skippingbrooksThis article features 7 incredible free things to do in Laramie, Wyoming. Get your camera ready, and your hiking shoes on because adventure awaits! But wait, there is a bonus stop in this article that you shouldn’t miss!
Through our frequent travels through Laramie, we found that we never stopped to explore. So on this past trip to visit family nearby, my husband came home raving about what he had found exploring. He was so pumped so we decided to share his excitement with you!
So where is Laramie, WY? Laramie is located in south-central Wyoming, about 134 miles north of Denver, Colorado. In fact, Laramie started as a “Hell-on-Wheels” railroad town and is home to the University of Wyoming.
In addition, Laramie is a city of endless outdoor adventures and rich in western history! Why wouldn’t you want to check out this city?
With all that said, let’s get to the good stuff! Exploring!
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you click on links and purchase them, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting me and my passion for helping others with travel.
5 Incredible Free Things To Do In Laramie
Maybe you prefer to explore the terrain on foot, or maybe you’d rather explore the backcountry in an ATV, or maybe you just like to stay in the comfort of your own car. Besides, whatever your preference you are bound to find something you will love!
1. Medicine Bowl National Forest
First on our list is Medicine Bowl National Forest. Just west of Laramie you will find Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. An astounding 400,000 acres which is a haven for all of us adventure seekers. In fact, with the highest point in southern Wyoming, Medicine Bow Peak has a challenging four-mile trail that leads to the 12,013 ft. summit.
Spring, Summer, and Fall activities include:
- hiking
- biking
- camping
- horseback riding
- ORV riding
- fishing
- hunting
Winter activities include:
- snowshoeing
- snowmobiling
- skiing
- snowboarding
Something incredibly unique to the Medicine Bowl National Forest is that it borders both sides of the Continental Divide. Cool! Elevation in the forest varies from 6,000 to just over 12,000 feet, so take your time exploring, no two areas are alike!
2. The Snowy Range “Snowies” – In Medicine Bowl National Forest
Snowies, I bet you can guess why it’s called that. Well, it is what it says it is right?!! Snow is present here for much of the year, making it a major winter destination. But hey, don’t let it scare you summer adventure seekers away!
The “Snowies” have access to campgrounds, picnic sites, observation points, and hiking trails. Don’t forget to check out the high alpine lake adventures such as trout fishing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Exploring the Snowies is great for those looking to try out new activities on relatively easy hiking terrain due to excellent landmark navigation and park signage. In fact, those who are more experienced outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for more of a challenge won’t be disappointed, either.
And don’t forget the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. Enjoy the 26.2 miles of remarkable scenery through the Snowy Mountains including deep glacial lakes, pastoral meadows, rushing mountain streams, and awe-inspiring mountain peaks. In fact, the byway is popular for multiple recreational activities like fishing, hiking, picnic, camping, and observation locations. Sounds incredible right?
3. Vedauwoo- In Medicine Bowl National Forest
Another great place to visit in Medicine Bowl National Forest is Vedauwoo. A rock climbers’ paradise! Over 700 different routes to choose from, primarily wide-crack climbs. Bouldering and traditional routes are also available for less daring mountaineers.
But wait, mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners can also enjoy trails among the pine and aspen trees with views of the Medicine Bow Mountains. Multiple smooth trails are available for mountain bikers and those seeking an easier adventure, while hikers with their hearts set on a view from Vedauwoo’s summits can tackle more challenging vertical trails.
In fact, a popular trail called Turtle Rock Loop trail (can you guess why it’s called Turtle Rock?) is a short three-mile trek around the Turtle Rock formation.
Also, be sure to check out the camping. Check out the Vedauwoo campground.
4. Happy Jack- In Medicine Bowl National Forest
Another great mountain area for hiking, camping, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even trails for horseback riding.
5. Laramie River Greenbelt Trail
As many fantastic outdoor adventures as there are around Laramie, there are also plenty of adventurous things to do in Laramie. The Laramie River Greenbelt Trail lets you enjoy Mother Nature without even leaving the city.
This 6-mile paved trail goes through the town of Laramie. You can enjoy the path by bike or on foot. Also, a great place to take your dog, too! The path takes you through city parks as well as on the grounds of the Wyoming Territorial Prison.
6. “Hell-on-Wheels” Town Tour
Laramie is a true western “hell on wheels” town. A self-paced walking tour to take in the beautiful historic downtown area while learning about the unique history. Start your tour at the Union Pacific Footbridge as it then takes you through the famous (and infamous) buildings of downtown Laramie. Check out the Historic Downtown Laramie Tour page for details and download a free map of the route.
Bonus Stop (Fee Required): 7 Incredible Free Things To Do in Laramie
7. Territorial Prison: State Historic Site
And the last of the 7 incredible free things to do in Laramie is Territorial Prison. Before you visit the prison you should know this cool fact. The only prison to hold Butch Cassidy captive was Territorial State Prison. Butch Cassidy was known as convict #187 and known as a legend of the American West and leader of the Wild Bunch. He was incarcerated from 1894-1896. Pretty cool!
Listed on the National Register, the Wyoming Territorial Prison was a U.S. Penitentiary holding violent and desperate outlaws. Now a museum, allowing visitors to learn of punishment and rehabilitation, as well as discover the stories held within the iron cells and behind the prison walls through a prisoner’s identity. Another cool fact, the Prison’s broom factory was used to raise revenue, manage the prison population, and used it as a rehabilitative strategy.
ADMISSION FEES:
- Adults $9.00
- Youth ages 12-17 $4.50
- Children 11 and under Free
Wyoming State Parks Annual Daily Use permits and Wyoming Lifetime Veteran permits are honored as Free admission.
Closing It Up: 7 Incredible Free Things To Do in Laramie
Thus the more we travel the more we find the best places are those off the beaten path and less traveled. We hope you find your time in Laramie adventurous!
Safe adventures,
Brooke
Check out inspiring articles from Skipping Brooks to get your family exploring.
Best Hikes In Olympic National Park: Stunning 2-Day Itinerary
Arches National Park In One Day: Most Popular Things To See
Jaw-Dropping Family Adventures in Colorado: The Best Places to Visit
The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Glacier National Park (3 Days At Its Best )
Thx.