Laramie: Museums, History and Trails along the Laramie River

Laramie can be explored through museums, historic buildings, murals and trails along the Laramie River. The city combines cultural history with opportunities for exercise and varied days on vacation. If you are looking for a vacation rental in Laramie, you can plan your trip around whether you want to visit historic sites, see exhibitions or spend time in nature.

Culture and History in Laramie

The Wyoming Territorial Prison is operated as a museum and is part of the historic site Wyoming Territorial Park. The prison was built in 1872 and restored in 1989. The Laramie Plains Museum, a historic house museum complex with buildings, grounds and collections, offers another insight into the past. Guided tours, exhibitions, publications and special events are among its offerings.

The Ivinson Mansion also represents the city’s history. The three-story Victorian building in the Queen Anne style was built in 1892 by Edward and Jane Ivinson. The Art Museum is also located on the campus of the University of Wyoming. It offers education and entertainment for the whole family year-round and regularly hosts special programs, lectures, exhibition openings, workshops, classes and guided tours.

Museums and Green Breaks

The Geological Museum at the University of Wyoming displays fossils, rocks, minerals and meteorites. Visitors can learn about the geology of Wyoming and beyond through them. Exhibits include Big Al and a 75-foot Apatosaurus exhibit. The museum is open to the public and offers free admission. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; it is closed on Sundays and major holidays. You can take these hours into account when planning a museum day.

For outdoor exercise, the Laramie River Greenbelt Park is a good option. It stretches for 5.75 miles between Garfield Street and Spruce Street. The park offers a path for walking and jogging, fishing in the river, a dog run and a playground. Laramie also has more than a dozen city parks with amenities such as a seasonally staffed fishing pond, a skate park, a splash pad, a wading pool, jogging and cycling paths, picnic shelters and playgrounds. The Conservatory at the University of Wyoming adds tropical and subtropical plants as well as lush living plant collections to this selection.

Historic Perspectives and Special Experiences

The Historic Laramie Railroad Depot is located at the intersection of 1st Street and Kearney Street in downtown Laramie. The American Heritage Center is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; its exhibitions change frequently. The Laramie Mural Project offers a special view of the cityscape. It began in 2011 and has supported more than 20 murals in the heart of the historic downtown. Each of these murals was painted by a local artist.

Anyone who would like to view architecture on foot can plan the Historic Architecture Tour 1. This walking tour is ten blocks long; two optional detours extend it by about five blocks. The Laramie Jubilee Days are also noteworthy for a stay focused on regional traditions. The first celebration took place in 1940 and commemorated the 50th anniversary of Wyoming’s statehood on July 10, 1890. The Laramie Jubilee Days include street dances, parades, food and beer festivals downtown, as well as the rodeo.

Which Accommodation Fits Your Travel Plans?

When looking for a vacation rental in Laramie, it is worthwhile to use your preferred daily routine as a guide. For trips focused on culture, museums, historic buildings, changing exhibitions and murals are at the center. Those looking for outdoor recreation can combine walks and jogging in Greenbelt Park with the amenities of the city parks. Families will find a variety of ideas for spending time together at the Art Museum, Greenbelt Park and several parks. A vacation rental provides a suitable base for your own plans, without requiring you to limit your trip to just one activity.

For another travel idea, you can also discover Buford.

For the overview of the wider area: Albany.