Laramie Travel Guide, Wyoming

Laramie, Wyoming is located east of the beautiful Medicine Bow Mountains 45 miles west of Cheyenne. Its residents, about 25,000 in number, are happy to live in the cultural capital of Wyoming even if they sometimes have to face some chilly winds that often occur at this elevation of 7,200 feet. But even so the scenery is breathtaking and the friendly feel of the city makes any visitor feel at ease. They won’t feel like they are in a city where everything is designed to please visitors, but that this is just the way the city is.

The town also has a Western feel with ranchlands and rowdy downtown bars that is enhanced during Jubilee Days, a Western party that runs early to mid-July. You can watch rodeos, parades, and fireworks, and the cattle drive. The streets of downtown are full of people that come especially for the event and they can even take part in the events.

If you don’t happen to be in the city during the festivity, the historic downtown is the most interesting part with buildings dating 1870s and retaining the old look. There are also special shops, hand made wooden furniture stores, local artists' work shops modern art galleries, the Wyoming Territorial Prison Gift Shop and the Art Museum Store with wonderful items gathered from around the world, all of which make shopping in Laramie a unique experience.

The old downtown area is also the best place to find a good restaurant and venues that feature live music.

Other attractions in town include The Laramie Plains Museum, a Victorian home with furniture dating 1890s. You can buy some interesting things to buy at the Laramie Plains Museum Gift Shop.

The Wyoming Children's Museum and Nature Center, located in beautiful LaBonte Park of Laramie is a favorite among the children where they can spend hours without getting bored. The place boasts hands-on exhibits and a general store where they can do face painting and are even offered the possibility to have their birthday party here. At the Nature Center they can see many live animals including the Great Horned Owl.

Other smaller animal, that is insects, can be seen at the Insect Gallery where they can learn a lot of things about insects with the help of educational displays. Guided tours are also possible on demand and the good thing about it is that it there is no entrance fee.

Outdoor options in summer include the Curt Gowdy State Park some 23 miles southeast of Laramie. It is a great place to have a picnic and camp. The two lakes in the area provide good opportunities for a boat ride provided that you bring your own.

If you come in winter there is the Snowy Range Ski Area to make your vacation happen. Located in the incredible Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, there are facilities to make sure you won’t be short of anything, whatever you need for skiing and having a wonderful time is right at hand. The four chairlifts will make skiing quite enjoyable as they can get you quickly to the top while the trails varying according to difficulty level will keep everybody happy be it beginner or expert. Snowboarding is also on option and there are lessons for those not yet initiated.

Sybille Wildlife Research & Conservation Education Unit is one of the country's leading state wildlife research facilities. It deals with studies of wildlife diseases, endangered species capture and propagation, nutrition, physiology, and genetics.

From the sports fans, to those who want to take in all the major museums and attractions, this city can satisfy your every request.