There are more than a few historic bars in Wyoming. We have saloons dating back to the 1800s, but many of them are no longer doing business as bars and are merely tourist attractions these days.
A few of the old watering holes are still open, however, and one, in particular, attracts customers as much for its food and beverages as for curiosity’s sake. The Wonder Bar in Casper has been in business almost continuously for nearly a century. During that time, it’s seen its share of rowdy Wyoming history, which could be the reason this cowboy bar is said to be haunted and even cursed.
Editor’s Note: The Wonder Bar has permanently closed.
The Wonder Bar is located at 256 South Center Street in Casper.
The building was constructed in 1914 and was first a pool hall, then a bar under a different name. When prohibition ended in the 1930s, the owner renamed it "Wonder Bar."
Throughout its history, the bar has been a place cowboys could come and enjoy a cold one and play some cards or a game of pool.
Since cowboys were the core clientele of the business, it wasn't long before the owner opened his doors to their steeds, too, welcoming horses and riders inside to buy a beer - yep, one for the horse, too - and allowing them to ride on through and exit the back door.
Rough and violent incidents such as shootouts have occurred at the bar over the years. Those events could be the source of the hauntings that are said to plague the Wonder Bar.
The most recent shootout occurred in the 1980s. That incident along with the death of a patron who died after falling down the stairs started talk of a curse.
Employees have reported lights turning on and off unexpectedly by themselves, and have reported being followed by disembodied footsteps when they go down into the basement.
After hours, long after the last living guest has departed, it's not unusual for wait staff to hear someone taking a seat at the bar, and some employees say they've heard the sounds of children laughing and playing in the upstairs level.
Then there are the incidents witnessed by both employees and guests, such as seeing a cowboy and his female companion attired in white moving from room to room.
The well-known stories of ghosts never did keep patrons away, but after rumors of the curse began circulating, the Wonder Bar went through a series of name changes. Eventually, though, the owners came back to the name of the bar everyone knows and loves.
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The historic recently got a massive makeover, and the joint is jumping as much as ever.
The goal of the remodel was to honor the bar's history while getting a new generation acquainted with it. With a full bar on both levels, unique food menus upstairs and down, and huge TVs all around, it's safe to say they've hit the mark.
Considering construction tends to bring ghosts out of hiding rather than exercising them, it's also likely that guests and employees will continue to report strange noises and apparitions, but that's all part of the charm that makes Wonder Bar a wonderful part of Wyoming history.
