Wyoming's Escalator Scarcity: A Tale of Two Moving Staircases
Wyoming's rural character is uniquely captured by its remarkable scarcity of escalators. The entire state, the least populous in the U.S., contains only two sets, both in Casper bank buildings, a novelty stemming from low population density and few multi-story structures.
In an age of relentless technological advancement, where urban landscapes are defined by their verticality and effortless convenience, it's easy to assume certain amenities are universal. Yet, in the vast, open expanse of Wyoming, one of modern life's most common conveniences is a genuine rarity. The entire state, the least populous in the nation, is home to just two publicly accessible sets of escalators. This peculiar fact is more than just trivia; it's a reflection of the state's unique character, demographics, and ruggedly practical identity.
A Tale of Two Banks
For those seeking the rare experience of riding a moving staircase in the Cowboy State, the journey leads to Casper. Both sets of escalators are located within the city's financial institutions. One pair can be found inside the First National Bank of Wyoming building downtown, and the other is at the Hilltop National Bank. Each location features a standard pair: one ascending, one descending. For years, a rumor persisted that there were four escalators, but this simply refers to the two distinct machines (up and down) at each of the two locations.
The immediate question is, why so few? The answer isn't found in state law or some obscure building code prohibiting them, but in simple necessity and economics. With a population spread thinly across a massive territory, Wyoming's architecture has historically favored function over flair. Most buildings are low-rise, rarely exceeding one or two stories, which eliminates the practical need for escalators. Elevators are sufficient for accessibility, and the significant cost of installing and maintaining an escalator for a two-story building is a luxury most developments have sensibly avoided.
An Unlikely Tourist Attraction
This scarcity has turned the Casper escalators into something of a local legend and an unlikely destination. For many Wyoming natives, especially children who have grown up without them, a trip to the bank becomes a memorable event. It’s a common rite of passage for parents and grandparents to take their little ones to Casper specifically for their first escalator ride. The novelty provides a unique source of amusement and wonder, a stark contrast to city dwellers who navigate them daily without a second thought. This shared experience has become part of the state's modern folklore, as one resident shared:
We used to make a special stop at the bank when our kids were little just so they could ride the escalator.
Common misconceptions often float around this topic. Some speculate that there must be others hidden away in private buildings or that the oft-renovated Jackson Hole Airport must have one. However, thorough checks have confirmed that the airport relies on stairs and elevators. The two Casper locations remain the only confirmed public escalators in the entire state, a fact that locals both embrace and find amusing.
More Than Just a Fun Fact
The case of Wyoming's two escalators reveals a deeper truth about the state's identity. It underscores a culture rooted in practicality, where the landscape and lifestyle don't demand the same infrastructure as densely populated urban centers. It's a point of quirky pride, a testament to a way of life that values wide-open spaces over multi-level shopping malls. In a world rushing towards homogeneity, this small, mechanical anomaly serves as a charming reminder that regional character is still very much alive. It’s a story not of what Wyoming lacks, but of what it chooses to be: a state defined by its horizons, not its high-rises.