Laramie brings together different ways to explore history, art and nature, from a historic house museum complex and fossils to trails in Laramie River Greenbelt Park. You can tailor your stay to your interests, focusing on exhibits and architecture or spending time in urban green spaces.
Historic Buildings and Laramie's Past
Wyoming Territorial Prison operates as a museum and is part of the Wyoming Territorial Park historic site. The prison was built in 1872 and restored in 1989. The Laramie Plains Museum offers a different perspective on the city's history: this historic house museum complex preserves buildings, grounds and collections through tours, exhibits, publications and special events.
The Ivinson Mansion is another highlight of Laramie's architecture. This three-story Victorian building in the Queen Anne style was built by Edward and Jane Ivinson in 1892. If you're especially interested in the city's history, the Laramie walking tour brochure covers a range of topics, including Civil War veterans, internationally renowned educators and women who served on the world's first mixed-gender juries.
Historic Architecture Tour 1 is ten blocks long, with two optional detours adding about five blocks. These distances give you a concrete point of reference when comparing the architecture route with a shorter or longer walk. The Laramie Mural Project offers another look at the historic downtown: it began in 2011 and has supported more than 20 murals there. Each mural was painted by a local artist.
Museums, Art and Living Collections
At the University of Wyoming Geological Museum, fossils, rocks, minerals and meteorites offer insights into the geology of Wyoming and beyond. Discoveries from Wyoming on display include Big Al and a 75-foot Apatosaurus exhibit. The museum is open to the public, and admission is free. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; it is closed on Sundays and major holidays. Check opening hours and access requirements before your visit.
The University of Wyoming Art Museum is located on the university campus and offers education and entertainment for the whole family throughout the year. Special programs, lectures, exhibition openings, workshops, classes and tours are held regularly; the specific program may vary. If you're more interested in plants, the University of Wyoming Conservatory features tropical and subtropical plants as well as lush living plant collections.
The American Heritage Center offers its own way to explore history and changing topics, with exhibits that change frequently. The Center is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; holiday and closure dates follow the academic calendar. Check current opening hours and exhibits to help plan your visit.
Trails and Green Spaces Along the Laramie River
Laramie River Greenbelt Park stretches 5.75 miles between Garfield Street and Spruce Street. The park has a trail for walking and jogging, fishing access on the river, a dog run and a playground. This makes it an option if you'd like to combine outdoor exercise with other amenities in a green space.
Laramie also has more than a dozen city parks. Park amenities include a seasonally staffed fishing pond, a skate park, a splash pad, a wading pool, jogging and biking trails, picnic shelters and playgrounds. This variety offers several ways to spend time outdoors; not every amenity is located in the same park.
City History and Events
Historic Laramie Railroad Depot is located at the intersection of 1st Street and Kearney Street downtown. Laramie Jubilee Days offers another way to experience the city's history: its first celebration took place in 1940 to mark the 50th anniversary of Wyoming's statehood on July 10, 1890. The program includes street dances, parades, food and beer festivals downtown, and a rodeo. Individual offerings may vary from year to year, so check the dates and program for your travel period.
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