Places to visit in Laramie, WY.
If you are visiting Wyoming, you will want to check out Laramie, a quaint town with many exciting things to do. There are plenty of museums, historical sights, and outdoor activities. You can experience Laramie’s wild side by taking an ATV ride along LaBonte Canyon or taking a snowmobile tour of the Snowy Range Ski Area.
If you plan a trip to Laramie, Wyoming, there are several things to see and do. These attractions include the Laramie Plains Museum and the University of Wyoming Art Museum. Those interested in history can also stop by the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site.
Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site is a beautiful and historic place in Laramie, Wyoming. This site features an original prison, which was built in 1872. It is one of the oldest buildings in Wyoming. You can find out about its history, as well as the infamous outlaws that it housed.
The Wyoming Territorial Prison was converted into a museum in the early 1990s. The restored building contains many exhibits that detail the history of the prison. There are also a few attractions that you can enjoy at the site.
Initially, the prison was built to serve as a federal penitentiary. In the 1870s, the state of Wyoming received $400,000 from U.S. Congress to build the facility. The building is constructed of two-foot-thick sandstone blocks. The center section is a two-and-a-half-story building with lower mansard-roofed wings.
Laramie Railroad Depot
The Laramie Railroad Depot is an excellent place to start if you want to learn more about the railroads that shaped the Great Plains. This is because it was used as a passenger terminal by both Union Pacific and Amtrak for nearly five decades. With the advent of the automobile, traveling by rail went the way of the dodo, but the Laramie Railroad Depot still serves the community today.
In the past few years, the Laramie Railroad Depot has re-emerged into the public eye. The building is now owned and operated by the Laramie Railroad Depot Association. They have updated the website, including several new photos and videos. While there, you’ll see a slew of railroad memorabilia and, perhaps most importantly, a steam engine restored to its original condition.
The University of Wyoming Art Museum
The University of Wyoming Art Museum, located in the Centennial Complex on the main campus in Laramie, Wyoming, offers a year-round source of art and entertainment for the community. Its collections include American and European art, photography, and special collections.
The museum also provides educational programs to students, families, and visitors. Special events and exhibitions are regularly held. In addition to its permanent collections, the museum has a photography collection and exhibits representing various periods, styles, and cultures.
The Art Museum is a great place to learn about the many cultures of the United States and the world. With over 8,000 objects in its permanent collection, the University of Wyoming Art Museum has something for everyone.
Aside from its extensive collections, the University of Wyoming Art Museum also has a dedicated education program that engages the community. This includes an education studio, nine galleries, and seven storage vaults to care for its permanent collections.
Geological Museum
The University of Wyoming Geological Museum is a free museum that has a lot to offer. This museum features a wide array of fossils, minerals, and rocks. Its displays help you to learn about the history of Wyoming and the geologic formations that make up this state.
USA Quiz
How many questions would you like?
Many exhibits include a fully mounted skeleton of an Apatosaurus dinosaur, or “Big Al.” In addition, the museum has a prep lab where visitors can observe the preparation of fossils. Other dinosaur displays include a tyrannosaurus, or t-rex, and an allosaurus.
The University of Wyoming Geological Museum is devoted to public education and scientific research. They also host fun events for the community, such as Jurassic Park viewing parties.
Laramie Plains Museum
The Laramie Plains Museum in Laramie, Wyoming, is the place to go if you want to learn about the history of this city. The museum displays artifacts, period furnishings, and an extensive collection of local art. In addition, you can learn about the city’s social history through guided tours, special events, and exhibits.
The Laramie Plains Museum is a part of the National Register of Historic Places. It also houses a brick residence that was constructed in 1883. Today, you can tour the house, including three floors of historical and area artifacts.
There is also a fragrance garden surrounding a flagstone area. These gardens are located southwest of the Alice Hardy Stevens center. Some of the flowers in the park include poppies, foxgloves, clematis, and roses.
Best Things to Do in Laramie, Wyoming
Places to visit in Laramie, WY:
- Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
- Laramie Railroad Depot
- The University of Wyoming Art Museum
- Geological Museum
- Laramie Plains Museum