Are you planning a trip to Laramie? If yes, you are at the right place where you will learn about the things to do in Laramie, WY?
Laramie, Wyoming, is also famous as the Gem City of Plains. Here, you will find nothing but captivating Western history, art, and sciences. Those who love wandering and getting lost in strange streets will love this town because it is beautiful, full of greenery, clean and well-maintained streets, and welcoming locals.
The rich history and heritage of Laramie have several things to teach you about how America evolved and improved. Whether Ivinson Mansion or Wyoming Territorial Prison, every building has a story to tell.
Things to Do in Laramie WY
Let us find out the best things to do in Laramie, MY.
1- Visit the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
Wyoming Territorial Prison State is the only prison-turned-museum in Wyoming. Governor John Campbell built this prison in 1872 to punish and rehabilitate the lawbreakers. Despite being so old, the building still stands well and is the oldest building in Wyoming.
By visiting this museum, you will learn a lot about how prisoners were treated back then. The ID cards are still on display, letting tourists know about the notorious acts that led people behind bars.
2- Spend an Afternoon at the Laramie River Greenbelt Park
Located in the Garfield and Spruce, Laramie River Greenbelt is a beautiful lush green park spread around 5 miles. When you are in Laramie, dedicate an afternoon to this site where you can do many activities. You can hike, go fishing, boating, rent a bicycle for rides, and interact with birds and wildlife.
The peaceful silence is becoming soothing with the musical sounds of birds and animals. Try doing yoga or meditation because this is an ideal place to get in touch with your inner being.
3- Observe the Evolution at the University of Wyoming Geological Museum
Nobody would mind learning about the planet Earth’s evolution, especially if the teaching method is not dull. The Geological Museum at the University of Wyoming is the place where you can learn about change through fossils and rock artifacts. You can visit this place as it can engross anyone, even if you don’t have any interest in Geology.
The fossils of giant dinosaurs, including the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Stegosaurus, and others from prehistoric periods, fill the museum. The most mind-blowing thing on display here is the fossils of the Apatosaurus, the giant land animal ever.
4- Learn Frontier Living at the Laramie Plains Museum
Laramie Plains Museum is an astonishing building that attracts the attention of all tourists who visit Laramie. This building has served multiple historical purposes before finally ending up as a museum.
Edward Ivinson made this building and named it the Ivinson Mansion in the 19th century. The successful businessman of Laramie lived with his family before giving the house to the Episcopal Missionary District of Wyoming. Then this building was a girl’s school from 1958 to 1972. Now you can check out the furniture dating back to when it was a home and a school. Many hidden things will surprise you about the way of living and school culture.
5- Go Through the Papers at the American Heritage Center
Visiting the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming is one of the most exciting things to do in Laramie, WY. This museum is perfect for learning about old American citizens, local history, and other landmark collections. A teacher and a historian named Grace Raymond Hebard took on the journey of collecting artifacts and papers from the early pioneers of Wyoming.
She successfully researched and came up with eye-opening facts about the West and Native Americans. You will come across photographs, research papers, artifacts, and other things to learn about local history.
6- Learn Botany at the Rocky Mountain Herbarium
Rocky Mountain Herbarium ranks 75th in the list of the world’s herbaria, which are 2,962 in number, and 15th in the country. The vast collection of plants and fungi displayed inside the herbarium is an opportunity for visitors to broaden their horizons of knowledge.
Even those who hate the subject of Botany in college will fall in love with the collection of plants. There is a display of around one million specimens there. If you are serious about learning botany, you can join the guided tour and learn about plants and biology.
7- Visit the St. Matthew’s Cathedral
If you want to explore the architecture of old times in Laramie, visit St. Matthew’s Cathedral. It was built during the years 1892 and 1896. The cathedral is a beautiful example of a traditional cruciform design made using sandstone. Edward Ivinson built the towers of the building in 1916 in remembrance of his late wife.
The cross at the top of the tower is at a height of around 7,000 feet from sea level. This fact makes this cathedral the highest one in the USA. Whenever you are there, you can also visit the best USA state parks!
Final Verdict
One of the most underrated cities in the USA has to be Laramie. It is a hidden gem with natural beauty, rich history, and modern art. This cowboy town is so vibrant that you will want to revisit it.
The list mentioned above will guide you to what places are must-visit. Territorial Prison, Greenbelt Park, and the University of Wyoming are the top three places you should not leave Laramie without visiting. What sets Laramie apart from other cities in the USA is that traveling and exploring here is relatively cheap, yet the experiences are rich.
FAQs About Things to Do in Laramie WY
Laramie, Wyoming, outperforms many cities in the world by its way of maintaining landmark structures and artifacts historically. This is the perfect vacation destination for history lovers with the geological museum, cathedral from the 1800s, the heritage center, and much more!
You can explore the downtown, interact with locals, and learn about local history at different campuses at the University of Wyoming.
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