Wyoming : Safety by CityIn the least populated state of the U.S., Lusk, Wyoming, is in the least populated county.
In fact, Lusk is home to half of the county’s population.
Lusk became a stop along important transportation routes, including cattle trails and later the Chicago & North Western Railway, both of which were direct outcomes of westward expansion policies and infrastructure developments tied to the Manifest Destiny era.
Lusk was once described as “hell on wheels” during its early founding days, which was fueled by industries ranging from the railroad to oil to agriculture to cattle.
Things have settled down a lot, and now Lusk is more known for quiet, quaintness, and quilts.
Nightlife here means gazing at the pristine dark skies and not dancing to the DJ at a club.
Lusk is also on the way to the grasslands of Nebraska or the Black Hills of South Dakota, which puts it squarely in the Great Plains region of Wyoming, not the mountainous region you might be more familiar with.
Still, the rolling hills and roller coaster of history will offer something for everyone, whether you’re just driving through or stopping for a long weekend.
Warnings & Dangers in Lusk
OVERALL RISK: LOW
The risk in Lusk is low on all accounts, but by the time you're done with this article, you'll have the best advice to enjoy the trip to this remote and rural location.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transportation in Lusk is minimal due to its rural location. A rental car is really your only option. Taxis or rideshares will be limited.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Theft, in general, isn't a problem here, and no pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in the past few years. You should still use caution when carrying valuables around and never leave your car unlocked.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Lusk’s primary natural disaster risks include strong winds, winter storms, and occasional flooding. Snow and ice can make travel hazardous during winter, while summer thunderstorms may bring hail or flash floods. Tornadoes are rare but possible; those are much more likely in neighboring Nebraska. Stay updated on weather alerts and have emergency plans when visiting or living in the area.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Robberies are another rarity in Lusk, so this is another low risk. Keep it that way by sticking to smart safety standards as you would in any new town.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Terrorism risk in Lusk is extremely low, given its small size and remote location. The town’s focus is on community safety and preparedness for natural disasters rather than security threats.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low. Lusk’s scam risks are generally limited to the kinds of fraud seen nationwide, such as phishing or phone scams. Be cautious with unsolicited calls or emails, especially if asked for personal information or money. When in doubt, verify with local authorities or trusted sources.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Nothing in the crime data or recent headlines suggests women have a greater risk than men. You should know the roads to get here are remote and barren, so always have an emergency kit with you, a paper map, and drinks and snacks in case you need to call for help and wait a while.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1.
Safest Places to Visit in Lusk
Downtown Lusk is a small but charming area, perfect for a stroll.
The town square features local shops and cafes where you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat while enjoying the friendly atmosphere.
The Stagecoach Museum in Lusk offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s history.
Housed in a historic building, it showcases artifacts from the area’s early ranching days, Native American heritage, and the role of stagecoaches in Wyoming’s past.
Just outside town, you’ll find the Old Hat Creek Stage Station, a preserved stop along the Cheyenne-Black Hills Stage Route.
This historic site tells the story of frontier travel and is a great spot for history enthusiasts.
Lusk is also a proud participant in the Wyoming Quilt Trail, which celebrates the state’s quilting heritage through colorful quilt blocks displayed on barns, buildings, and landmarks.
As you explore Lusk and the surrounding area, you’ll spot these quilt blocks, each telling a story from a local artist.
About 20 miles from Lusk, visit Fort Robinson State Park in Nebraska.
The site is rich with history, including its use during the Indian Wars, and offers guided tours, museums, and trails.
It’s a must-see for anyone interested in the region’s past.
To the northwest of Lusk, the Thunder Basin National Grassland offers a chance to experience Wyoming’s stunning natural beauty.
This vast expanse of prairie is perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, or simply soaking in the solitude of the open landscape.
If you’re looking for water recreation, Guernsey Reservoir, about an hour south, is worth the trip.
It’s ideal for fishing, boating, or picnicking, and nearby Guernsey State Park features historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Lusk offers several accessible spots for stargazing.
Northside Park provides open spaces perfect for observing the night sky.
If you plan to stay overnight in Lusk, ask the hotel of your choice if they provide telescopes for stargazing, as several locations offer them as free amenities for guests.
Places to Avoid in Lusk
Lusk doesn’t have bad parts of town or dangerous neighborhoods.
You don’t need to avoid any part of this region except for private land unless you have express permission from landowners to visit.
Avoid driving anywhere from Lusk without at least half a tank of gas, and stop as often as you can to top off the tank.
Don’t assume that the High Plains means roads are easy to navigate in winter.
Blizzards, fueled by wicked winds, can reduce viability to zero.
Also, storms that develop in the warmer months might look far away, but they can grow quickly and turn severe within a short amount of time.
Always be prepared for the weather, and never seek shelter under a highway overpass if there’s a severe storm, large hail, or a tornado.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Lusk
- Lusk has a local police department, though they don’t stay all that busy with such low crime rates. Follow them on Facebook @luskpolicedept. You can also call (307) 334-4055 if you have any specific safety questions.
- To receive emergency alerts in Lusk, Wyoming, sign up for Niobrara County’s CodeRED system. Visit the Niobrara County Sheriff’s Office website to register. Check your phone to make sure you have WEA enabled and location tracking on. This will also send emergency weather alerts to your mobile device.
- Lusk experiences strong winds, particularly in open areas. Secure loose objects around your property to prevent them from becoming hazards. When driving, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and be cautious of sudden gusts, especially when passing large vehicles.
- The winds can also lead to fire restrictions, which include even campfire allowances. Check the fire conditions before you burn anything. When a Red Flag Warning is in place, keep an eye on the skyline for smoke columns. Report any wildfire you see, but also check with fire officials about controlled burns.
- Snowstorms in Lusk can be brutal, and that might lead to travel bans. Check Wyoming 511 before you travel onto the roads to see what weather conditions are at your destination. There are very few stops in the surrounding region, and mobile service is limited.
- If you plan to go stargazing, bring a red flashlight to help you see while not creating light pollution. Give yourself at least 20–30 minutes to let your eyes adjust. Ideally, plan a trip during the new moon since the stars will shine that much brighter.
- Those planning to visit Nebraska and/or South Dakota don’t have to worry about the time zone change. The western parts of those states are also in the Mountain Time Zone, like Wyoming. That includes Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and Rapid City, South Dakota.
- Fishing requires a license in Wyoming, and you’ll need to get that through the state Department of Game and Fish. Check the hunting regulations, too, as those might require additional safety training.
- In Lusk and Niobrara County, wildlife risks include collisions with deer or antelope on roads, particularly at dawn or dusk. Coyotes and rattlesnakes can pose threats to pets or hikers in rural areas. Never feed or bait wildlife.
- If you plan to visit the Tri-Point, where Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota meet, you’re in for an adventure. However, you can’t just go out there in the average sedan. You’ll need a high-clearance vehicle, a paper map, and good personal skills to ask private landowners for permission to visit.
So... How Safe Is Lusk Really?
Lusk has a low violent crime rate.
In fact, we’ll just talk about raw numbers since they are so low.
In 2023, Lusk saw five violent crimes, almost a 50% decrease from the nine that happened in 2022.
Even thefts number fewer than one a month on average, with about 10 each year.
Most of those are thefts outside of car break-ins or pickpocketing.
I can’t even really give you examples of criminal activity from Lusk in recent headlines because there aren’t any.
Sure, there was the July 2024 day when several residents got put behind bars, but that was part of a historic tour of the old jail in the center of town.
You can rest assured Lusk is a safe place to visit, but don’t let your guard down.
Also, prepare for the weather and long, empty roads.
How Does Lusk Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Lusk | 82 |
| Los Angeles | 56 |
| Oakland | 57 |
| New Orleans | 57 |
| Baltimore | 56 |
| Boston | 67 |
| Washington DC | 56 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
Useful Information
Visas
All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app to help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.
Currency
Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.
Weather
Lusk experiences a semi-arid climate with cold winters and warm summers. Temperatures range from an average low of 12°F in January to highs of 86°F in July. Snowfall is moderate, with about 30 inches annually, primarily between November and March. Winds can make winter conditions feel harsher.
Airports
The closest commercial airport to Lusk is Scottsbluff County Airport (Western Nebraska Regional Airport), about 90 minutes away. It offers limited regional flights. For more options, Casper/Natrona County International Airport, roughly a two-hour drive, connects to larger hubs like Denver. Plan ahead as rural travel requires coordination.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.
Lusk Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 2 | 4 | 7 | 13 | 19 | 25 | 30 | 29 | 24 | 16 | 8 | 3 |
| Low °C | -11 | -9 | -6 | -2 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 11 | 6 | -1 | -6 | -11 |
| High °F | 36 | 39 | 45 | 55 | 66 | 77 | 86 | 84 | 75 | 61 | 46 | 37 |
| Low °F | 12 | 16 | 21 | 28 | 37 | 46 | 54 | 52 | 43 | 30 | 21 | 12 |
Wyoming - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Afton | 82 |
| Alpine | 83 |
| Casper | 80 |
| Cheyenne | 81 |
| Dubois | 78 |
| Gillette | 83 |
| Guernsey | 78 |
| Hulett | 79 |
| Laramie | 85 |
| Lusk | 82 |
| Rock Springs | 81 |
| Saratoga | 78 |
| Sheridan | 84 |
