Location: Laramie
Top Things to do in Laramie
- 1. Medicine Bow National Forest
- 2. Vedauwoo
- 3. Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
- 4. University of Wyoming
- 5. University of Wyoming Geological Museum
- 6. Ivinson Mansion
- 7. Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse EcoSanctuary
- 8. Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument
- 9. Laramie Plains Museum
- 10. Laramie Mural Project
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What to do and see in Laramie, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Formerly a lawless frontier town, known for wild saloons and vigilante justice, Laramie is now a quiet college town, popular with outdoor enthusiasts as well as history buffs. Over twenty sites in and around Laramie are on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Wyoming Territorial Prison, which once held Butch Cassidy. The town is conveniently located between the Laramie Range and the Medicine Bow Mountains, making the area a paradise for mountain bikers, climbers and campers.
Restaurants in Laramie
1. Medicine Bow National Forest
Overall Ratings
5 based on 262 reviews
Range of mountains close to Laramie which offer a wide variety of outdoor sports.
Reviewed By Cshastry2 - Bengaluru, India
Medicine Bow National Forest has a long history. Around 8,000 years back when ancestors of the Plains inhabited this area. The Northern Arapaho, Oglala Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, Eastern Shoshone and the White River Utes all frequented the area. They utilized the forest to gather the prime “mountain mahogany” wood they liked to use when making bows. The soothing mineral hot springs along the banks of the North Platte River provided a welcome place to “make medicine” to cure their ills and hold ceremonial powwows. Must See... MIRROR LAKE!!! Nowhere on the Globe!
2. Vedauwoo
Overall Ratings
5 based on 248 reviews
Reviewed By Charles M - Larkspur, Colorado
Turtle Rock Loop @ Vedauwoo is an amazing hike. Fairly easy circuit around some of the most impressive rock formations anywhere in the world. Plenty of boulders to climb & several ponds along the trail.
3. Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 398 reviews
The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site has an incredibly rich history. Run as a federal (territorial) and state prison from 1872 to 1903, it then became the Agricultural Experiment Station for the University of Wyoming after the State Prison relocated to Rawlins. The site is now operated as a Historic Site by the State of Wyoming.
Reviewed By B4Travel2 - San Jose, California
An interesting excursion. To me, it was more of a 3 star attraction, as I’d recently been on a tour at Alcatraz, in San Francisco, which has an audio tour, beautiful views of the City from the island, a nice trip over the water via ferry, etc., and found that tour to be more impressive. Plus, we had to drive 3 hours each way to get to this attraction in Laramie, which I would not go out of my way to do again. But, if a fan of the wild west, interested in the history of the area, etc., or live within an hour or so of the area, then this is a worthwhile attraction to visit. We got here in the late afternoon, so there were no tours available at that time, and we had the self-guided version, which was by reading a lot of informational plaques. It was interesting information, but some of it was repetitive, and if you are one that tends to want to read every word, rather than skimming, it can take quite a while to get through, and can feel a bit stressful, especially if you have other people near you interrupting all the reading you are trying to get through. There is a room dedicated to Butch Cassidy who was at this prison for a short time on a minor charge, and there are separate buildings that show some of the chores they did, such as making brooms. There is some interesting history on their way of life at that time (anti-big business; a Robin Hood philosophy), what penitentiaries were originally set up to accomplish (reflection and becoming “penitent”and reformed), and some history of the women that were also held in this prison. If staying within an hour of this site, I’d give it closer to 4.5 stars, although I would prefer a guided tour, or an audio tour, as there is a lot of information to absorb. And, if you get there in the late afternoon, be aware that they will start turning some lights off within the last hour they are open, and seeing/reading the information becomes difficult. It would definitely be best to get there earlier to have better visibility and the time to read through the information without feeling rushed.
4. University of Wyoming
Overall Ratings
5 based on 105 reviews
Wyoming's only 4-year institution of higher education.
Reviewed By TravelBoy27 - Chattanooga, Tennessee
The University of Wyoming has a beautiful campus. The college spirit and passion lives strong here with plenty of game day activities and fun for all. Whether you’re here to experience a football game and or tour the campus for potential consideration of attending – it will rapture you in a warm and welcoming spirit. College students across the campus are out and about and involved in various activities (college and non college sponsored). Chattering voices and laughs echo across the lush campus cradled by new buildings to entice perspective and current students. I was impressed with the new construction that has added flair, opportunity and passion to student life here at the University of Wyoming. Although I was here for a weekend get-a-way to soak in the Wyoming Football game, the walk across campus brought me back to my college days. In such a way that it warmed me to see such a beautiful campus, vivacious students and a campus filled with spirit, activity and life.
War Memorial Stadium is a wonderful experience that topped of my enjoyable visit to the University of Wyoming. It is a spacious, scenic, accessible stadium where you are close to the action and have all the creature comforts close by (bathrooms, food vendors, drink vendors, picture taking opportunities, etc.). Yes, they serve beer during the game and also have tailgating parties that serve beer prior to the game in designated areas.
The pre-game to kick-off activities gave me the goose bumps! From Cowboy Joe galloping down the field to lead the team from the locker room, to the people singing the National Anthem with pride. Pistol Pete offered rise and rallied the fans as well. Of course, the fans offer a wonderful flair and unique and lovable flavor to any college team. The University is no different – it has its fans that display their love, passion, support and sportsmanship in support. The game day experience is amazing here at War memorial. Vibrant team spirit, passionate fans, busting with college pageantry and a dedicated football team that is relevant, spirited and vying for national prominence. Enjoy the experience and GO POKES! CHEERS!
5. University of Wyoming Geological Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By Cshastry2 - Bengaluru, India
The main attraction at the museum is the #Allosaurus#. It has been featured in the BBC documentary. All age groups can comprehend the real dimension's of the dinosaurs without much of an oral explanation. University of Wyoming Geological Museum has received coverage from National Geographic, CNN, Earth Magazine, Walter Cronkite, NBC Nightly News. All I can say is "We were very lucky!" to have seen the fossils & this place is etched in our minds in the context of 'Dinosaurs'...
6. Ivinson Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
A historic building that houses the Laramie Plains Museum.
Reviewed By Rob B
The Laramie Plains Museum and its home, the Ivinson Mansion, are part of the fabric of Laramie. In addition to a fine museum showcasing not only the victorian mansion itself and a great collection historic artifacts from the Laramie area, the site itself provides a location for countless weddings, receptions, photo settings etc. There is a one room log cabin school house that's been restored and moved to the museum grounds, the historic carriage house and the Alice Hardy Stevens building that combine to make a visit to this square block of Laramie property worthwhile. A devoted staff of local people have created a very wonderful experience for anyone interested in learning more about Laramie, the Ivinson's and history. The young docents that lead tours are very informative and mature which adds to any tour of the museum.
7. Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse EcoSanctuary
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Marsha S - Colorado Springs, Colorado
Deerwood Ranch is only a few miles outside Laramie on the way to Yellowstone National Park. Recommend that you stay at the nearby Old Corral and Steakhouse (a unique cowboy experience) in Centennial the night before to rest up for this wonderful wild horse tour. There are only three Federal wild horse sanctuaries in the United States. Deerwood exceeded all my expectations about getting close to wild horses. Be sure to bring an extra battery pack for your digital device.
8. Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By 007BigBlue - Denver, Colorado
Always great to see good ol Abe looking over us as we safely travel across this great United States of America.
9. Laramie Plains Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Housed in the Ivinson Mansion, this museum contains exhibits of pioneer life in Wyoming.
Reviewed By Arizonacandi - Tucson, Arizona
Spend a pleasant hour or two at this elegant museum. You'll see 19 pieces of beautifully carved chairs, tables, and cabinets, done by a prisoner who was serving a 3-year term for cashing a bad $25 check. You'll see a shower purchased at the Chicago Worlds Fair - never mind that they only used it twice because the water pressure (not to mention temperature) was so poor. You'll see fabulous collections of crystal and China and nik naks, among the priceless furnishings. Our young tour guide (I think his name was Collin) was so knowledgeable, both in what he told us and in answering our questions. You may be surprised at the turn-of-the-century sophistication depicted in this former home. And don't forget to stop at the gift shop - I loaded up on Christmas gifts! Lots of unusual and local options. We truly enjoyed our tour of the Plains Museum and would love to return (I'll bet it's magnificent at Christmas!).
10. Laramie Mural Project
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Since 2011 the Laramie Mural Project has worked with local artists and the UW Art Museum to paint a series of large scale murals through the historic district that are reflective of Laramie's cultural and social assets. Take a walking tour of each mural by picking up a guide at the Laramie Main Street Alliance, 207 Grand Ave. or the Tourism Board (Visit Laramie) at 210 Custer. When taking photos, be sure to use the hash tag #laramiemural
Reviewed By Lucky_Eddie - Toronto, Canada
Want some nice art? Sure! Willing to pay for it? No way! Okay, let's do it with other people's money. Great idea! And that's what they did. Pick up a brochure at a number of places around town, including the U-W art museum and find...MoreThanks for visiting downtown Laramie and the murals. To clarify, only the BROCHURE was created with lodging tax dollars. The murals themselves were paid for by the Laramie Main Street Alliance, a 501c 3 not-for-profit working to revitalize the historic district.
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