ROCK SPRINGS (WNE) — Rock Springs was named as one of the top 15 best small towns to visit in 2019, according to Smithsonian Magazine.

"It's an honor to see Rock Springs mentioned in such a respectable publication," Rock Springs Mayor Tim Kaumo told the Rocket-Miner. "It goes to show how the hard work of our employees and dedicated volunteers are paying off. It's great to know that people across the nation and around the world have the ability to investigate who we are in Rock Springs and hopefully visit us to experience all we have to offer."

Smithsonian Magazine received geographical information from Esri, which provides details about everything from resident dance companies and art galleries to the concentration of historic sites in American towns with a population of 25,000 or under. The magazine said the top town embrace community, reflect hometown pride and have their own unique offerings, according to a Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency press release.

Rock Springs has quite a few extraordinary offerings, from a new establishment specializing in sweet and savory crepes and a restored performing arts venue to a hip, year-old brewery on South Main Street,

the release states.

Smithsonian reported that one of the attractions that put Rock Springs on the list was the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, making it a big year for the town built by

the railroad. Several coal mines in Rock Springs helped power the Union Pacific Railroad’s steam trains.