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Laramie, Wyoming, nestled in the Laramie Valley at an elevation of 7,200 feet, is a vibrant college town and home to the University of Wyoming. With a population of approximately 32,000, Laramie serves as a cultural and educational center for the state, offering a unique blend of western heritage, outdoor recreation, and a lively downtown scene. The city was named after Jacques Laramie, a French-Canadian fur trapper who explored the area in the early 1800s.
The city’s strategic location along the Union Pacific Railroad and its proximity to the Medicine Bow Mountains have shaped its history and development. Today, Laramie’s economy is driven by the University of Wyoming, healthcare services, and technology, making it one of Wyoming’s most dynamic and diverse cities.
Laramie’s history stretches back thousands of years, with the area originally inhabited by Arapaho and other Plains Indian tribes who utilized the Laramie Basin for hunting and gathering. The modern city began to take shape in 1868 when the Union Pacific Railroad extended its line through the region, establishing Fort Sanders nearby to protect the railroad workers and settlers.
The town was officially incorporated in 1873 and quickly became an important shipping point for cattle and other goods from the surrounding ranches. The arrival of the railroad transformed Laramie into a bustling frontier settlement, attracting entrepreneurs, cowboys, and settlers alike. In 1886, the University of Wyoming was established, becoming the state’s only four-year public university and cementing Laramie’s role as Wyoming’s educational hub.
Throughout its history, Laramie has been shaped by the tensions between cattle ranchers and sheepherders, the boom and bust cycles of the energy industry, and the steady growth of the university. The city gained national attention in 2015 when it became the first city in Wyoming to pass an ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, reflecting its progressive values.
Laramie’s downtown district, centered around Downtown Laramie, offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The city’s strong university presence contributes to a lively arts scene, with frequent live music, theater performances, and cultural events throughout the year.
The University of Wyoming campus is a major attraction, featuring the Wyoming State Museum, the University of Wyoming Art Museum, and the Geological Museum. Sports fans can catch UW Cowboys and Cowgirls games at the Arena-Auditorium, one of the loudest college basketball arenas in the nation.
For family-friendly activities, the Laramie Plains Park offers playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas, while the Laramie Recreation Center provides swimming pools, fitness facilities, and indoor sports courts.
The Wyoming State Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Wyoming through interactive exhibits and artifacts spanning millions of years. From dinosaur fossils to Native American artifacts, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of the state’s rich heritage.
The University of Wyoming Geological Museum features impressive dinosaur exhibits, including a mounted skeleton of an Apatosaurus and other fossils discovered in Wyoming. The museum is a great destination for families and anyone interested in paleontology.
History buffs will appreciate the Lincoln Monument and the historic Union Pacific Railroad Depot, both of which offer a glimpse into Laramie’s frontier past. The depot, built in 1915, stands as a beautiful example of Mission Revival architecture.
Laramie’s location near the Medicine Bow Mountains and the Roosevelt National Forest provides easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities. In the summer, residents and visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping in the surrounding mountains and forests.
The Snowy Range mountains, located about 30 miles west of Laramie, offer excellent skiing and snowboarding during the winter months. The Sierra Madre Range and Moskey Basin provide additional opportunities for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping.
For those closer to town, the Laramie River offers fishing for rainbow and brown trout, while the Laramie Plains provide miles of scenic byways for road cycling and wildlife viewing.
| Attraction | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming State Museum | Culture | State history, interactive exhibits |
| University of Wyoming | Education | Campus tours, museums, sports |
| Geological Museum | Science | Dinosaur fossils, Apatosaurus skeleton |
| Lincoln Monument | Historic | Commemorates President Lincoln’s role in statehood |
| Union Pacific Depot | Historic | Mission Revival architecture, railroad history |
| Downtown Laramie | Shopping | Local boutiques, restaurants, galleries |
The best time to visit Laramie depends on your interests, with each season offering its own distinct appeal. Summer (June through August) brings warm temperatures in the 70s and 80s, making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the surrounding mountains. This is also when the university is in full session, offering the most robust calendar of cultural events and sports.
Fall (September through October) transforms the surrounding plains and foothills into a tapestry of gold and amber. The Laramie Fall Festival and the Wyoming Humanities Council’s various programs provide cultural enrichment during this shoulder season.
Winter (November through March) brings cold temperatures and ample snowfall, making Laramie a destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. The nearby Snowy Range ski area offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, while the town’s cozy cafes and pubs provide warm retreats after a day in the snow.
Spring (April through May) is a quiet but beautiful time to visit, with melting snow creating rushing streams and waterfalls in the nearby mountains. Wildflowers begin to bloom in the foothills, and migratory birds pass through the Laramie Plains, making it an excellent time for birdwatching.
Here are some of our favorite things to do while visiting Laramie. Pick your favorite!
The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site , located in Laramie, Wyoming , is one of the oldest surviving prison structures in the American West. Built in 1872 , this imposing stone fortress served as a federal penitentiary for the Wyoming T…