For one day in Laramie, start in the city centre, add a local history stop, then head to the University of Wyoming for a campus visit. Laramie city centre is about a 3-minute drive from a two-star lodge in Laramie.
- Start: Laramie city centre.
- History options: Laramie Plains Museum or Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site.
- Campus: University of Wyoming.
- Tour choices: weekday visits and walk-in tours, or a self-guided texting tour.
Start with central Laramie
Laramie city centre makes a straightforward first stop before you continue toward local history and campus. Take time to walk through downtown before moving on. Saint Paul's United Church of Christ is another landmark to include in this part of the day.
Add a local history stop
Laramie Plains Museum and Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site offer two distinct ways to add local history before the campus visit.
Laramie Plains Museum
Make the Laramie Plains Museum your history stop before continuing to campus. For details on the visit, read what to see at Laramie Plains Museum and how to visit.
Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
Choose Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site for a different local history stop, then continue to campus. The guide to visiting Wyoming Territorial Prison covers the site in more detail.
Continue to the University of Wyoming
- Hours
- UW provides a self-guided texting tour
The University of Wyoming is a substantial campus, covering 2,060 acres in Laramie, and its visit options range from scheduled tours to self-guided exploration. The university was founded in 1886.
UW Admissions offers personalized weekday visits at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.; most last about four hours. For academic appointments, request a visit at least one week in advance.
Student-led walk-in tours run at 2:00 p.m. on weekdays and do not include academic appointments. If you want to explore independently—including on a weekend, in the evening or after hours—UW provides a self-guided texting tour.
For weekday visits and tours, park in the “Future Cowboy” spaces west of Hoyt Hall, then check in at the Campus Visitor Center inside Ross Hall for a parking permit. A day parking permit costs $7.50.
Online permits cover a specified date range, while scratch-off permits are valid for one day. Visitors with a handicap placard may use any accessible parking spot during weekday campus visits and tours.
Parking arrangements differ for other visits. The Ford Stadium Lot behind the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center has free parking except on game days; unmarked spaces there do not require a permit. Weekend and special-event permits are not required unless a space is marked “Enforced 24 Hours,” though athletic events may affect availability.
Hourly parking is offered at various campus locations, generally for periods from 30 minutes to 2 hours; the south side of the third floor of the Ivinson Parking Garage has hourly parking with no time limit. For campus landmarks and visit planning, use this guide to the University of Wyoming campus visit.
Check the schedule before setting out
Check official schedules and parking rules before you leave, especially if you are planning a weekday tour or a visit during an athletic event. Check the official site before you go: UW Admissions and the University of Wyoming Art Museum are the relevant sources for campus visit and museum details.
The UW Art Museum is at 2111 East Willett Drive, Laramie, WY 82071, and admission is always free. Adjacent public parking is free, but sign in at the Visitor Services desk to avoid a parking ticket.
The Centennial Complex has free 2-hour visitor parking; if you plan to stay longer, sign in at the museum’s Visitor Services desk. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. For special assistance, call (307) 766-6622 in advance.
Groups can request a museum experience in advance. Allow at least 45 minutes for the experience, plus another 45 minutes if you are adding a studio activity.
FAQs
Can you visit the University of Wyoming without booking a tour?
Yes. UW offers a self-guided texting tour for independent visits, including weekends, evenings and after-hours.
How long does a personalized campus visit take?
Most personalized visits last about four hours. They are offered on weekdays at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Is admission to the UW Art Museum free?
Yes. Admission is always free, and the museum is fully wheelchair accessible.
Can you park free at the University of Wyoming?
Free parking is available in the Ford Stadium Lot behind the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center except on game days. Unmarked spaces in that lot do not require a permit.