Laramie

Laramie, Wyoming, a city at 7,220 feet elevation, unites rugged adventure with a lively cultural landscape. It is a place where the spirit of the American West remains tangible, offering a distinctive blend of outdoor pursuits, historical locations, and a thriving arts community. As Wyoming's sole university town, Laramie possesses a youthful energy that complements its frontier origins.

Positioned on the high plains of southeastern Wyoming, Laramie is encircled by varied landscapes, including the Medicine Bow National Forest, Snowy Range Mountains, and Vedauwoo Recreation Area. This setting provides a natural expanse for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, climbing, skiing, and wildlife observation. The city itself offers a walkable historic downtown, adorned with murals and local businesses, inviting visitors to explore its past and present.

From Tent City to Trailblazer

Laramie's beginnings trace back to 1868, emerging as a "tent city" with the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad. This strategic position along the first transcontinental railroad quickly transformed it into a bustling center, drawing thousands of workers, alongside gamblers, prostitutes, and criminals. This turbulent period earned Laramie a reputation as a "Hell on Wheels" town, marked by lawlessness, saloon brawls, and gunfights.

Its name honors Jacques La Ramée, a French or French-Canadian trapper who vanished in the nearby Laramie Mountains in the early 1820s. By autumn of its founding year, Laramie had established a public school, three churches, and a national bank, signaling a move towards more permanent settlement.

The Equality State's Early Footprint

Laramie played a central role in Wyoming earning its designation as the "Equality State." In 1869, Wyoming's first legislature passed a bill granting equal political rights to women in the territory. This progressive legislation led to groundbreaking moments in Laramie. In March 1870, five Laramie residents became the first women in the world to serve on a jury. Just months later, on September 6, 1870, Laramie resident Louisa Swain, an 80-year-old pioneer, became the first woman in the United States to cast a legal vote in a general election.

Growth and Education

By the time Wyoming became the 44th state in 1890, Laramie's residential areas were developing with a mix of simple houses and elaborate Victorian homes, many of which are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The establishment of the University of Wyoming (UW) in 1886, the state's only four-year institution of higher education, further shaped Laramie's identity. The university opened its doors to 40 students in 1887, marking a new chapter for the city. Today, Laramie continues to be a spirited university town, blending its Western heritage with a lively arts and culture scene.

Begin your exploration in Laramie's historic downtown, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a self-guided walking tour starting at the Laramie Railroad Depot, which interprets the area's railroad heritage and features a restored Craftsman-style ceiling. Observe the Laramie Mural Project, a collection of large-scale murals by local artists that transform the historic buildings into an open-air art gallery.

Delve into the past at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, an 1872 prison that once held outlaws like Butch Cassidy. On the University of Wyoming campus, visit the University of Wyoming Art Museum and the Geological Museum, which houses dinosaur bones and a T. Rex statue. For a window into Laramie's pioneering past, the Laramie Plains Museum, located in a nationally listed Victorian mansion, offers a comprehensive collection of period antiques.

Beyond the city, the surrounding natural beauty offers ample recreation. Explore Vedauwoo Recreation Area, known globally for its unique rock climbing routes and trails like the Turtle Rock Loop. Drive the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (seasonal closure), which guides you past glacial lakes and over the second-highest mountain pass in Wyoming. The Laramie River Greenbelt Trail offers nearly six miles of scenic paths for hiking and cycling, with opportunities for wildlife spotting.

The most pleasant time to visit Laramie for warm-weather activities is from late June to late August. Summers offer agreeable temperatures, with daytime highs in the low 80s Fahrenheit and cool evenings in the 40s. This period provides comfortable weather for outdoor adventures, with low humidity and generally clear skies. Fall brings cooler temperatures and vivid foliage, making September a good time for outdoor activities and enjoying University of Wyoming football games. Winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from 9°F to 31°F. While cold, Laramie still experiences many sunny days in winter, offering opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in the nearby mountains.

Laramie sits at a high elevation of 7,220 feet, so visitors, especially those from lower altitudes, should hydrate and ease into activities upon arrival to acclimate. The weather can be variable, so packing layers is always a good idea, regardless of the season. Even in summer, a light jacket for evenings is recommended. Sunscreen is also advisable due to the intense sun at high altitude.

While having your own vehicle is useful for exploring areas outside Laramie, the city itself is navigable, and many residents prefer to travel by bicycle. The University of Wyoming Transit & Parking Services offers shuttle bus options around campus and the city, and SafeRide provides fare-free, on-call public transportation. Laramie Regional Airport offers direct flights, or you can fly into Denver International Airport (DIA) and drive approximately 2.5 to 3 hours north.