Charles H. "Dad" Worland in 1900 dug his underground stage stop here on the old Bridger Trail. From Dad’s dugout grew the City of Worland drawing pioneer men and women possessing an indomitable spiritual force dreaming that the Big Horn River water would create a new way of life here in the desert. In 1903, a party of surveyors made their way into the Big Horn Basin area to determine the feasibility of a large irrigation project. At that time, the current site of Worland had a population of less than 100 people. However, the area held promise and plans were started. With muscles and guts, horses and hand tools, they dug miles of irrigation canals. With the precious water, the parched land became an oasis.
By 1904, the project was in full swing and Camp Worland prospered into a community with a school, church, post office and general store. In 1906, with the coming of the railroad, Camp Worland faced a dilemma. Railroad tracks were laid on the east side of the Big Horn River and the encampment was located on the west side. Forced to make a decision about the future of Camp Worland, townspeople decided to move their community across the frozen Big Horn River by sliding the buildings on skids. Incorporated in 1906 as the town of Worland, the friendly community continues to prosper and grow.
Sheltered by formidable mountains the Big Horn Basin for ten thousand Great Suns, nurturing hunting tribes of Crow, Sioux, Arapahoe, and Shoshone who followed Pte Tanka, the Buffalo, and their livelihood. Trappers and gold seekers ripped and ran. Bluecoats came and went. Ranchers and farmers brought courageous wives to put down roots and to weave a new civilization here in the wilderness. They built sand, sage, and water into Worland and Washakie County. The Jewel of the Big Horn Basin.
The proud tradition of Worland is evidenced throughout the town today. Heritage and determination continue to drive this friendly, warm and western town into the future.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Worland
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Worland - updated May 2024
SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Worland hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!
Worland Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
