It’s hip to be square!
These are not the Colorado & Wyoming you know: 12 incredible local facts
Image: Stephen Walker
While technically there are no perfectly square states in the U.S. due to geographical limitations, Colorado and Wyoming come the closest to fitting that description when looking at them on a map . These "square" states are packed with fascinating stories. Did you know that a headless chicken from Colorado once lived for 18 months? Or that the world’s longest shootout reenactment still takes place in Wyoming? Take a look at these 12 incredible facts and choose your favorite!
1
Colorado once rejected the Winter Olympics
In the 1970s, Colorado turned down the opportunity to host the Winter Olympics in Denver. Voters opposed the plan due to concerns about cost, environmental damage, and overcrowding .
This made Colorado the only U.S. state in history to reject the Olympics—even though it’s home to the U.S. Olympic Committee. The decision reflected a strong commitment to protecting the state’s environment and way of life.
2
Wyoming has only two escalators
Wyoming has just two escalators, both located in Casper— one at First Interstate Bank and the other at Hilltop National Bank.
A third once existed at a JCPenney in Cheyenne but was removed when the store relocated to Frontier Mall. The two remaining escalators operate in both directions and remain the only ones in the state.
3
The highest vehicular tunnel in America is in Colorado
The Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70 in Colorado is the highest vehicular tunnel in the United States , sitting at an elevation of 11,158 feet. It stretches 1.6 miles beneath the Rocky Mountains.
Built to improve winter travel across the Continental Divide, the tunnel is both a vital transportation route and an impressive feat of engineering, connecting the eastern and western regions of Colorado.
4
Shootout reenactments in Wyoming
Since 1957, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has hosted the world’s longest-running shootout reenactment. It takes place six days a week in the town square. While the event doesn’t portray a particular historical shootout, it is still fun to watch.
The event runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Monday through Saturday, beginning at 6:00 p.m. each evening.
5
The world’s largest flat-top mountain is in Colorado
Grand Mesa, located in western Colorado, is the largest flat-top mountain in the world in terms of surface area . It spans over 500 square miles and rises more than 10,000 feet above sea level. The mesa offers sweeping views and breathtaking natural beauty.
The area is rich in forests, alpine lakes, and wildlife, making it a favorite destination for fishing, hiking, and skiing. It’s a must-see for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
6
Ghost stories from Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park—Wyoming’s most famous landmark—is said to be haunted. Over the years, many ghost sightings have been reported throughout the park.
The most well-known spirit is the Headless Bride , believed to be a young woman who was murdered by her husband-to-be . Readers will be relieved to know that the event never actually happened. The entire story is a famous piece of local folklore, albeit a very curious one.
7
Colorado once had 3 Governors in a single day
On March 17, 1905, Colorado experienced a rare political event—three different governors held office in a single day. Alva Adams resigned after allegations of election fraud , including suspicious vote counts in his favor.
He was replaced by his opponent , James H. Peabody , who had contested the results. However, Peabody agreed to step down immediately—on the condition that his lieutenant governor, Jesse F. McDonald, would succeed him . And so, all three men held the governorship within 24 hours.
8
A parachuting daredevil landed atop Devil's Tower in Wyoming
In 1941, George Hopkins parachuted from a plane onto the summit of Devil's Tower as a publicity stunt. However, his plan to descend by rope failed when the rope fell out of reach. Park officials kept him supplied with food while he was stranded for six days . Eventually, a team of seven climbers rescued him—while more than 7,000 spectators watched from below.
Today, the tower’s dramatic rock columns attract climbers year-round. All climbers must register and check in before and after their climbs. The site closes to climbers during the month of June out of respect for Native American cultural practices.
9
Colorado Rose Onyx can only be found in the state Capitol building
Colorado Rose Onyx is a rare decorative stone found only in Colorado . It was quarried in Beulah and used entirely in the construction of the Colorado State Capitol.
Because the entire known supply was used in the building, none remains available today—making it one of the rarest decorative stones in the world.
10
Wyoming King-size bed
Most people are familiar with the California king-size bed, but few know that there’s also a Wyoming king-size bed. It measures 84 by 84 inches, making it a full foot wider than a California King .
Other oversized options include the Texas King and the massive Alaskan King, which offer even more space for those who want extra room to stretch out.
11
Mike, the headless chicken from Colorado
In Fruita, Colorado, locals honor "Mike the Headless Chicken" with a festival and a statue. The odd celebration is rooted in a real event that occurred in 1945.
Farmer L.A. Olsen tried to behead Mike for dinner, but the chicken surprisingly survived . Remarkably, Mike lived for 18 months without a head.
12
A Wyoming town was sold for $900,000
Bufford, a Wyoming town, lost its residents over a span of 150 years through a classic combination of railroad rerouting, urbanization, and personal family life cycles. In 2016, the town, which had just one resident , was sold for $900,000 . The buyer was an anonymous Vietnamese businessman.
The 4-hectare town included a gas station, a store, and a home. Don Sammons, who moved there from Los Angeles in 1980, owned the whole town after his wife passed away.
