Laramie Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Laramie is a place where the spirit of the American West feels tangibly alive. Situated on the high plains between the Laramie Range and the Snowy Range, this city is more than just a stop on Interstate 80; it is a gateway to high-altitude adventure and deep historical roots. The air here is thin and crisp, carrying the scent of sagebrush and the energy of a bustling university town that hasn’t forgotten its cowboy past.

Visitors are often surprised by the diversity of experiences available in the “Gem City.” One moment you might be standing in the cell of a notorious outlaw, and thirty minutes later, you could be climbing ancient granite formations that look like they were stacked by giants. Whether you are here to cheer on the Wyoming Cowboys or escape into the Medicine Bow National Forest, Laramie offers a rugged, authentic charm that is increasingly rare.

The Wild West Roots

Laramie was born from the Union Pacific Railroad in the 1860s, earning a reputation early on as a “Hell on Wheels” tent city. Unlike many boomtowns that faded into ghost towns, Laramie evolved. It became the site of the first woman to vote in a general election in the world in 1870. This pioneering spirit is etched into the architecture of the downtown district, where Victorian facades house modern breweries and tech startups, yet the train whistle still echoes through the streets day and night.

Today, that history is meticulously preserved. You can walk the same streets where lawmen and outlaws once clashed, but now you’ll find murals depicting that history rather than bullet holes, though if you look closely at the mirror in the Buckhorn Bar, you might still find one of those, too.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Wyoming Territorial Prison - Walk the halls of this imposing stone structure built in 1872. It housed over 1,000 convicts, including Butch Cassidy, before becoming a stock farm. Admission is approx. $9 USD. Located 2 miles from downtown.

Vedauwoo Recreation Area - A geological wonder of 1.4 billion-year-old Sherman Granite. These gravity-defying rock stacks are a mecca for climbers and hikers. Located 18 miles east of Laramie on I-80 ($5 USD day use fee).

Laramie Plains Museum - Housed in the stunning Ivinson Mansion, this museum offers a window into the lives of Laramie’s founding families. The restored Victorian home is filled with period artifacts. Tours are approx. $10 USD. Located downtown.

University of Wyoming Campus - The only four-year university in the state features beautiful sandstone buildings and Prexy’s Pasture. Don’t miss the Geological Museum (free admission) to see a 75-foot Apatosaurus skeleton.

Planning Your Visit

Laramie sits at 7,220 feet above sea level, which is higher than Denver. Visitors coming from sea level should drink twice as much water as usual and take it easy on the first day to avoid altitude sickness. The sun is intense at this elevation, so sunscreen is mandatory even in winter.

The wind in Laramie is legendary. Regardless of the season, bring a windbreaker or shell layer. If you are visiting in winter or shoulder seasons, keep a close eye on weather reports, as I-80 can close due to ground blizzards. A car is essential for exploring the surrounding scenic byways and trailheads.

Laramie is a destination that rewards those who appreciate the raw beauty of the high plains. Whether you come for the summer rodeo energy of Jubilee Days or the quiet solitude of a winter snowshoe trek, the Gem City offers a genuine slice of Wyoming life.