Chugwater is the home of the Swan Land and Cattle Company, which in its day owned 1,000,000 acres of land and ran over 110,000 cattle. The Swan was instrumental in bringing ranching to the mountain west. Much about the Swan’s history can be learned at the Chugwater Museum. A National Historic marker can be found in the town itself; it marks the stage stop on the Cheyenne to Deadwood route. The town is also the home of Chugwater Chili. Started by five ranch families in 1986, the company now sells chili seasoning around the world and welcomes visitors to stop in for a free taste. The Chugwater Soda Fountain offers old fashioned shakes and malts in the oldest working soda fountain in the State of Wyoming. Meals are offered there and at the Buffalo Lodge and Grill and the new Stampede Eatery, which also features live music every Friday and Saturday evening.
You can find local artisan products at the Stage Stop Arts and Crafts Center as well as Variety Artisans Fabric and Gift Store.
Every year on the Saturday before Father’s Day, the town comes alive with thousands of visitors coming in to enjoy the Chugwater Chili Cook-off. Contestants from around the United States bring in their own regional red or green recipes to the challenge. Free samples! There is also live entertainment all day long. Fun for the entire family.
The Chugwater Town Park is the perfect place to stop and take a break. The Park has all the amenities kids would want as well as adult exercise equipment and benches for a nice break.
If you’re headed north from Cheyenne on I25 towards Platte County, your first stop should be the Chugwater Soda Fountain for old-fashioned service in the oldest operating soda fountain in Wyoming. Stay for lunch, then stop in for a sample of world famous Chugwater Chili, and pick up a batch of the Secret Ingredient for souvenirs. Stampede Steakhouse is right down the street for dinner, and if it’s Thursday, there’s an open music jam!
The Stampede Saloon offers fun family dining in a western atmosphere all week long, with buffet style dining and entertainment every Friday and Saturday night.
Chugwater made a name for itself when a local family established the recipe for the now renowned Chugwater Chili. Make sure to stop in for a free sample of “The Gourmet Spice of Western Life.”
