Gillette, WY

united states

Gillette is Wyoming's energy capital, sitting in the coal-rich Powder River Basin at 4,500 feet elevation. Interstate 90 runs right through town, connecting east to the Black Hills and west toward Billings. Popular drives include the 70-mile trip south to Wright and 140 miles east to Rapid City for major shopping. The semi-arid climate brings windy conditions year-round, with hot summers and cold winters typical of the high plains. The city boasts the largest municipal swimming pool in Wyoming, a full Olympic-sized facility.