Laramie: History, Museums and Green Spaces

When looking for a hotel for a trip to Laramie, you can decide in advance what you want to focus on: local history, museum visits or time in green spaces. Historic buildings, university collections, rotating exhibitions and Laramie River Greenbelt Park offer different starting points for planning your trip. Make a note of the topics that matter to you, and compare hotels based on the purpose of your stay.

Historic Buildings and Local History

Wyoming Territorial Prison in Laramie operates as a museum and is part of the historic site Wyoming Territorial Park. The prison building was constructed in 1872 and restored in 1989. The combination of architectural history and its current use as a museum offers a tangible way to explore the city's history.

Laramie Plains Museum is also dedicated to preserving historic buildings, grounds and collections. The historic house museum complex presents these subjects through tours, exhibitions, publications and special events. Ivinson Mansion is another notable historic building: the three-story house in the Victorian Queen Anne style was built in 1892 by Edward and Jane Ivinson.

You can also encounter local history in public spaces. The Laramie Mural Project began in 2011 and has supported more than 20 murals in the heart of the historic downtown. Each mural in the project was painted by a local artist. The Laramie walking tour brochure covers Civil War veterans, internationally renowned educators and women who served on the world's first mixed-gender juries. Historic Architecture Tour 1 covers ten city blocks; two optional detours add about five blocks.

Museums, Art and Exhibitions

The University of Wyoming Geological Museum displays fossils, rocks, minerals and meteorites. These collections give visitors a chance to learn about the geology of Wyoming and beyond. Exhibits related to Wyoming 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. and closed on Sundays and major holidays. Check the hours before your visit.

The University of Wyoming Art Museum is located on the university campus in Laramie and offers education and entertainment for the whole family throughout the year. Special programs, lectures, exhibition openings, workshops, classes and tours are held regularly. Specific programs may change, so checking the current schedule can help you plan.

Exhibitions at the American Heritage Center also change frequently. The center is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It may be closed around holidays and in accordance with the academic calendar, so it is a good idea to check visiting hours in advance. Historic Laramie Railroad Depot is located at the intersection of 1st Street and Kearney Street downtown.

Green Spaces and Time Outdoors

Laramie River Greenbelt Park stretches 5.75 miles between Garfield Street and Spruce Street. The park has a path for walking and jogging, opportunities for fishing in the river, a dog run and a playground. This offers different ways to spend time outdoors, without confusing one amenity with another.

Laramie has more than a dozen city parks. Amenities include a seasonally staffed fishing pond, a skate park, a splash pad, a wading pool, jogging and biking trails, picnic shelters and playgrounds. The University of Wyoming Conservatory adds to these options with tropical and subtropical plants and lush living plant collections for visitors to experience.

Events and Changing Experiences

The first Laramie Jubilee Days celebration took place in 1940, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Wyoming statehood on July 10, 1890. Jubilee Days events include street dances and parades, food and beer festivals downtown, and a rodeo. The specific lineup may vary from year to year, so it is worth checking the dates and program for your planned visit.

Whether you are most interested in historic architecture, changing museum exhibitions or trails through green spaces, these different options can help you plan your trip to Laramie and search for hotel deals that suit your travel dates.

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