Museums and Historic Sites

While in the area, plan to take advantage of Laramie's rich history. There are ten historic sites that tell the stories of Laramie through museum collections and exhibits, a prison, a railroad depot and a planetarium.

Visit Laramie's Historical Attractions

• The Laramie Plains Museum at the Historic Ivinson Mansion
  Learn the history of Laramie through collections and furnishings, housed in the wonderfully preserved Ivinson Mansion. Tours are available 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Please visit the Laramie Plains Museum website for admission and more information.
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• University of Wyoming Art Museum and American Heritage Center at the Centennial Complex
  The UW Art Museum features the works of local artists, university professors and artists around the world. Admission and parking are free. For special programs, lectures, openings, workshops, classes and tours, visit the UW Art Museum website.
  
  The American Heritage Center houses interesting artifacts, thought provoking exhibits and vast archives from Wyoming's western past, including the Toppan Rare Books Library. Pre-appointment is necessary. Please visit the American Heritage Center website for more details.

• The Geological Museum at UW campus
  Learn Wyoming's past environments through fossils, rocks and minerals. The Geological Museum highlights include a 75-foot Apatosaurus (Brontosaurus) skeleton and "Big Al," a display of the most complete Allosaurus fossil ever found. Admission is always free. For hours of operation, visit the Geological Museum website.
  
  While on campus, take time to also visit the Anthropology Museum, the Museum of Vertebrates and the Insect Museum.

• The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
  Run as a federal and state prison from 1872 to 1903, this state historic site houses great pictures and stories of infamous outlaws. Learn about the exploits of their most famous inmate, Butch Cassidy and tour the prison, church, stable, general store, and broom factory. For hours and admission visit the Wyoming Territorial Prison website.
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• Historic Laramie Railroad Depot
  All aboard! Travel back to the early days of the Union Pacific Railroad through a collection railroad memorabilia and tools, with an emphasis on rail laying and welding.  The Depot is the only remaining building left from the once large Union Pacific presence in Laramie. Please visit the Laramie Railroad Depot for hours and admission.
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• Wyoming House for Historic Women
  Located in downtown Laramie, this museum honors the women who fought for equal rights, including Laramie’s own Louisa Swain. For hours and admission, visit the Wyoming House for Historic Women website.
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• Harry C. Vaughn Planetarium and S.T.A.R. Rooftop Observatory
  L‍ocated in the basement of the Physical Science building, the planetarium features a variety of shows about stars, planets and Wyoming skies. The mysteries of the universe are revealed during hourly shows. Please visit the UW Planetarium website for show times and ticket prices.
  
  The Student Training And Research (S.T.A.R.) Rooftop Observatory allows for stargazing and nighttime telescope use (depending on weather conditions) from the rooftop of the Physical Sciences building. Public Observation Nights are available free of charge. To schedule a tour, contact the coordinator at planetarium@uwyo.edu.