Situated in southeast Wyoming near the borders of Colorado and Nebraska, Laramie has grown from a modest railroad settlement into a place of significant heritage and academic prestige. Founded in 1868 with the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad, the town developed quickly as a center for trade and travel in the West. Once roamed by Native American tribes and explorers, the land surrounding Laramie grew in importance when plans for a transcontinental link brought waves of workers, merchants, and opportunists.
As the 19th century drew to a close, Laramie’s influence in the region grew with the addition of schools, civic buildings, and cultural institutions. By the time Wyoming achieved statehood in 1890, Laramie had already played a central role in shaping the young state’s character. Well known for its unique frontier spirit and strong sense of community, Laramie’s local leaders didn’t hesitate to champion education as a way to push the town (and the region) forward. This is why, when the decision came to establish Wyoming’s flagship university, choosing Laramie made so much sense.
Fast-forward to today, and Laramie’s strong ties with the University of Wyoming (UW) have resulted in a thriving campus community and a tremendous economic and social impact on its host town.
University Of Wyoming History
The University of Wyoming opened its doors in Laramie in 1887, just a year after being founded and three years before Wyoming joined the Union as the 44th state. Legislators and local leaders had long debated where the institution should be founded, ultimately selecting Laramie for its convenient railway access and the community’s keen interest in promoting higher learning. Official records point to individuals like Governor Francis E. Warren as champions of the idea of bringing a university to Laramie that would educate future generations of Wyoming residents.
In its early years, UW welcomed only a small group of students and focused on fields such as agriculture, engineering, and teacher education. From an initial enrollment of fewer than 50 students, the student population grew steadily as the university expanded its academic departments, adding business, liberal arts, earth sciences, and health-related programs to its course offerings. Enrollment grew exponentially in tandem with Wyoming’s economy, and today the institution offers more than 190 areas of study, garnering national attention for its expertise in programs as diverse as petroleum engineering, wildlife biology, and range management.
The success of UW grads also provides an indicator of the institution’s broader impact on the nation. Alumni who have made news-worthy contributions include Dick Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States, businessman Jerry Buss, majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, as well as U.S. Senator Alan Simpson.
The Connection Between “Town and Gown”
Since its founding, the University of Wyoming has served as an economic anchor and cultural touchstone for Laramie. The influx of students each semester not only fuels local businesses but also spurs entrepreneurial ventures spearheaded by locals and students alike. A recent study suggests the university’s contribution to Wyoming’s economy includes the creation of 14,700 jobs and adds more than $720 million to its gross state product (GSP) annually.
Today, UW’s annual enrollment of over 12,000 students adds an infectious, youthful vibe and, at the same time, enriches Laramie’s cultural identity. The close partnership between “Town and Gown” has led to countless events, workshops, and exhibits being made available to locals and visitors alike, while sporting events like Wyoming Cowboys’ football games at War Memorial Stadium regularly attract thousands of fans who fill local restaurants, hotels, and shops.
Homecoming celebrations, pep rallies, and pre-game festivities feature marching bands and parades, along with a surge of school spirit that energizes a supportive community. Cultural institutions such as the UW Art Museum and UW Symphony Orchestra host performances and exhibitions open to all. Local traditions also link the university and the town in memorable ways. Each fall, new and returning students are celebrated with outdoor concerts, block parties, and volunteer opportunities, a much-anticipated shared experience that has helped shape Laramie’s character as a place that celebrates learning and honors its Western roots.
Campus Attractions And Landmarks
It’s for good reason that visitors to Laramie include the University of Wyoming campus on their itinerary. The campus’s mix of historical buildings and modern facilities creates a unique sense of place, especially noticeable as you explore Prexy’s Pasture, the park-like center of campus. Surrounded by iconic buildings like Old Main, the university’s first building completed in 1887 and notable for its elegant clock tower, it’s a delightful place for a stroll as you soak up the sights.
For art enthusiasts, the University of Wyoming Art Museum is housed in a striking teepee-like structure that features skylights designed to capture Wyoming’s abundant sunshine (Wyoming is, after all, the ninth sunniest state in the country). Rotating exhibits cover everything from contemporary sculpture to classic Western art, while educational programs for children and public lectures throughout the year ensure there are plenty of opportunities for residents to get involved. The same building houses the American Heritage Center and its large collections of university archives.
Another must-see is the University of Wyoming Geological Museum. Founded in 1893, it features a variety of interactive displays and artefacts that highlight Wyoming’s fascinating paleontological heritage, including a cast of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skull, along with specimens from the region’s rich dinosaur dig sites. Admission is free, and staff and student volunteers are on hand to explain current research initiatives or offer behind-the-scenes insights.
Laramie’s Top Attractions
Another plus is the fact the UW campus is an easy walk from downtown Laramie (it’s around 20 minutes at a steady pace). On the way, you’ll pass the Laramie Plains Museum, a must-visit for history buffs and lovers of elegant old homes. Housed in the historic Ivinson Mansion, a grand old home built in the late 19th century, it features period furniture, original clothing, and memorabilia from Laramie’s early days. Guided tours are available and offer insights into the region’s frontier past and the personal stories of the Ivinson family, who played important roles in both local education and philanthropy.
Fan of the Old West? Then, stop by the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site. Constructed in 1872 and also an easy walk from campus, the prison once housed notorious outlaws like Butch Cassidy and offers fascinating walking tours, reenactments, and displays that explain the harsh realities of frontier-era justice. The site’s interpretive trails are also fun to explore and include picnic areas.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, head to the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Located just a short drive from the city and covering an area of more than two million acres, this immense forest features hiking trails, campsites, as well as excellent fishing. And when the snow flies, the Snowy Range Ski Area is a magnet for skiers and snowboarders, many of them attendees at the university.
Where To Stay and Dine in Laramie
Laramie’s accommodations cater to travelers looking for a range of experiences. Several reputable hotels operate in close proximity to the university, making it easy for visiting parents, alumni, and prospective students to walk to campus events. Options include well-known hotel chains along Grand Avenue, many of which feature amenities like indoor pools and fitness centers.
Popular choices include the Hilton Garden Inn Laramie, less than half a mile from the UW main campus and featuring spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a business center. A little further away, the Holiday Inn Laramie is a comfortable mid-range hotel with good amenities, while the cozy Mad Carpenter Inn is a quaint B&B located close to the Geology Museum and campus.
Food enthusiasts have many excellent “locally approved” options. Along 2nd and 3rd Streets, restaurants offer a variety of American comfort foods, traditional Western steaks, and international cuisines, with popular spots frequently updating their menus to feature ingredients from regional farms or Wyoming ranches. Notable choices include Born in a Barn, a lively spot half a mile from campus at the corner of 7th and Ivinson, known for casual pub fare like burgers and wings. Altitude Chophouse & Brewery also remains a favorite for locals, visitors, and students, serving steaks, sandwiches, and house-made beers. For vegans and vegetarians, Sweet Melissa Café provides satisfying options along with tasty desserts and cocktails.
Final Word
Laramie has long played a unique role in the Cowboy State’s story, and as such definitely deserves its title as the best college town in Wyoming. From humble beginnings as a railroad stop to its present-day status as the home of the University of Wyoming, Laramie has managed to combine a unique sense of heritage with a contagious enthusiasm for modern-day living. Not only does it fuel the local economy, Wyoming’s only four-year public university has become engrained in the local community and is very much a part of Laramie’s identity as one of the West’s top-rated college towns.