Laramie
Around Laramie
Photo: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · Wyoming · 39k people
Laramie
“Gem City”
Where the high plains meet the Snowy Range
University of Wyoming goldUniversity of Wyoming brownWyoming sky blue
Welcome to Laramie, the heart of the high plains. Whether you're here for the university, the mountains, or the wide-open spaces, you'll find a friendly community that loves the outdoors. Grab a cup of cowboy coffee and settle in.
Clubs for Laramie
No clubs for Laramie yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Laramie. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Laramie. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- University of Wyoming The state's only four-year university, with the iconic Old Main.
- War Memorial Stadium Home of the Wyoming Cowboys football team, known for its high altitude.
- Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site A restored 1872 prison that housed Butch Cassidy.
- Vedauwoo Recreation Area Famous for its granite rock formations and climbing routes.
- Snowy Range (Medicine Bow National Forest) Alpine peaks, hiking trails, and ski area above Laramie.
- Curt Gowdy State Park Reservoir for fishing, boating, and miles of mountain bike trails.
- Outdoors Hike the Snowy Range
- Outdoors Fish the North Platte
- With kids Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
- With kids Laramie Plains Museum
- Evenings Cowboy bars with live music
- Evenings Microbreweries in downtown Laramie
- Locals love Trout streams
- Locals love Mountain trails
Through the year
- Laramie Jubilee Days July Rodeo, parade, and street fair celebrating Independence Day.
- Wyoming State Fair August Livestock shows, rodeo, carnival, and concerts in Douglas.
- Platte County Fair August County fair with 4-H exhibits, rodeo, and demolition derby in Wheatland.
- Hobo Pool Opening Day Summer Seasonal opening of Saratoga's free hot springs pool.
- Rawhide Days June Lusk's celebration with a parade, rodeo, and street dances.
High-altitude semi-arid climate with big temperature swings, strong winds, and over 300 days of sunshine a year. Best: Late spring through early fall offers mild days and cool nights, perfect for outdoor adventures.
Talk like a local
- “The Snowies”
- The Snowy Range mountains west of Laramie.
- “Wyo”
- Short for Wyoming, used in local pride.
- “Cowboy”
- Nickname for University of Wyoming students and athletes.
- “Laramie wind”
- The constant wind that blows across the high plains.
Getaways
- Cheyenne Frontier Days Catch the world's largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration.
- Fort Collins Explore Old Town, craft breweries, and the Cache la Poudre River.
- Steamboat Springs Ski, soak in hot springs, and enjoy mountain-town charm.
- Boulder Hike the Flatirons and wander Pearl Street Mall.
Local flavour
Teams
- Wyoming Cowboys NCAA Division I
- Wyoming Cowgirls NCAA Division I
Also rooting for Denver Broncos (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Eat and drink
- Wyoming beef Locally raised cattle, often served as steaks or burgers.
- Bison burgers Lean and hearty, a staple in cowboy country.
- Elk steaks Game meat from the nearby mountains, often featured in local eateries.
- Trout from the North Platte Fresh-caught rainbow or brown trout, a favorite for anglers.
- Cowboy coffee Strong, campfire-brewed coffee, reflecting the outdoor ranching culture.
Where people go
- Rodeo arenas From local rodeos to the big Wyoming State Rodeo in nearby Douglas, a core cultural hub.
- Mountain trails Hiking and skiing in the Snowy Range and Medicine Bow National Forest.
- Cowboy bars Honky-tonk style saloons with live country music and a rustic feel.
- Dude ranches Guest ranches offering horseback riding and western experiences.
- Wide-open plains Vast, empty landscapes that define the region's character.
Heritage and traditions
Laramie is proud of its Western heritage, from cowboy culture and rodeos to the University of Wyoming, and its stunning natural landscapes that offer endless outdoor adventures.
This time of year in Laramie
- Fall harvest Fall Hunting season and local game dinners.
- Football season Fall University of Wyoming Cowboys games in the fall.
Say it like a local: “Wyoming wind” — A phrase for a sudden snowstorm, common in high-altitude weather.
Festivals
- Laramie Jubilee Days July Annual celebration with rodeos, parades, and concerts in July.
- Wyoming State Fair August Agricultural fair with livestock shows, food, and entertainment in Douglas.
- Oregon Trail Days Summer Historical reenactments and pioneer heritage events in Guernsey.
- Platte County Fair Summer Local fair with carnival rides, exhibits, and community gatherings in Wheatland.
- Rawhide Days Summer Western heritage celebration with rodeo and music in Lusk.
- Laramie Art Walk Monthly Monthly gallery strolls showcasing local artists and crafts.
Landmarks with a story
- Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site A former prison from 1872, now a museum.
- Oregon Trail Ruts Preserved wagon wheel ruts from the 1840s pioneers.
- Guernsey State Park Historic park with Civilian Conservation Corps structures and trails.
- Laramie Plains Museum Museum in a historic mansion showcasing local history.
- Fort Laramie National Historic Site Important fur trade and military outpost (nearby, but a regional landmark).
- Vedauwoo Recreation Area Unique rock formations, sacred to Native Americans, now a climbing spot.
Food traditions
- Wyoming beef Locals pride themselves on high-quality beef, often grilled or smoked.
- Bison burgers Lean and flavorful, a nod to the region's ranching and wildlife heritage.
- Elk steaks Game meat from the mountains, often served in local restaurants.
- Trout from the North Platte Freshly caught trout, often pan-fried, a staple for anglers.
- Cowboy coffee Strong, black coffee brewed over a campfire, a tradition of the range.
Music and arts
- Country and Western music Live music in bars and festivals, with a strong cowboy tradition.
- Western art Paintings and sculptures depicting ranch life and landscapes.
- Folk music Local singer-songwriters perform at coffeehouses and events.
- Native American crafts Beadwork and pottery from regional tribes, sold at markets.
A little history
- 1868 Founded as a railroad town along the Union Pacific line.
- 1872 Wyoming Territorial Prison opened, housing notorious outlaws.
- 1886 University of Wyoming established, becoming the state's only four-year university.
- 1869 Wyoming granted women the right to vote, a first in the nation.
- Late 1800s The region saw cattle ranching boom and bust cycles.
Rivalries
- Border War Wyoming Cowboys vs Colorado State Rams in football and basketball.
- Wyoming vs Air Force Falcons and Cowboys clash in the Mountain West.
- Wyoming vs Utah State Aggies and Cowboys battle for conference positioning.
- Game day Wyoming Cowboys football
- Game day Rodeo events
- Outdoors Hike the Snowy Range
- Outdoors Fish the North Platte
- With kids Rodeo events
- With kids Hiking in Snowy Range
Locals speak with a Western American accent, often using cowboy slang and a laid-back, friendly tone. Words like 'howdy' and 'y'all' are common, and they take pride in the state's rugged, independent character.
Only here
- The University of Wyoming's 'Cowboy Joe' is a beloved mascot.
- Laramie is one of the highest cities in the U.S., at over 7,000 feet.
- The Snowy Range offers alpine scenery just a short drive from town.
- Vedauwoo's rock formations are unique, drawing climbers from afar.
New here? A few tips
- Be prepared for strong winds and sudden weather changes; always carry a jacket.
- Embrace the local cowboy culture by trying a rodeo or a country bar.
- Learn to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and fishing to make the most of the area.
- Drive carefully on mountain roads, especially in winter; check road conditions.
- Support local businesses, from coffee shops to ranches, to feel part of the community.
Make this page better
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Nearby
Every areaCheyenneWyomingA warm welcome on the high plainsFort Collins–LovelandColoradoWhere the Rockies meet your glassGreeleyColoradoA welcoming heart on the high plains.Steamboat SpringsColoradoWhere the West meets the powderGranbyColoradoWhere the river begins and the stars shine bright.Torrington–WheatlandWyomingBig skies, honest work, and the Oregon Trail’s footsteps.BoulderColoradoWhere the mountains meet the mindsScottsbluffNebraskaWhere the plains meet the bluff.
Laramie, WY. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.