Explore Niobrara Henry Hotel and Spencer Hospital

Lusk will be celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary on August 8, 2026. Information will be made available about events as the time draws nearer. Meantime, reserve the date.

By 1917, little Lusk, Wyoming, had grown into a bustling rail-side town frequented by travelers.  Of the several hotels established in Lusk around the turn of the century, the Henry Hotel stood out with its steam-heated rooms, electric lights, and hot and cold running water.  A classy, modern, and welcoming establishment, the Henry Hotel mirrored its owner, Mrs. Lena Larsen Henry.  Despite her natural professionalism and her charming personality, Lena Henry hadn’t ever anticipated becoming a business owner on the great plains of Wyoming.  Born in Flekkefjord, Norway in 1857, Lena and her best friend Louise immigrated to America in 1882, settling near Fargo, North Dakota.  From there they traveled to Cheyenne and earned their livings as housekeepers.  In 1887, Lena and Louise became interested in the mining boom near the town of Silver Cliff, Wyoming and headed north.  They were among the first half dozen women to settle in the area.  Lena quickly became a prominent figure in the community, operating a successful restaurant and building friendships with the locals.  Lena was one of the last people to talk to Constable Gunn only minutes before he was killed in the shootout at the Walker’s and Water’s Saloon.