Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site in Laramie preserves a prison built in 1872 for federal convicts in Wyoming Territory. You can visit restored historic buildings, see cells and artifacts in the museum, and walk the nature trail; check Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site tickets and seasonal hours before setting out.
- Location: 975 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, Wyoming 82070.
- From Studio Lodge: About a 5-minute drive; Studio Lodge rooms in Laramie are a starting point for the visit.
- Summer pattern: Daily, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., May 1–September 30.
- Admission: $9 for adults, $4.50 for youth ages 12–17, and free for children age 11 and younger.
What to see at the historic site
The site combines prison history with restored buildings and open grounds. Start with the museum’s cells and artifacts, then explore the historic structures and nature trail.
Built in 1872, the prison served as a federal penitentiary from 1872 to 1890, then as a state prison from 1890 to 1901. After its prison years, the University of Wyoming used the site as an agricultural experiment station until 1989. It opened to the public in 1991 and received its current historic-site designation in 2004.
Among the buildings are the Prison Industries Building, also known as the broom factory, and the Wardens’ House. Prisoners built the Wardens’ House in 1875. The wider grounds include a picnic area and restored buildings dating from 1872–1920, alongside museum exhibits and a visitor center.
Tickets, hours, and seasonal access
Admission is $9 for adults, $4.50 for youth ages 12–17, and free for children age 11 and younger. Hours shift with the season, so check the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site’s official site before you go.
Summer hours are May 1 through September 30. From October through April, the Alliance for Historic Wyoming gives hours. The site closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and hours may change for special events.
Opening hours
- Thursday to Saturday: 10 AM–3 PM
- Monday to Wednesday and Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The site is just off I-80 at exit 311. If you’re driving from Cheyenne, it is 45 miles west of the city.
How do you get from central Laramie to the prison?
The prison is at 975 Snowy Range Road. If you’re planning a wider town visit, the one-day Laramie route from downtown to campus can help you plan around the city’s other stops.
Allowing time for your visit
Give yourself time for both the museum and the grounds: the exhibits cover the prison’s past, while the nature trail and restored buildings extend the visit outdoors. The site also has a picnic area and gift shop, so you can build in a break before continuing your day.
For another history stop in town, the Laramie Plains Museum visit guide covers a separate local museum.
FAQs
Where is Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site?
It is at 975 Snowy Range Road in Laramie, Wyoming 82070, just off I-80 at exit 311.
What can you see at the prison site?
The museum displays cells and artifacts connected with the prison’s history. The grounds also include restored buildings, a nature trail, a picnic area and a visitor center.
How much are tickets?
Admission is $9 for adults, $4.50 for youth ages 12–17, and free for children age 11 and younger.
When is the site open?
Open Thursday to Saturday; closed Sunday to Wednesday. Summer hours are May through September. Winter hours; check the official site before your visit because hours may change.