medicine Bow, Wyoming

Medicine Bow, Wyoming is a small town located in the foothills of the Snowy Range Mountains. It is a historically significant place, as it was a major stop on the Union Pacific Railroad in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The town was named after an Indian campground near the Medicine Bow River, which was a popular destination for trappers and fur traders. The area has a rich cultural history, with several Native American tribes passing through or settling in the area over time.

The geography of Medicine Bow is characterized by its position in the Rocky Mountains and its proximity to several national forests and parks. The Snowy Range Mountains provide plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. The Medicine Bow National Forest covers more than 1 million acres of land and contains numerous trails for hikers to explore. There are also numerous lakes in the area that offer excellent fishing for trout and other species of fish. In addition to these outdoor activities, there are also many historic sites to visit such as Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site, which commemorates Wyoming’s role in the Civil War.

Medicine Bow is also known for its tourism industry. Visitors come from all over to enjoy its natural beauty and rural charm. There are many lodging options available including bed & breakfasts, hotels/motels, cabins/campsites, RV parks/campgrounds and resorts. The town also offers plenty of dining options ranging from local favorites like Ponderosa Café & Saloon to more upscale restaurants like Grandma’s Kitchen & Barbecue House. For those looking for a unique experience there are several museums such as the Medicine Bow Museum or Fort Fred Steele Museum that showcase local history and artifacts from around the region. Additionally visitors can find plenty of shopping opportunities throughout town that feature antiques, handmade crafts and other items unique to this part of Wyoming.

Population: 274. Estimated population in July 2024: 265 (-3.3% change)
Males: 132 (48.2%), Females: 142 (51.8%)

Carbon County

Zip code: 82329

Demographics

Median resident age: 50.9 years
Median household income: $33,750
Median house value: $44,200

Population by Race

Races in Medicine Bow:

• White Non-Hispanic (97.1%)
• American Indian (1.8%)
• Hispanic (0.7%)
• Two or more races (0.7%)

Ancestries: German (25.9%), English (20.4%), United States (11.7%), Irish (11.3%), French (5.8%), Scotch-Irish (5.5%).

Elevation: 6563 feet

Land area: 3.5 square miles

Population by Education

Medicine Bow, Wyoming is a small town located in the southeastern part of the state. It is situated between the Snowy Range and the Laramie Range, and is home to around 600 people. The town was founded in 1868 when U.S. soldiers built Fort Fred Steele, a military post to protect travelers along the Union Pacific Railroad. The town was named after an Arapaho Indian chief who had a camp near the fort.

Today, Medicine Bow remains a charming old-west town with its historic buildings and friendly locals. The population of Medicine Bow is largely homogeneous with most residents being of European descent and English being the primary language spoken here. Nearly two-thirds of residents are retired or semi-retired individuals who enjoy living in this quaint mountain town for its peaceful atmosphere and outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, camping, skiing, snowmobiling and hiking. There are also several small businesses such as restaurants, hotels, shops and galleries that serve both locals and visitors alike. Medicine Bow is home to one public school that serves students from kindergarten through twelfth grade as well as one private school that serves grades K-8.

For population 25 years and over in Medicine Bow

• High school or higher: 77.2%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.2%
• Graduate or professional degree: 2.5%
• Unemployed: 10.0%
• Mean travel time to work: 17.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Medicine Bow town

• Never married: 19.4%
• Now married: 57.7%
• Separated: 0.0%
• Widowed: 9.7%
• Divorced: 13.2%

1.8% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -133 (-32.7%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Medicine Bow:

• IVINSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 56 miles; LARAMIE, WY)
• WYOMING BEHAVIORAL INSTITUTE (about 66 miles; CASPER, WY)
• WYOMING MEDICAL CENTER (about 69 miles; CASPER, WY)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Medicine Bow:

• LARAMIE REGIONAL (about 56 miles; LARAMIE, WY; Abbreviation: LAR)
• NATRONA COUNTY INTL (about 71 miles; CASPER, WY; Abbreviation: CPR)
• CHEYENNE (about 110 miles; CHEYENNE, WY; Abbreviation: CYS)

Other public-use airports nearest to Medicine Bow:

• MEDICINE BOW (about 4 miles; MEDICINE BOW, WY; Abbreviation: 80V)
• SHIVELY FIELD (about 54 miles; SARATOGA, WY; Abbreviation: SAA)
• RAWLINS MUNI (about 69 miles; RAWLINS, WY; Abbreviation: RWL)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Medicine Bow:

• UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING (about 31 miles; LARAMIE, WY; Full-time enrollment: 9,665)
• CASPER COLLEGE (about 69 miles; CASPER, WY; Full-time enrollment: 2,564)
• COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY (about 112 miles; Fort Collins, CO; Full-time enrollment: 22,684)
• UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER (about 137 miles; BOULDER, CO; Full-time enrollment: 25,355)
• AIMS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 145 miles; GREELEY, CO; Full-time enrollment: 3,722)
• UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO (about 147 miles; GREELEY, CO; Full-time enrollment: 10,983)
• FRONT RANGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 162 miles; WESTMINSTER, CO; Full-time enrollment: 6,858)

Public primary/middle school in Medicine Bow:

• MEDICINE BOW ELEMENTARY (Students: 24; Location: 340 W. SPRUCE; Grades: KG – 06)