Albany County, home to the vibrant town of Laramie, is a place where the wild spirit of the West meets a dynamic cultural and educational hub. Here, you don't just visit history—you walk in the footsteps of outlaws and pioneers against the backdrop of the stunning Rocky Mountains.

Structure your unforgettable journey around these key themes to craft the ultimate Wyoming experience.

The Wyoming Territorial Prison in Laramie

Western and Cultural Heritage

Step directly into the storied past of the "Equality State," where history was made and legends were born.

Tracing the Outlaws and Trailblazers

  • The Outlaw's Legacy at the Territorial Prison: Stand in the shadow of American history at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, once home to the infamous Butch Cassidy. Tour the preserved facility, walk the cell blocks, and uncover the raw stories of frontier law—a potent reminder of the region's untamed past.

  • A Gilded Age Glimpse: Step back to the late 1800s at the majestic Laramie Plains Museum at the Ivinson Mansion. This beautifully restored historic home offers a window into the luxurious life of Laramie’s founding families and life on the Wyoming frontier.

  • Pioneering Spirit and Equal Rights: Discover Wyoming's profound role as the first state to grant full equal voting rights to women. Explore the Wyoming Women's History House and trace the footsteps of trailblazers like Louisa Swain, the first woman to cast an equal vote in a general election.

  • The Iron Horse Heritage: Feel the powerful pulse of the West at the Laramie Railroad Depot. Learn about the Union Pacific’s foundation of the town and capture the perfect photo of the massive steam engine and snow car on display. Don't miss the thrilling rumble of the tracks from the iconic Union Pacific Railroad Footbridge.

Arts and Downtown Delights

Laramie's historic downtown is a hub of creativity, retail therapy and collegiate energy, making it a perfectly walkable destination.

Murals, Boutiques and Craft

  • The Urban Canvas (Mural Tour): Take a self-guided tour of the vibrant Laramie Mural Project. Full-wall masterpieces, created by local artists, adorn the historic buildings, transforming the area into an open-air art gallery. Seek out favorites like the Gill Street mural and the impactful Historic Hidden Figure project.

  • Unique Shopping Treasures: Browse locally owned shops and boutiques for one-of-a-kind finds. Discover seven art galleries featuring high-quality Wyoming-themed art, pottery, jewelry and authentic Western styles, perfect for souvenirs. 

  • Craftsman Co-op and Gear: Visit the nationally recognized Bent & Rusty, the country’s largest craftsman co-op or outfit yourself for the High Plains adventure at Range Leather for handmade leather goods and Martindale’s Western Store for classic Western wear, just to name a few. 

Chips and Dip at Sweet Melissa's resaurant.

Food and Nightlife

Experience a dynamic culinary scene where college town eclectic meets rugged Wyoming flavor, offering something for every palate.

Tastes of the New West

  • Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives: Feast like a Food Network star! Laramie boasts multiple eateries featured on Guy Fieri's show, including Born in a Barn, The Alibi and Sweet Melissa's, promising top-notch, award-winning meals.

  • Wyoming Cuisine: From hearty steaks and funky fries to craft burgers, wings, and global cuisine, Laramie offers delights for every palate. Be sure to grab a fantastic steak dinner or try the local craft burgers.

  • The Brewery Trail: Cap off your day with Laramie’s renowned walkable Brewery Tour. Stop at any of the five downtown breweries to sample award-winning, locally-made ales and experience the lively local nightlife.

Aerial view of the Snowy Range Scenic Byway and Medicine Bow National Forest

Outdoors and Adventure

Laramie is the ultimate launchpad for year-round recreation in the breathtaking Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and Snowy Range Mountains.

The Snowy Range Wilderness

  • Snowy Range Scenic Byway: Take one of the most magnificent drives in the region. This high-altitude route (open late May–mid-November) cuts through the forest, offering unparalleled access to stunning alpine lakes, high-country trout fishing and observation points near 11,000 feet.

  • Four Seasons Fun in Medicine Bow: 
    • Summer/Fall: Enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing and kayaking on high alpine lakes. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as moose, foxes and marmots.
    • Winter Sports: Head to the cozy town of Centennial, your base camp for access to the affordable and family-friendly Snowy Range Ski Area for downhill skiing or explore miles of snowmobile trails featuring fresh powder and stunning vistas.
Crack climbing in Vedauwoo Recreation Area

Vedauwoo Recreation Area: Granite Towers and World-Class Climbing

  • Ancient Rock Playground: Explore the otherworldly granite formations at Vedauwoo (meaning "earth-born" in Arapaho). These 1.4-billion-year-old Sherman Granite towers are a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Climbing and Hiking Haven: Vedauwoo is renowned globally for its unique "offwidth" and crack climbing routes. For those on foot, explore the area with miles of trails, including the popular Turtle Rock Loop trail, perfect for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing.

  • Camping and Scenery: Easily accessed just minutes east of Laramie off I-80, Vedauwoo offers excellent camping beneath the massive stone outcrops, perfect for a picnic or a quiet moment to appreciate the profound geological beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I get to Laramie, and is there an airport nearby?

A: Laramie is easily accessible by car, located directly on Interstate 80 (I-80). For air travel, the closest commercial airport is the Laramie Regional Airport (LAR), which offers regional service. Many visitors also fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) in Colorado and drive north (about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive).

Q: What is the typical climate, and what should I know about the altitude?

A: Laramie is a high-altitude city, sitting at an elevation of approximately 7,220 feet (2,200 meters). Visitors may feel the effects of the altitude, so it’s recommended to hydrate and take it easy upon arrival. The climate is semi-arid, featuring cool, pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. Packing layers is advised for any time of year.

Q: Can I visit the University of Wyoming campus, and are there public attractions?

A: Absolutely! As a vibrant college town, the University of Wyoming campus is a central part of Laramie. The campus hosts several public attractions, including the University of Wyoming Art Museum and the Geological Museum, which are open to visitors. The campus itself is also a great place for a walk to soak in the "collegiate energy" mentioned in the guide.