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University of Wyoming

Special Features of Laramie and Albany County

At 7,165 feet, Laramie is nestled in the Southeast corner of state of Wyoming. Only forty-five miles from Cheyenne, the capitol of Wyoming, Laramie is just minutes away from the intersections of I-80 and I-25. Scenic vistas surround the area, from intriguing rock formations at Vedauwoo Recreation Area east of town, to the grand Snowy Range Mountains that sprawl majestically to the west.

Wyoming Territorial Prison and Old West Park :
The restored Wyoming Territorial Prison, originally built in 1872 and one of only two territorial prisons remaining in the nation, is the centerpiece of the Wyoming Territorial Prison and Old West Park. The park is also home to the Happy Jack Gift Shop, Frontier Town, and the tipi campground. Other activities include dinner theater productions, living history reenactments, period arts and crafts demonstrations, and nature trail walks. The park is open from mid-May to the end of September. Many special events include "haunted" prison tours at Halloween and craft fairs and visits from Santa Claus during the Christmas holiday season. There is a modest park entry fee, with additional charges for entrance into each of the museums.

Cultural Life:
In Laramie, you'll find many of the exhibitions, productions and concerts you'd only expect to find in a major metropolitan center. Explore the opportunities to experience world-class cultural events.

Laramie Jubilee Days:
Laramie Jubilee Days features rodeos, a carnival, a parade, and Fire in the Sky. You'll learn about the events, and how to order tickets for Wyoming's Hometown celebration!

 

Cheyenne Frontier Days:
Cheyenne Frontier Days is billed as the "World's Largest Rodeo & Western Celebration" featuring evening shows with top country western performers plus a host of activities. The "Daddy of 'Em All" is one of Wyoming's most popular events.

 

Outdoor Activities:
Wyoming is a playground for the outdoor enthusiast. To the east and west of Laramie are mountains that offer a variety of year-round recreation and sightseeing opportunities.

Wildlife species abound in both areas, with sightings especially in early morning and late evening. Inhabitants include black bear, badger, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer, wild turkey and hundreds of other bird species. And the trout fishing is some of the best in the west.

Located in the Medicine Bow National Forest 12 miles east of town via I-80, Vedauwoo (pronounced VEE-dah-voo), features towering granite rock formations that provide a stunning backdrop for picnicking, hiking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and camping.

The site has also become a hot spot for rock climbers from across the entire Rocky Mountains, and it has even taken on a new role, serving as a stage for the UW Department of Theatre and Dance’s vertical ballet productions.

The Happy Jack area east of Laramie is home to more popular national forest hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking trails.

The Snowy Range Ski and Recreation Area, located 32 miles from Laramie on Wyoming Highway 130, is open seven days a week, mid-November to Easter. Slopes are serviced by five lifts with 25 runs on 150 acres and a vertical drop of 1,000 feet. The area also has a snowboard half-pipe and sits adjacent to miles of non-maintained cross-country ski trails.

The Snowy Range also boasts plenty of snowmobile trails and is popular for powder-filled play areas and off-trail riding opportunities. These trails can receive up to 300 inches of snow in a season.