Local Area Guide

Things to Do in Laramie

As the home to the University of Wyoming and a historic downtown area nestled at the foot of the Laramie Mountain Range, Laramie is part vibrant college town and part sleepy prairie village. Whether you’ve come to explore the downtown area’s quaint shops, restaurants and museums, test your rock climbing skills at the Vedawoo Recreation Area or attend a University of Wyoming sporting or cultural event, our hotel near the University of Wyoming offers the perfect gateway to everything these is to see and experience in Laramie.

During your stay at the Motel 8 Laramie, our friendly staff is more than happy to recommend the best attractions and things to do in the area.

University of Wyoming

The state's only public four-year university was founded in 1886 and has an enrollment of around 11,000 students.

University of Wyoming Art Museum and American Heritage Center

​Located on the northern part of The University of Wyoming campus, this museum and its collections attract visitors from around the world.

Wyoming Technical Institute

​The Laramie campus was established in 1966 and is a premiere school for automotive technical education.

Vedawoo Recreation Area

​Looking to hone your rock-climbing skills or do a little camping while you watch others scale the rock formations?

Medicine Bow National Forest

With world-class hiking, camping, canoeing, mountain biking, skiing, ATV riding and snowmobiling, Medicine Bow National Forest is a magnificent playground for the outdoor enthusiast

Laramie Plains Museum

Located inside the Historic Ivinson Mansion, which was constructed in 1893, the Laramie Plains Museum is one of Wyoming’s best “house museums.”

Historic Downtown Laramie

Rich with the history of fur trappers, Native Americans and the Union Pacific Railroad, Laramie’s downtown was the setting for the 1950's movie "The Man From Laramie" and the TV show "Laramie."

Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site

Built in 1872, the prison housed the notorious Butch Cassidy and is now a museum open seasonally to the public.