12 Summer Bucket List Activities

 

 

Summer in Laramie, Wyoming, is here, and it's time to make the most of your break from classes. Nestled between the Snowy Range and the Laramie Range, our town offers a perfect blend of outdoor thrills, cultural experiences, and small-town charm. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to unwind in a beautiful setting, Laramie has something special to offer.

 

1. Hiking and Biking at Pilot Hill 

Pilot Hill is the perfect place for biking and hiking. Connecting Laramie to acres of land including Happy Jack Recreation Area and Pole Mountain, there is so much to explore! New trails and routes are constantly being created at Pilot Hill, so keep an eye out for exciting new adventures here as they become available. 

 

 

2. Exploring Curt Gowdy State Park 

Curt Gowdy State Park boasts over 3,000 acres of outdoor recreation activities – and sits only a 30-minute drive from Laramie! Spend the day exploring the forest trails or take a break to go fishing along one of the reservoir shores. Just make sure you don’t miss the hidden waterfalls before heading out!  

 

 

3. Laramie Greenbelt and Optimist Park 

If you’re looking for outdoor activities a little closer to home, Laramie River Greenbelt is the place to be. The Greenbelt has many access points within town, and offers trails spread over 5 miles. Its location next to Optimist Dog Park also means you’re more than likely to meet some furry friends along the way! 

 

 

4. UW’s Outdoor Program 

Itching to get outside, but missing the expensive equipment? Don’t let that stop you! Our Outdoor Program provides opportunities to rent outdoor equipment for biking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. No matter what adventures you have planned, UW Campus Recreation is here to help you make it happen. 

 

 

5. Laramie Jubilee Days 

Laramie Jubilee Days has become an iconic annual celebration of Wyoming Statehood. With an entire week jam-packed with rodeo events, carnival rides and games, live bands, street dances, parades and more, you’re sure to be entertained. This is only the beginning of everything Jubilee Days has to offer, so grab your friends and family and come see for yourself! 

 

 

6. Local Farmer’s Market 

What better way to showcase the talent of our local artists and business-owners than with a Farmer’s Market? The Downtown Laramie Farmer’s Market is held every Friday from late June through September, and is a great place to find fresh produce, hand-crafted goods, local art, and seasonal food and drink. Come together with your community (and likely pet some cute dogs) at this amazing local summer event.  

 

 

7. Downtown Local Businesses 

Laramie has a rich and vibrant downtown scene full of family-owned shops and local businesses. There you can find hand-tooled leather, artisan cheeses, microbreweries, eclectic boutiques, and more! Be sure to block out a day to explore everything Downtown Laramie has to offer – you’ll need it! 

 

 

8. Good Eats 

If there’s one thing we know how to do in Laramie, it’s food! Looking to experience a world of different flavors? Visit Buffalo Indian, Anong’s Thai Cuisine, or Corona Village Mexican Restaurant. Or stick with the classics with Born in a Barn, Sweet Melissa’s, and J’s Prairie Rose. Our wide variety of food trucks offers even more to try, so be sure to keep an eye out! Whatever you decide, you’re sure to be leaving satisfied.  

 

 

9. Vedauwoo Recreation Area 

Vedauwoo is a local favorite for hikers, climbers, and campers alike – and it’s easy to see why. Sherman Granite is ideal for some of the best rock climbing in the world, and Turtle Rock Trail offers an amazing view alongside the opportunity to see an array of native wildlife. With a rich cultural history and miles to explore, Vedauwoo is an absolute gem nestled in the Medicine Bow National Forest.  

 

 

10. Celebrating Local Art 

Our local art scene is one of the Laramie community’s greatest strengths. There are so many opportunities to celebrate art or make your own! The Laramie Mural Project was founded in 2011 with the goal of showcasing local artists and has grown to fund over 20 murals throughout downtown Laramie. Explore these unique pieces by hunting them down on foot or by following our popular mural tour by car! You can also visit our pottery-painting studio, locally-sourced yarn shop, or downtown art galleries to get involved in the creative process yourself. 

 

 

11. Fun and Games 

Time flies when you’re having fun – and Laramie is full of fun activities to help pass the time! Visit Laramie Lanes to bowl a few frames or head to one of our indoor and outdoor mini golf courses to try your skills. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, axe throwing downtown or horseback rides through Medicine Bow National Forest may be more your speed. Regardless of your choice, you’ll be asking yourself where the time went! 

 

 

12. Discovering Local History 

Laramie, Wyoming has a rich and varied history – and we love to show it off! If you’re spending a day downtown, make sure to plan a stop at the Laramie Railroad Depot and the Wyoming Women’s History House. For on-campus entertainment, you won’t want to miss the Geological Museum, UW Art Museum and American Heritage Center, or the Anthropology Museum! Laramie is also home to the Wyoming Territorial Prison and Laramie Plains Museum, each offering uniquely captivating experiences.