Planning a trip to Gillette, Wyoming? Gillette is more than just coal mines and oil fields. It’s a community with a rich history, family-friendly attractions, and a convenient hub between Devils Tower, the Black Hills, and Yellowstone National Park. However, like much of Wyoming, it comes with unique travel risks, including heavy truck traffic and sudden weather changes, that can turn a simple trip into a dangerous situation.
At Vickery & Shepherd, we’ve seen how quickly an accident can derail what should have been a safe and enjoyable getaway. As a Wyoming-based personal injury law firm, we help clients statewide in cases involving trucking accidents, serious injuries, and wrongful death. This guide will highlight what to explore in Gillette and, just as importantly, how to protect yourself while you’re here.
What to See in Gillette
Campbell County Rockpile Museum
This museum captures Gillette’s pioneer and energy history with exhibits ranging from Native American artifacts to coal mining. It’s a great stop for families, and a reminder that Wyoming’s rugged past still shapes its present.
Dalbey Memorial Park
A favorite local gathering spot, Dalbey Park offers fishing, walking paths, and plenty of open space. If you’re traveling with kids or just need a break from the highway, it’s a safe, relaxing place to recharge.
Energy Industry Tours
Gillette is home to some of the world’s largest surface coal mines. Guided tours (offered seasonally) provide an eye-opening look at the scale of Wyoming’s energy production. Always follow safety rules on these tours—they’re active industrial sites.
Day Trips from Town
Within an hour’s drive, you’ll find Devils Tower National Monument, Keyhole State Park, and wide-open prairie landscapes. Just keep in mind that these routes are rural, with limited services and higher chances of encountering wildlife on the road.
Staying Safe on the Road
Truck Traffic on I-90
Interstate 90 runs directly through Gillette and is one of the busiest trucking routes in the state. Accidents involving semis are unfortunately common and often severe. Keep a safe distance, avoid blind spots, and never cut in front of a truck.
Wildlife Collisions
Deer and antelope are frequent sights around Campbell County, especially at dawn and dusk. Slow down and stay alert on rural highways—many serious crashes involve wildlife.
Weather Changes
High winds, sudden snow, and icy roads are part of life in northeast Wyoming. Even in spring or fall, conditions can turn quickly. Always check wyoroad.info before traveling.
Limited Cell Service
Outside Gillette, reception can be spotty. Carry a physical map, tell someone your route, and pack emergency supplies in case of delays.
If an Accident Happens
Whether you’re involved in a trucking crash on I-90 or an injury at a local attraction, what you do immediately afterward matters:
- Call 911 and seek medical care first.
- Document the scene with photos or video.
- Gather names and contact details of witnesses.
- Don’t discuss fault with the other driver or their insurer.
Some injuries aren’t obvious right away, so it’s important to be evaluated by a medical professional even if you feel okay.
Injured While Visiting Gillette? We Can Help
No one plans to get hurt on a trip, but if it happens, Vickery & Shepherd is here to help. Our firm represents people across Wyoming in cases involving trucking accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death. Even if you’ve already returned home, we can handle your case from start to finish, working to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Stay safe, enjoy your time in Gillette, and remember, we’re only a call away if the unexpected happens.
Click here to contact us.