Not far west of the Wyoming state capital of Cheyenne, Laramie is a fine town and the cultural capital of Wyoming. Laramie is very popular with tourists looking for a slice of culture in this part of the world where leisure options and breathtaking surroundings are all part of the show.
A large town by Wyoming standards, Laramie is about equidistant between San Francisco in the west and Chicago in the east on I-80 and also has its own regional airport. Denver lies just to the south and flights come and go between the two towns daily.
There are many museums and galleries around the vibrant downtown area, particularly along East Grand Avenue and Ivinson Avenue, while the university student population ensures an active nightlife. Leisure options are also aplenty both in and out of town. Kids will love the Wyoming Children’s Museum and Nature Center, just west of downtown Laramie, with its fun exhibits and gold panning.
Highlights
The Wyoming Children’s Museum and Nature Center: perhaps Laramie’s best attraction the whole family can enjoy, featuring gold panning and reptile shows.
Laramie University: has the bulk of Laramie’s art and cultural interests, with the American Heritage Center, the Art Museum and the Geological Museum.
The Wyoming Territorial Park: housing the 1872 Prison Museum – where Butch Cassidy was incarcerated – horseback riding at Frontier Town, and story telling by the great-great niece of Calamity Jane.
The Vedauwoo Recreation Area: one for budding climbers and photographers, Vedauwoo is a must-see to the south of town.
Medicine Bow Mountains: also known as the Snowy Range, the Medicine Bow Mountains are west of Laramie, awash with lush forests, rivers and lakes.