Sundance, nestled in the Black Hills of Wyoming, is a picturesque, small town bustling with energy and vitality, firmly grounded in history with an eye to the future. When Prussian-born immigrant, Albert Hoge staked his claim in 1879, he was adamant that the town’s name was to be Sundance to honor the Native Americans and the sun dances they performed on the mountain south of the town-site. We are proud to be the first, original Sundance: historic, western, and real.
Sundance is a close 28 miles from our first national monument, Devils Tower. While on the route of many traveling toward Yellowstone National Park or Mount Rushmore National Monument, Sundance offers a prime location for travelers to base their Black Hills vacation. The Sturgis motorcycle rally held every August is a convenient 45 minute drive from Sundance. Fishermen’s wits are challenged by walleye and northern pike in Keyhole Reservoir, and by trout in Sand Creek. The Vore Buffalo Jump offers a unique perspective into Plains Indian life. The Bearlodge Ranger District of the Black Hills National Forest offers primitive camping at Reuter Springs, Bearlodge and Cook Lake campgrounds. The specially designed Sundance Campground, just three miles from town, offers horse-backers a site complete with corrals, water and handicap accessible mounting docks. Trails for mountain bikers, hikers, horse riders, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers and four-wheeler enthusiasts are all nearby.
History, culture and religion are all important to Sundance residents. The Museum, Library and area churches are central to our daily lives. Crook County Museum, currently located in the courthouse basement, is a dynamic operation, preserving our county’s heritage while actively involving people in cultural entertainment, pursuits, and research. The Crook County Library offers reading and discussion groups for all ages, as well as writing groups for aspiring authors and programs for youngsters. Churches have long been an important and historic part of Sundance. A busy ministerial alliance works cooperatively to provide for our community’s spiritual needs.
Clarenbach Memorial Park is centrally located just one block from the downtown Motels & Restaurants. Washington Park borders the edge of Sundance Pond. The City is in the planning process of a significant renovation for the pond including a handicap fishing dock and ADA accessible path. This park joins the Sundance Country Club which is a beautiful 9 hole course, also nestled next to the swimming pool. The completion date for the Sundance pond project is scheduled for the end of 2015.
Small school size gives students an opportunity to be involved in many activities. Our High School Band has won numerous national awards and is considered among the best of the best. Beginning in 2016 K-6 will be attending school in a brand new state of the art building. This building will have the cafeteria and will be located next to the High School. Both schools have regulation gymnasiums and will be used together to hold athletic events for regional and state competitions.Sundance is a great place to raise your family.
Sundance is a community invested in all its residents. The City was instrumental in building Green Mountain Estates, a twelve unit elderly apartment. The Sundance Kids Children’s Center opened in 2011 and has capacity of up to 50 children from newborn to pre-school. Sundance also has additional Day Care and pre-school facilities.
A summer recreation program for area youngsters offers baseball, crafts, swimming, soccer, t-ball, volleyball and basketball. The town has two City parks. Each one has public restrooms and covered picnic areas. And they are connected by a cement walking path. This walking/bicycling path also connects to the City swimming pool which is open in the summer months.
Our community offers a wide range of support for the elderly. Crook County Senior Services provides a selection of services to our senior population. An active senior center provides a noon meal both at the center and home delivered M-F. In addition to Green Mountain Estates, there is also a 15 room assisted care facility located on the East side of town with a beautiful view of Sundance Mountain.It gives a very comforting environment with home cooked meals and daily activities including a vegetable garden in the summer. A private dining room is available. Sundance Assisted Care coordinates with Crook County Senior Service’s for transportation to medical appointments. They are licensed with the State of Wyoming providing 24 hour CNA care for the residents.
Crook County Medical Services operates a small rural hospital and clinic in Sundance. Emergency and acute care is available here. Our doctors provide services to county residents through three Clinics located in Sundance, Moorcroft and Hulett. Crook County Public Health is active in Sundance and provides many services including immunizations, family planning, pre-natal education.
In 1879, Albert Hoge carefully surveyed the land and sold lots to future businesses. Lots for county and city government, eating establishments and saloons were sold first. His vision laid the foundation for what Sundance is today. The City Council and Mayor are looking to the future, hoping to see new faces and new business, while being mindful of our past. We are proud to be the first, original Sundance: historic, western, and real.
