Welcome to Evanston, WY Evanston enjoys a unique quality of life. Nestled in the Bear River Valley, the city is framed to the south by the majestic Uinta Mountains. The Bear River flows through the community meandering past Bear River State Park where elk and bison roam, and a community parkway where deer and people play. Our enviable quality of life is cherished by those who visit and live here. This small, western town offers friendly restaurants, motels, bars, a historic downtown, plenty of recreational activities, and the last intact roundhouse on the original Union Pacific Railroad line. Located at 7,000 feet in the southwest corner of Wyoming, summer days are normally clear and cool, and with an average of 300 days of sunshine every year, it is a perfect place for hiking, a round of golf, or a pleasant stroll around town. Winters are cold and beautiful, making it a perfect spot for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or ice skating. After a day of outdoor fun you can stop for a massage, enjoy a great meal, and stay in one of the more than 1,000 motel rooms or the comfortable campground.
History of Evanston, WY In late November, 1868, as the grading crews for the Union Pacific Railroad approached the present site of Evanston, Harvey Booth pitched a tent near what is now Front Street and opened a saloon and restaurant. His wooden floor and canvas sided structure is accepted as Evanston's first building. Within a few weeks of Booth's arrival, the new frontier railroad camp boasted a population of 650 residents. On December 1, 1868, the Union Pacific rails had reached Evanston where a depot was located on June 9, 1869. The first train arrived here on December 16, 1868. The town was plotted by and named after the railroad's surveyor, James A. Evans. By July 4, 1871, the Union Pacific had located its roundhouse and machine shops in Evanston which assured the town a permanency that had been denied other railroad towns. As early as 1872, Evanston had four churches: Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and Mormon. Once the city had been made the county seat for Uinta County, Harvey Booth was contracted to build the Courthouse, which he completed in 1874, at a total cost of $15,425. The first newspaper to be printed in Evanston was THE EVANSTON AGE which was started in 1871, by W.L. Vaughn. One of the city's early landmarks was a section of town called Chinatown which was located near the present Old Mill restaurant, along the Union Pacific's tracks. This picturesque part of the city was composed of a huddled group of shanties that served as the homes and business dwellings for the Chinese who were to inhabit Evanston from the late 1870s until the early 1920s. Among the structures in Chinatown were an opium den and an elaborately decorated Joss House. The Chinese in Evanston worked as laborers for the Union Pacific Railroad and as miners in the Almy coal mines. They also worked as laundrymen, vegetable peddlers and restaurant employees. Each year the residents of Evanston's Chinatown would celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year by parading a large curiously constructed dragon called Gum Lung through the streets of Evanston (the Uinta County Museum has a similar dragon head on exhibit). Games and firecrackers accompanied the parade, and the climax of the celebration was the firing of a rocket into the air. Attached to the rocket was a ball that would bring good fortune to the lucky person who caught it. This person would be honored by becoming the keeper of the Joss House for the following year. During the first two decades of the 1900s, Chinatown's population dwindled until there were only a few of the section's residents left. In 1922, the Joss House mysteriously burned to the ground. Two of Chinatown's more famous and popular residents, China Mary and Mormon Charlie, remained in Evanston until their deaths in the late 1930s. The Joss House was one of only three in existence in the state.
By the early 1900s, other landmarks had been established in Evanston. In 1901, the Union Pacific Railroad had completed its Gothic-style brick railroad station, and by mid 1906, the city had a Carnegie Library building within a block of the Depot. Months later, Evanston could boast of a large and spacious Federal Courthouse and Post Office within two blocks of the library. In 1912, the old stone railroad roundhouse was replaced by a larger more modern brick structure that is still standing today. In September 1985, the Union Pacific presented the Depot to the City of Evanston. The Blyth and Fargo Building on Main Street celebrated 100 years in Evanston in 1972. The year 1985 saw the building remodeled, keeping the oldfashioned décor, with several shops located there. Many of Evanston s churches are the original buildings, as are the Federal Building, the old Carnegie Library (which houses the Chamber of Commerce and the Uinta County Museum), the Uinta County Courthouse, Scoops on Main Street and the Depot Square Project. Built in 1914 and once used as a repair facility by the Union Pacific Railroad, Evanston Machine Shop was restored and converted into a multi-use public facility in 2004. The large enclosed interior space is illuminated by hundreds of windows in the facades of the building and in the roof. The warm, delightful space this building offers functions very well for large gatherings and has the capacity to serve groups as large as 400 to 500 people. Independence Day Celebration in Evanston in 1871 included the dedication of the Union Pacific Roundhouse and Machine Shop. In 1912, the present brick roundhouse and turntable were constructed to accommodate the larger steam locomotives being brought into service. The Roundhouse and associated structures served the UPRR as a main railcar and engine repair station and later as a reclamation facility. In 1971, the UPRR officially vacated the Roundhouse, and the following year, deeded the properties (with the exception of the Power House) to the City of Evanston. From 1972 to 1998, the Roundhouse continued to be utilized as a repair station as several companies leased it from the city. In 1998, the last business vacated the site. In 2004, a Master Plan was created designating the Roundhouse as a future public building and as a future city hall. With the completion of the nearby Machine Shop in 2005 and its parking area in 2006, it became evident that the time had arrived to save Section One of the Roundhouse. In 2007, the city was awarded a Wyoming Business Council grant to help renovate the 65,000 sq. ft. first section, and by January, 2008, project had begun.
Top 10 things to do in Evanston 1. Tour Evanston s Historic Roundhouse & Railyards (National Register of Historic Places): This is the last remaining complete roundhouse on the old Union Pacific line between Omaha and Sacramento. Tours are available through the City of Evanston 307-783-6306. 2. Visit Historic Downtown: 2019 Semi Finalist Nominee of the Great American Main Street Award Downtown offers a variety of retail outlets that feature collectibles, antiques, jewelry and specialty shops. You ll find quaint establishments; delis, bakeries, restaurants, coffee shops and watering holes. Historic Downtown is the heart of Evanston! 3. A must see! Beautiful Historic Depot Square: Home of the Uinta County Museum, Railroad Depot and the Joss House Museum & Chinese Garden. Tours of the Joss House are available through the Uinta County Museum 307-789-8248. Evanston s Historic Depot Square beautifully reflects the broad and storied past of Uinta County. 4. Relax and enjoy the Bear River State Park & Bear River Greenway: Home to small herds of captive bison and elk for public viewing. Trails for walking, running & biking, areas for picnicking, site-seeing or relaxing. You ll find it all at the Bear River State Park and Greenway, Evanston s river playground! 5. Explore the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway: This paved highway starts in Evanston and winds 78 miles over the Uinta Mountains to Kamas, Utah, crossing over a 10,620-foothigh pass. The numerous trails, lakes and campgrounds along the route provide great opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast. 6. Golf at Purple Sage Golf Course: Evanston s 18-hole course offers a refreshing challenging course offset by spectacular views. 7. Annual Community Events: Evanston offers something for everyone! We have a Brew Fest, Farmers Markets & Music in the Air Concert Series, Bluegrass Festival, Rodeos & Fair, Car Shows, Wyoming Downs Live Horse Racing, Demolition Derby and so much more! 8. Enjoy Evanston s Outdoor Recreation: Evanston is your year-round outdoor destination. Hiking/Biking, Fishing/Hunting, Rivers/Lakes/Reservoirs, Scenic Byways, ATV-ing, Cross Country Skiing/Snow Shoeing/Snowmobiling The fun Never Ends in Evanston! 9. Bear River Ice Ponds: The Bear River Ice Ponds are an iconic piece of Evanston s vast history. The ponds were originally used as an ice station for the railroad produce cars from about 1897 to the 1920 s. Today you can enjoy a variety of activities at the Ice Ponds; Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddle Boarding, Fishing and Swimming in summertime, Ice Skating and Hockey in wintertime. 10. Regional Fun! Sulphur Creek Reservoir South 12 miles Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest South 30 miles Fossil Butte National Monument North 60 miles JC Penney Mother Store and Museum - North 50 miles Yellowstone National Park North 270 miles Bear Lake Resort North 90 Miles Fort Bridger Historical Site East 18 miles Flaming Gorge Reservoir East 120 miles We look forward to seeing you in beautiful Evanston, Wyoming, Home of Fresh Air, Freedom & Fun!
Frequently Used Numbers Uinta County Government: City of Evanston: Wyoming Driver s License..(307) 789-2257 Town Hall (307) 783-6300 Auto Titles/Voter s Registration...(307) 783-0306 Mayor/Council...(307) 783-6308 Vehicle Licensing/ Sales Tax..(307) 783-0333 Police Department...(307) 783-6400 Human Services....(307) 783-0301 City Facilities.(307) 783-6306 Public Health...(307) 789-9203 County Building Permits..(307) 783-0318 Sheriff s Department.(307) 783-1000 Parks & Rec...(307) 789-1770 Uinta County Library.(307) 783-0480 Fire Department...(307) 789-3013 Uinta County Landfill.(307) 783-5522 Animal Control...(307) 783-6471 Evanston Workforce Services.. (307) 789-9802 Road & Travel..(888) 996-7623 (888) WYO-ROAD Utilities Electricity Rocky Mountain Power 105 Commerce Drive, Evanston, WY (888) 221-7070 Water & Sewer City of Evanston 1200 Main Street, Evanston, WY (307) 783-6304 Natural Gas Dominion Energy 38 Allegiance Circle, Evanston, WY (307) 789-2711 Propane Quality Propane 624 Cheyenne Drive #9, Evanston, WY (307) 789-2200 Telephone NGL Connection 933 Main Street, Evanston, WY (307) 288-5491 All West Communications 1020 Main Street, Evanston, WY (888) 292-6381 Internet Service Providers All West Communications 1020 Main Street, Evanston, WY (888) 292-6381 NGL Connection 933 Main Street, Evanston, WY (307) 288-5491 Cable All West Communications 1020 Main Street, Evanston, WY (888) 292-6381
Schools Pre-Schools Button & Bows 324 9th St. #1 (307) 789-7120 ECDC 336 Summit St. (307) 444-7040 Shooting Stars 637 Center Street (307) 789-8679 Elementary Schools Aspen Elementary Clark Elementary North Elementary Uinta Meadows 225 Broken Cir. Dr. 1248 Morse Lee St. 500 Cedar St 90 Cheyenne Dr. PO Box 6002 PO Box 6002 PO Box 6002 PO Box 6002 Evanston, WY 82931 Evanston, WY 82931 Evanston, WY 82931 Evanston, WY 82931 Phone: (307) 789-3106 Phone: (307) 789-2833 Phone:(307) 789-7658 Phone:(307) 789-8098 Fax:(307) 789-6338 Fax: (307) 789-7759 Fax:(307) 789-2046 Fax:(307) 789-3426 Middle Schools Davis Middle School Evanston Middle School 837 No Name St. 341 Summit St. PO Box 6002 PO Box 6002 Evanston, WY 82931 Evanston, WY 82931 Phone: (307) 789-8096 Phone:(307) 789-5499 Fax:(307) 789-3386 Fax:(307) 789-7972 High Schools/Higher Education Evanston High School Horizon Jr./Sr. High School Western Wyo. Comm. College/ 701 W. Cheyenne Dr. 164 Yellow Creek Rd. Uinta BOCES #1 PO Box 6002 PO Box 6002 1013 W. Cheyenne Dr. Evanston, WY 82931 Evanston, WY 82931 Phone:(307) 789-0757 Phone:(307) 789-0122 Phone:(307) 789-5742 Fax:(307) 789-7447 Fax:(307) 789-2522 Fax:(307) 789-7975 District School Office 537 10th Street Phone:(307) 789-7571 Fax:(307) 789-6225
Churches Abundant Life Assembly of God 2910 Wasatch Road (307) 789-1360 Asambles de Dios Templo Agua Viva 50 Yellow Creek Road (307) 789-8354 Aspen Church 40 Agape Way (307) 677-1381 LDS 1st Ward 201 Sage Street (307) 789-2970 LDS 2nd Ward 251 Elm Street (307) 789-3746 LDS 3rd Ward 1224 Morse Lee (307) 789-2648 LDS 4th Ward 201 Sage Street (307) 789-3705 LDS 5th Ward 251 Elm Street (307) 789-2324 LDS 6th Ward 1224 Morse Lee (307) 789-3257 LDS 7th Ward 632 Twin Ridge (307) 789-9015 LDS 8th Ward 632 Twin Ridge (307) 789-9621 LDS Almy Ward 251 Elm Street (307) 789-2964 LDS Hilliard Ward 14864 Hwy 150 S. (307) 789-3257 LDS Uinta View 201 Sage Street (307) 789-9015 LDS Yellow Creek 632 Twin Ridge Ave. (307) 789-5738 Crossroads New Life Fellowship 101 Commerce Dr. (307) 789-9132 Church of Christ 90 Lodgepole Drive (307) 789-8542 Evanston Alliance & Missionary 235 Overthrust Road (307) 789-1279 Evanston Baptist Church 744 Center Street (307) 789-6851 Evanston Church of the Nazarene 212 7th Street (307) 789-0667 Evanston Pentecostal Church of God 1101 Center Street (307) 789-4409 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah s Witness 137 Washington Ave. (307) 789-1442 Mission Bautista Nueva Vida/Calvary Evanston 211 Overthrust Road (307) 789-1279 Our Savior Lutheran 49 Straight & Narrow (307) 789-0042 Seven Day Adventist 2077 Wasatch Road (307) 789-6814 Special Ministries 75 Yellow Creek Road (307) 789-1844 St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church 9th and Center Street (307) 789-2189 St. Paul Episcopal Church 10th and Sage Street (307) 444-2601 Trinity Lutheran Church 50 Yellow Creek Road (307) 789-1063 Uinta Bible Baptist Church 2411 Wasatch Road (307) 789-7529 Union Presbyterian Church 10th and Center Street (307) 789-2358 United Pentecostal Church 210 Bear River Drive (307) 789-7251 = Chamber Member
= Chamber Member Realtors Coldwell Banker Preferred Realty 101 Harrison Dr. (307) 789-0760 Fax (307) 789-1601 Email: Britany@allwest.net www.coldwellbanker.com Evanston Housing Authority 155 Apache Drive (307) 789-0060 Real Estate Headquarters 645 Main Street (307) 789-7821 coster@allwest.net Re/MAX Results Realty 849 Front Street Ste 102 (307) 789-4111 Fax (307) 789-4411 Www.remax.com North Slope 170 Yellow Creek Road (307) 789-4848 Apartments Uinta Realty 1049 Main Street (307) 444-8000 Fax (307) 789-4411 Www.remax.com Bella Vista Apartments Red Mountain Village Apartments 110 Constitution Ave. 113 B Mountain Village Drive (307) 789-6771 (307) 789-8569 Chief Washakie Apartments River Glen Apartments 82 E. Hayden Ave. 212 Birch Street (307) 789-1137 (307) 789-4056 Classic Lodge Apartments South Valley Apartments 202 Bear River Drive 251 South Valley Drive (307) 789-6830 (307) 789-8239 Dewal Apartments Wentworth Apartments 550 Cheyenne Drive 96 E Hayden Ave. (307) 789-0243 (307) 789-7402 Pines of Yellow Creek Rocky Point Apartments 182 Yellow Creek Road 215 Feather Way (307) 789-0060 (307) 789-8854
HOTELs * Best Western Dunmar Inn 1601 Harrison Drive 307-789-3770 * Comfort Inn 1931 Harrison Drive 307-789-7799 * Days Inn 1983 Harrison Drive 307-789-0783 * Econolodge 70 Bear River Drive 307-789-7510 * Hampton Inn 101 Wasatch Rd. 307-789-5678 Motel 6 261 Bear River Drive 307-789-0791 Prairie Inn 264 Bear River Drive 307-789-2920 * Quality Inn 1936 Harrison Drive 307-789-6000 * Super 8 Motel 1710 Harrison Drive 307-789-2777 Vagabond Hotel 230 Bear River Drive 307-789-2902 * Holiday Inn Express 1965 Harrison Drive 307-789-7999 * Knights Inn 339 Wasatch Rd 307-789-2220 Kingfisher Bend Ranch 215 County Road 152 307-789-4938 Phillips RV Park 225 Bear River Drive 307-789--3805 * = Chamber Member
Chinese Cuisine Dining Dragon Wall Restaurant 140 Front Street (307) 789-7788 Wonderful Inn 933 Front Street (307) 789-3908 Mexican Cuisine Costa Vida 96 North 2nd Street (307) 789-2080 * Don Pedro s 205 Bear River Drive (307) 789-3322 El Rancho Grande 528 County Road (307) 789-9642 Jalisco s 197 Bear River Drive (307) 444-0215 * Taco Bell 737 Overthrust Road (307) 789-0507 Taco Time 106 N 3rd St. (307) 789-0555 Chain Restaurants Arby s Restaurant 158 Front Street (307) 789-1380 Domino s Pizza 1023 Main Street (307) 789-7899 * Jimmy Johns 113 Front Street (307) 789-0333 * Kentucky Fried Chicken 737 Overthrust Road (307) 789-0507 * McDonald s 212 Front Street (307) 789-0595 Papa Murphy s Pizza 132 Front Street (307) 789-2299 * Pizza Hut 134 Yellow Creek Road (307) 789-1372 * Subway Sandwiches 101 N. 2nd Street (307) 789-0811 * Subway Sandwiches 122 N. 2nd Street (Wal-Mart)(307) 789-0406 Subway Sandwiches 289 Bear River Drive (307) 783-5906 Subway Sandwiches 1920 Harrison Drive (307) 789-4304 Wendy s 115 N. 2nd Street (307) 789-6393 Variety Restaurants Ana s On Main 927 Main Street (307) 288-5948 Bon Rico s 925 Front Street (307) 789-1753 Daylight Donuts 1612 Harrison Drive (307) 789-0345 * Caffeinated Cowboy 1932 Harrison Drive (307) 679-9069 * Jody s Diner 260 Bear River Drive (307) 789-8550 * Legal Tender 1601 Harrison Drive (307) 789-3770 * Lincoln Highway Tavern 1943 Harrison Drive (307) 789-0549 * Main Street Deli 1025 Main Street (307) 789-1599 Mother Mae s Kitchen 909 Main Street (307) 444-7050 * Cattle Company Steakhouse 339 Wasatch Road (307) 789-2220 Rips 98 County Road (307) 789-3854 * R&R Station 123 10th Street (307) 444-7778 * Suds Brothers Brewery 1012 Main Street (307) 444-7837 * TC s Steakhouse 1945 Harrison Drive (307) 789-2484 Tumblin Tumbleweeds 240 Bear River Drive (307) 789-2624 The Gateway Grille 403 Kindler Drive (307) 789-8020 * = Chamber Member
1200 Main Street, 307-783-6300 www.evanstonwy.org Established 1868 Welcome to the City of Evanston, Wyoming! Whether you are here to work, play or stay, you are sure to discover a vibrant, innovative and inviting community brimming with entrepreneurial, recreational and cultural opportunities. Bluegrass Festival Roundhouse & Railyards Event Center Rodeo Series Fireworks Show Historic Depot Square Bear River State Park Brew Fest
Evanston Chamber of Commerce 1020 Front Street PO Box 365 Toll Free: (800) 328-9708 Office (307) 783-0370 Fax: (307) 789-4807 Monday-Friday 8 AM 5 PM chamber@evanstonwyo.com www.evanstonwyo.com Questions about your move to the area? Need more information? Please contact us at the Chamber office and we will be more than happy to assist!