On the Eastern edge of Wyoming’s vast expanse of rolling hills and ranch land, Newcastle, WY welcomes you to the beauty and wonder that await beyond the boundaries of Black Hills National Forest.
A town where the spirit of the Old West lives and history and nature surround you, Newcastle is perfectly located for a Black Hills vacation. Where Wyoming meets South Dakota the Black Hills rise to the highest peaks east of the Rockies, and Newcastle, WY sits in an ideal location for exploring them. This small, friendly city lies at the Western end of the millions of acres of forest and peaks, monuments and memorials.
Gateway to the Black Hills
Rolling in from the west, visitors can see the short grass prairie meet the hills right here in Newcastle, a unique changing landscape that offers an incredible array of natural wonders.
The Black Hills are home to incredible peaks including Devil’s Tower, a huge monolith sacred to the native people, and Harney Peak, the tallest peak east of the Rockies. Beneath the hills are more wonders still; some of the largest caves in the world have been discovered here. Wind Cave and Jewel Cave are both within a short drive of Newcastle, and welcome visitors to view incredible crystal and rock formations.
The hills are a nature lover’s paradise, with hiking and mountain biking trails meandering through canyons and valleys and rock climbers invited to scale the tallest peaks. Fishing, bird watching, and backcountry backpacking are just a few of the other activities in the Black Hills.
Monuments in Stone
Among the most famous of the attractions near Newcastle are the two famous memorials carved into the stone of the Black Hills. Still in progress, the Crazy Horse Memorial is an enormous monument to the spirit of the native people of America.
Carved 500 feet above the ground at Mount Rushmore are the faces of four famed American Presidents, a memorial to the spirit that helped to build a nation. Both monuments can be found less than two hours drive from Newcastle, making a pleasant day trip.
Newcastle and the Old West
Wyoming still holds to the heart of the Old West, and Newcastle has many opportunities to explore that history. From the town you can take a scenic drive along the historic Cheyenne-Deadwood Stage Trail, where Wyatt Earp once guarded coaches full of Black Hills gold on their way out of Deadwood, SD.
Visit Newcastle’s Anna Miller museum, named for the daughter of a famous Sheriff of the Old West and pioneering woman in her own right who became the town’s first librarian. Here exhibits tell the tale of a frontier town and a time when the west was still wild.
Staying in Newcastle
Off the main Interstate, Newcastle is still easy to reach but quieter and free of Interstate passersby. Lodging here includes many hotels and motels, as well as vacation rentals and cabins. Multiple RV parks and campgrounds are available for travelers, or you can stay in a ranch house or bed and breakfast. Local, independent lodgings make up much of the selection here, keeping the quiet and personable feel of the town.
There are plenty of dining options in Newcastle as well, from a quick meal on the run to a relaxing dinner. You will find options that include classic 50s diners and cuisine like Mexican and Italian right here in Newcastle. Friendly pubs and taverns offer a relaxing spot for a night out. Shops in Newcastle include antiques, gifts, and souvenirs. You’ll find unique arts and crafts from locals also available to remind you of your visit.
Getting to Newcastle
Newcastle, WY is found at the junction of Highway 16 running to the east and west through town, and Highway 85 running north and south. Both highways will take you directly into town from Interstate 90.
The nearest major airport can be found in Rapid City, SD, about 75 miles to the east of Newcastle. No matter how you reach Newcastle, a visit here is a true experience of the American West, the Black Hills, and the spirit that still lives in the land and people.
