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Native American peoples inhabited and visited the landscape encompassed within Wyoming for centuries prior to the founding of the University of Wyoming (UW) in 1886 and we would like to acknowledge the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Crow, Lakota, Shoshone and Ute, on whose land we stand today.
The Laramie settlement was founded in 1868, as a stop on the Union Pacific Railroad. What started as a lawless Old West type of town named after a French fur trapper that disappeared in the mountains, it is now the home of numerous sites included in the National Register of Historic Places. UW was founded in 1886, before the territory of Wyoming became a state in 1890.
Wyoming is known as the Equality State, allowing women to legally vote and hold office in 1869, before it was officially a state. Laramie is known as the Gem City of the Plains, or "Laradise," and is located in Albany County in the state of Wyoming.
Laramie is nestled on a high plain between two mountain ranges; the terrain is the perfect playground for adventure-seekers! If you are not used to high altitudes, it can take some adjustment to avoid altitude sickness. You'll also need to make adjustments to your baking recipes!
Wyoming is the 10th largest state in the country by area, and also the least populated state. If you enjoy a cozy, college town, then you will love Laramie. If you're looking for a brief change of scenery, Laramie is just 50 miles west of the Wyoming state capital, Cheyenne, and 130 miles north of Denver, Colorado.
Students, faculty and staff at the University of Wyoming come from 52 US states and territories and from 78 country around the world.
Named one of the nation's top 3 main streets in 2022 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), Laramie has something for everyone! Laramie is known for quaint, small town vibes, while still offering diverse options for many lifestyles. Looking for a unique or artisinal gift or a new pair of cowboy boots? Want to relax for an hour in a local cafe or have a week filled with international cuisines? Then visit downtown Laramie!
Shop Local
Support Laramie businesses and the local economy!
Laramie has numerous shops and restaurants offering items made by local artisans. As one of the best main streets in the country, downtown is filled with public art and local businesses.
Travel Through Time and Space
World-class museums with easy access to science, history and culture.
You don't have to live in a big city to have access to the world. The University of Wyoming Art Museum and the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts bring artists from around the world to Laramie. The event venues at the Laramie Plains Civic Center also host a variety of arts and entertainment. If you want to watch a laser show, view the stars and planets or see some dinosaur bones, then Laramie has those, too! Laramie is also home to numerous sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Make Transportation Easy
There are numerous transportation options available in Laramie!
Laramie is easily navigable in comparison to many larger cities. Having your own vehicle is useful if you want to travel outside Laramie, but if you're staying mostly in town it isn't entirely necessary. Many of Laramie's citizens find that they prefer to travel by bicycle around town. There are paratransit services available. Another option is the SafeRide on-call public transportation services which are fare free and open to the public. The University of Wyoming Transit & Parking Services provide a variety of shuttle bus options to get around campus and across all parts of Laramie.
The breathtaking landscape that surrounds Laramie provides endless outdoor activities for any adventurer. Whether you are interested in hiking, mountain climbing, camping or skiing, there is no shortage of amusements. Even if you're not an outdoorsy athlete, there are endless activities for any nature lover. The summers in Laramie bring farmer's markets, Jubilee Days celebrations and verdant green spaces to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air in any of Laramie's many parks. You can lend a hand at the community gardens. For those interested in the local wildlife, you will want to participate in the UW Biodiversity Institute's Moose Day, Salamander Migration or Christmas Bird Count.
UW is ranked 3rd for the best outdoor schools in the nation. With outstanding courses, clubs and campus resources based around making the most of this beautiful landscape, UW is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Find adventure all year round at UW and be sure to take advantage of all the area has to offer during your next visit!
1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071
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