Chugwater, Wyoming: Chugwater Soda Fountain

Be aware if you have a large group there are only 10 menus total and five tables. Lovely people, great shakes and chili dogs. Caution: the only gas station in town burned down due to a drunk driver, so gas up before you go!

The oldest operating soda fountain in Wyoming is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Chugwater, WY. The building was built in 1914, later, partially burned down, and was rebuilt in 1916. Over the years it has been a doctor's office, a pharmacy, diner, grocery store, veterinarian supply, liquor store, and soda fountain. It remains one of few active soda fountains in the state that serves traditional, hand dipped ice cream shakes and malts.

The charming hamlet of Chugwater is apparently famous for its local Chugwater Chili, which is served at restaurants all over town. All two of them. A local told me of the soda fountain on 1st street. Local teens were hanging out. Ancient ranchers were sitting chewing the fat (and probably tobacco), and the Chugwater Chili was great, especially if you wash it down with a superb, handmade chocolate malt. The people of Chugwater Soda fountain were friendly and talkative, bragging about their beautiful, vintage soda fountain, one of the oldest around still in operation).

The place is really one third soda fountain, one third pharmacy, one third convenience store but 100% museum with relics from old time pharmacy products to vintage soda fountain equipment on display. I know that's 200%, but that's what the Chugwater Soda Fountain gives.