Gillette combines a proud Western heritage with a modern edge. A walkable downtown district packed with shops, steakhouses and museums makes Gillette a great base for touring the American West. Discover the city’s cowboy culture and get a nature fix at nearby state parks and wilderness areas.
Things to do in Gillette
Book a guided tour of the Gillette Energy Complex and go behind the scenes of the largest industrial facilities in Wyoming. Learn about the booming coal mining industry and how it provides jobs, supports the local economy and generates power used across the state. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for how the city earned its “Energy Capital of the Nation” nickname.
Brush up on the city’s Western heritage at the Rockpile Museum. Exhibits explore the story of Gillette and cover topics like ranching, the coal mining boom and local Native American communities, including the Northern Cheyenne and Lakota Sioux tribes. See agricultural tools used by early settlers and admire artwork that reflects the region’s cowboy culture.
Gillette is a great base for outdoor adventures in the Wyoming wilderness. Hiking, fishing and birdwatching are just some of the activities on offer in nearby Keyhole State Park. Head to Devils Tower National Monument to watch rock climbers scale the 265-metre tall rock column.
Downtown Gillette is a lively hub where you can shop, dine and play. Gillette Avenue is the city’s bustling main thoroughfare and is lined with historic buildings and colourful public art installations. Satisfy your appetite at a local steakhouse or enjoy Wyoming classics like buffalo burgers, smoked trout and venison sausages at chef-driven restaurants.
Getting around Gillette
Downtown Gillette is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The city is in Campbell County, a 3.5-hour drive from Cheyenne. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Gillette and explore Campbell County at your own pace. Billings-Logan International Airport in Montana is a 3.5-hour drive away.