Homecoming week is finally here! Be sure to stop by and say hello to us at the very last Farmers Market of the season, coming up As all of our University of Wyoming alumni head back to Laradise to relive fond memories, we thought it would be great to share some of the exciting changes and new spots that have popped up since your last visit. Whether you're wandering around campus or exploring downtown, here’s a guide to what’s new and notable in Laramie!
New on Campus
This year, the American Heritage Center is showcasing a Stan Lee display through October, a must-see for comic book fans and pop culture enthusiasts. Additionally, the University of Wyoming Art Museum has welcomed fresh art installations that are sure to inspire. New displays include never-before-exhibited paintings and works on paper by Harold Garde, personal collections by Neltje, Paul Binnie's woodblock print-inspired works, and more.
Interior of the Enzi STEM Building
The new construction on campus is always a must-see. At the football stadium, you'll see the brand new remodel of the western stands at War Memorial Stadium! Nearby, the new College of Law has been fully renovated. We recommend a stroll down 9th toward the north end of campus to explore three new STEM buildings, as well as the Anthropology Museum if you have not yet been. On the north-east corner of campus, you’ll notice the progress on the new student housing construction, which is shaping up nicely and gives us some excellent Hogwarts vibes. And don’t forget to check out the cottonwoods growing along 22nd and Harney—those trees have grown significantly!
Model of Student Housing
New Hot Spots to Eat
Fall vibes at Sunshine Coffee
Laramie’s culinary scene has expanded, offering a delightful array of options for every palate. Start your food journey at the brand new Momo House on 3rd for some savory dumplings or enjoy a cup at Sunshine Coffee, a sustainable coffee shop housed within the historic Laramie Civic Center that prioritizes eco-friendly practices.
For ramen lovers, Bejo Dua is the place to be on a cool fall day. For more comfort foods, check out Accomplice mycropub for lunch and dinner as well as for their fantastic breakfast fare - we recommend the eggs benedict. For dessert, satisfy your sweet tooth at the Sugar Mouse Cupcake House.
Some familiar fast food chains have popped up within the last year. On campus, you can now grab a bite at Chick-fil-A in the Wyoming Union. Then east of campus off of Grand, a new Chipotle chain has opened.
Returning favorites have found new homes too! The 2nd Street Deli brings you many of your beloved Jeffrey's Bistro dishes in a revamped grab-n-go space. Big Hollow Food Co-op is thriving in their newly built space. Plus, 307 Meats has a fresh storefront on 3rd for their butcher shop.
New Outdoor Stores
Outdoor adventurers have some new stops in town. The new Freeflow Outdoors in downtown offers up premium archery gear in their pro shop for hunting season, alongside fly fishing gear and some great outdoor gear finds. Link Cycling is just up the street on 3rd, offering custom-fit cycling gear, fittings, and solutions for cyclists of all levels. Also adding to the outdoor offerings is Fast Haus Ski & Bike, where you can rent your mountain biking gear while you're here in town, as well as paddleboards, kayaks, nordic and downhill ski rentals.
New Must-See Stops
The view before construction at Range Leather.
Immerse yourself in the unique stories of Wyoming's trailblazing suffragette women by visiting the Wyoming Women’s History House in downtown. Right next door, Range Leather is expanding their leatherwork space, and it's well worth a visit to see the whole production inside.
House plant lovers can delight in two new stores: The Burning Ivy on Grand Ave. and The Green Oasis on 3rd next to Thai Spice. Bookworms should swing by the Blue Mountain Bookstore, and don’t miss the Snowy Range Flea Market, providing vendor space located in the former Boardwalk in West Laramie. There, you'll find many of the vendors we all missed after the closing of Bart's Flea Market.
The old KMart has been replaced by Home Base hardware store and a Ross clothing store that’s hiring and set to open soon, adding more variety to our shopping options locally.
Newest Murals & Art
"Desert Monsoon" by Paul Bagley on the west side of the Harney Street / Snowy Range viaduct.
In addition to the work at the Art Museum on campus, Laramie Public Art Coalition has been busy enhancing the city's artistic offerings! "High Iron" opens Friday, September 27th at 4th and Canby Street. Additionally, two new sculptures were just installed for the Snowy Range Rotating Sculpture Program, including "Desert Monsoon" by Paul Bagley and "Balance of Power" by Pati Stajcar.
Two vibrant new murals greet you at Optimist Park along the greenbelt, including a bench and a building exterior.
A privately funded mural by Freeflow Outdoors on 3rd sports the Swedish flag. And if you have not yet seen it, a new mural celebrating Latino generational heritage is located in the alley behind The Knothole. While you are downtown, check out the new parking lot signs, custom-made by artist Favian Hernandez at each free all-day parking lot. At the Jackalope Lot, there are two great new photo opportunities by the Union Pacific pedestrian footbridge. Downtown Laramie now has a lighted sign at the base of the bridge, and we have also installed "Welcome to Laramie" temporary banners along the bridge itself.
If you’re venturing into the Medicine Bow National Forest, be sure to check out the unique vault toilet murals at Vedauwoo and the Centennial Visitor Center. These unique murals were funded by us here at Visit Laramie in partnership with Laramie Public Art.
New Amenities
If you're bringing your bicycle to town with you, it'll be well worth it! Next to the Laramie Middle School is a great little mountain bike course for kids and adults alike, recently built by Laramie Bikenet. New trails have opened up in Pilot Hill since you were here last as well, giving some great sights of the city and a must-visit for Laramigos who have not seen it yet.
Meanwhile, Laramie Parks & Rec has been busy as well. The rec center has installed updated pool structures and also reopened the hot tub, so you can have a leisurely soak while the kids splash around. A brand new section of trail added along Spring Creek east of LaPrele Park has also made a lovely little getaway in the middle of town.
Looking for a place to stay? We are anxiously anticipating the opening of a brand new Holiday Inn Express location right on the north side of the Laramie River Greenbelt. They are taking reservations starting October 24th! And in the meantime, all of our lodging properties are ready to assist you.
As you celebrate homecoming, we hope you take the time to explore all that’s new and revamped throughout Laramie. Whether you’re revisiting old haunts or discovering new favorites, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant community. Welcome back, and enjoy your time in Laradise!
