Laramie, the cultural capital of Wyoming is home to the state’s only university. Laramie’s earnest charm has developed over the past century from the 1860’s when the railroad forged across the plains, following the route of the Overland Stages. Located between the beautiful Medicine Bow Mountains to the east and the Snowy Range/Routt National Forest to the west, it is situated at an altitude of more than 7,000 feet. Laramie has university-town amenities like bookstores, coffee shops and a Historic Downtown area with unique shops and restaurants. Western features abound, with an annual summer Jubilee Days rodeo, celebrating Wyoming’s statehood, historical museums, to a bronze statue of Chief Washakie featured prominently on the University of Wyoming campus.
Traveling west 25 miles on the Snowy Range Scenic Byway will take you to the village of Centennial that sits at the foot of the Medicine Bow Mountains. Stay in a historic hotel or enjoy the home cooked cuisine in one of the quaint and intimate restaurants there. If nature viewing is your call, continue west out of Centennial to the “land of the lakes”, many of which live above timberline. Snow remains in many areas throughout the summer months, so make sure to bring a light jacket. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing, camping, hiking, and biking. There are opportunities to view wildlife, foliage, high alpine lakes and their associate ecosystems.
For more information please contact the Laramie Area Visitor Center at 800-445-5303 or www.visitlaramie.org
