Laramie Tourist Attractions
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Just under an hour's drive west of Cheyenne is Laramie, named after a French trapper who was murdered in this area in 1821. A military post was built here in 1866 to protect workers building the transcontinental railroad, and two years later the first Union Pacific train reached the town.
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument
The Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument is located on Interstate 80 and is 10 miles south of Laramie. It is an unusual design done up in vertically joined rocks with a 13 foot high bust of Lincoln on the top. Robert Russin of the University of Wyoming built the monument in 1959.
Laramie Plains Museum
The Laramie Plains Museum is housed in the beautifully restored Ivinson Mansion in Laramie, WY. The museum features history of the region coupled with the family background of the Ivinsons. Throughout the Laramie Plains Museum visitors will find rooms done up in the original style filled with period pieces.
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, WY. The university was built in 1887 and many of the buildings have been restored to their original condition. Over 180 programs of study are offered at the University of Wyoming and it is the only university in the state offering baccalaureate and graduate education.
Anthropology Museum
Located on the campus of the University of Wyoming, the Anthropology Museum holds some fascinating specimens. Displays range from items found in Wyoming and other areas in the United States to others from around the world including Africa, Polynesia, Australia, and Asia. The museum is divided into three areas: Gallery of World Cultures, the Wyoming Room, and Anthropology of the West.
Art Museum At University of Wyoming
The Art Museum At University of Wyoming has a large collection of 7000 items featuring paintings, photography, and crafts, among others. The museum also hosts a regular rotation of exhibits of internationally renowned artists throughout the year. Of note is the large education program catering to a diverse patronage ranging from kindergarten children to seniors.
American Heritage Center
Perhaps not on every visitors to do list, the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming is primarily a research facility. Rare and special collections of archives, books, and manuscripts are contained within and can be viewed upon request. Antoine Predock designed the building housing the American Heritage Center.
Geological Museum
The Geological Museum is located on the campus of the University of Wyoming. The museum is housed in the S.H. Knight Geological Building and is located in the Northwest Section of the Campus. There are many displays throughout the museum; some of the more spectacular ones are of the fossilized remains of dinosaurs.
Vedauwoo
The unusually named area of Vedauwoo is located in the Laramie Range of the Rocky Mountains. It is a hot spot for rock climbers who come from far and wide to climb the strange and unusual rock formations. Loosely translated, the name Vedauwoo is a Native American word meaning earth bound sprits.
Wyoming Children's Museum & Nature Center (closed)
ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.The Wyoming Children's Museum located in Laramie, makes a great outing for families. Interactive displays and lots of fun things to do will keep the youngsters occupied for hours. Also on site are animals including a great horned owl called Hissy.
Wyoming Territorial Park
Wyoming Territorial Park located in Laramie, is a restored prison. The building was built in 1872 and housed some famous outlaws including Butch Cassidy. Also on site is a Horse Barn Exhibit that features displays on the prison and the city of Laramie. There are large grounds and picnic tables for those who pack a lunch.
Laramie Mountains
The Laramie Mountains are a range of mountains on the Eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. Most of the peaks are in the 9000 to 9500 foot range. The Laramie Mountains are named after the Laramie River that flows through the range.
