As America commemorates its 250th birthday this year, Union Pacific will join in the celebration with a coast-to-coast steam tour led by the legendary Big Boy No. 4014. Big Boy and several historical passenger cars from Union Pacific’s Heritage Fleet will visit Laramie, Wyoming after the train departs from Cheyenne on Sunday, March 29th. The locomotive will return to Laramie on Friday, April 24, before heading to Cheyenne to end the western leg of its tour.
Laramie is a fitting location for this historic event. The town began as a rough-and-tumble stop on the Union Pacific Railroad. Although Laramie has grown quite a bit since then, the influence of the railroad is clear in its museums, traditions, and downtown and West Side buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The fun doesn’t have to end after the train leaves the station - Laramie and the surrounding communities have days worth of railroad history for you to explore! Make a long weekend out of your trip to see Big Boy with this three-day itinerary tailored to railroad enthusiasts.
Day 1
Breakfast at 17th Street Cafe
310 S 17th St, Laramie, WY | (307) 745-7447
http://www.17thstreetcafe.com
Fuel up for the day’s adventures at 17th Street Cafe. This cozy, locally-owned cafe serves classic homemade American and Southwestern-inspired meals. Try one of their savory omelets or a spicy chorizo breakfast burrito. Their large menu has something for everyone!
Ames Monument
209 Monument Road, Buford, WY
https://www.visitlaramie.org/listing/ames-monument/5/
Just outside of Buford, Wyoming sits the 60-foot granite pyramid known as Ames Monument. Built in 1882, the monument was designed by architect H.H. Richardson to honor the Ames Brothers for their financial contribution to the transcontinental railroad. It marks what was once the highest point on the original railroad route overlooking the abandoned town of Sherman, which was abandoned when the tracks were rerouted in the 1900's.
Ames Monument and the town of Sherman are part of the Albany County Railroad tour. For a more in-depth exploration of Albany County's railroad history, plan an extra day to complete all legs of the tour. Find the full Railroads of Albany County tour here!
Sweet Melissa Café
213 S. 1st St., Laramie, WY | (307) 742-3330
http://www.sweetmelissacafe.com
Sweet Melissa Café is a local favorite offering “Comfort Food for the Homesick Vegetarian,” with creative dishes like cauliflower wings and a daily Mac n Cheese special. Guy Fieri featured their vegan creations on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Attached to the café, Front Street Tavern is home to a historic bar crafted over 130 years ago by Laramie’s own Henry Bath. Originally from the Venice Bar in Hartville, it’s one of Wyoming’s oldest bars!
Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
975 Snowy Range Rd, Laramie, WY | (307) 721-2475
https://wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/places-to-go/wyoming-territorial-prison
Visit the Old West prison that once held the infamous outlaw and train robber Butch Cassidy. Laramie’s railroad played a crucial role in constructing the Territorial Prison by transporting materials and later moving prisoners. The prison was strategically designed on the flat plains to appear larger and more imposing as trains carrying inmates approached. History enthusiasts will appreciate the well-preserved warden’s office, broom factory, and prison cells.
The Territorial Prison is open 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Thursday-Saturday during the off-season.
Laramie Greenbelt Trail
Garfield and Spruce, Laramie, WY
https://www.cityoflaramie.org/facilities/facility/details/laramierivergreenbeltpark-4
Take a refreshing walk along the nearby Laramie Greenbelt Trail, a scenic path that winds along the Laramie River. Starting from the trailhead at Optimist Park, head north, and you’ll soon encounter an old railroad trestle that is now part of the trail.
Dinner at the Railyard
301 Grand Avenue, Laramie, WY | (307) 460-1150
https://railyardlaramie.com
The Railyard in Laramie, Wyoming, offers a diverse menu featuring bold American flavors and locally inspired dishes, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. Highlights include the spicy Bang Bang Shrimp, hearty Bison Rigatoni, and the indulgent PB&J Burger. The restaurant combines great food with genuine Wyoming hospitality for a special dining experience.
Day 2
Breakfast at J's Prairie Rose
410 S. 2nd St., Laramie, WY | (307) 742-8155
http://jsprairierose.com
Start your day with a home-cooked meal at J's Prairie Rose, known for its fun, family-friendly atmosphere and generous portion sizes. Grab a table or sit at the counter to watch talented cooks whip up your breakfast. Whether you’re craving fluffy pancakes, savory breakfast burritos smothered in green chili, or classic staples like biscuits and gravy, the menu has something for everyone.
Historic Laramie Union Pacific Train Depot
600 S. 1st St., Laramie, WY | (307) 399-7345
http://www.laramiedepotmuseum.com
Doors open at 8:30 AM on March 29th for the Historic Laramie Union Pacific Train Depot. The depot was built in 1924 after the original was destroyed in a fire in 1917. It served as a UP passenger depot until 1971, and as an Amtrak depot until 1983. The building now houses a museum of railroad memorabilia and serves as a venue for community events. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, the Depot Museum highlights the railroad’s role in the city’s founding. Outside, you'll find Depot Park, which houses a historic snow train and two Union Pacific train cars.
Big Boy Steam Engine Comes to Laramie
Historic Laramie Union Pacific Train Depot, 600 S. 1st St., Laramie, WY
https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule
Big Boy No. 4014 will visit Laramie on Sunday, March 29th, from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM, and on Friday, April 24th, from 1:15 PM to 1:45 PM. Make sure to get there early to secure a good viewing spot!
Garfield Street Footbridge
Garfield Street, Laramie, WY
https://albanycountyhistoricalsociety.org/
The steel pedestrian footbridge on Garfield Street was constructed in 1930 as part of a larger auto viaduct project to provide easier access to the railyard and make crossing the tracks less dangerous. Prior to the construction of bridges, Laramie residents had to cross nine railroad tracks to travel back and forth from the West Side to downtown Laramie. With an estimated 100 trains a day running through town at the time, this was no easy feat, and accidents were common. The footbridge solved this problem by providing safe passage for residents and Union Pacific employees. Now, you can cross it yourself and watch as trains pass by underneath the bridge. If you see a train coming, make a “honk” motion to the conductor; more often than not, they’ll blow the train horn for you!
The Albany County Historical Society website is home to many informative articles on Laramie’s history. Check out “Bridges to Laramie’s West Side” to learn more about the construction of bridges and viaducts across the Union Pacific Railroad in Laramie.
Lunch at JSI Grill
357 W. University Ave, Laramie, WY | (307) 745-5749
http://www.jsigrill.com
JSI Grill serves homestyle comfort food like slow-roasted pork with potatoes and pulled pork sandwiches. Stop in on Fridays for their Friday Fish Fry!
Laramie, Hahn’s Peak, and Pacific Railroad Walking Tour
Historic West Side District
Explore the fascinating history of the Historic West Side District and take the Laramie, Hahn’s Peak, & Pacific Railroad Walking Tour. This feeder line for the Union Pacific carried regional products, including coal, timber, livestock, wool, hay, oil, fluorspar, and copper from
Laramie to destinations across North America. LHP&P reached remote mining and agricultural communities in the area, playing a key role in their growth. The full tour brochure can be found at the Laramie Area Visitor Center or downloaded online here.
After completing the tour, cross back over the Garfield Street Footbridge and enjoy downtown Laramie’s great retail options and unique local businesses.
Dinner at LoveJoy's
101 Grand Ave., Laramie, WY | (307) 460-1100
https://www.lovejoyslaramie.com
Lovejoy’s is housed in the historic Johnson Hotel. Built close to the original Union Pacific Depot by John Johnson in 1900 to catch the attention of rail travelers, the Johnson Hotel was considered one of Laramie’s finest. Today, it remains an icon of Laramie's downtown.
Enjoy casual cuisine in a relaxed setting as trains pass by just across the street. Try signature dishes like the flavorful Avalanche Nachos or the Wolfinburger, with fried egg, bacon and American cheese. Lovejoy’s bar offers exciting daily happy hour specials, and “train shots” are half price when a train passes by!
Day 3
Breakfast at Night Heron
Night Heron, Laramie, WY | (307) 742-3313
https://www.nightheronlaramie.com
The extensive drink menu at Night Heron has something for everyone, with a variety of locally-roasted coffees, teas, and smoothies to choose from. They pride themselves on serving artisanal baked goods. Try their Egg, Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato, and Pesto bagel sandwich or a spicy Mayan Mocha with habanero and cayenne!
NICI Self Historical Museum
2734 Hwy. 130, Centennial, WY | (307) 745-3108
https://www.niciselfmuseum.com/
Head west on Highway 130 to Centennial, WY, a charming small town with a rich western history. Stop at the NICI Self museum for a self-guided tour through the area's history of ranching, mining, lumber, and homesteading. See the 1907 Centennial Railroad Depot, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and multiple other historical buildings. Artifacts and exhibits include horse-drawn wagons, ranching equipment, and a train car.
Mountain View Hotel and Cafe
2747 WY-130, Centennial, WY | (307) 742-3588
https://themountainviewhotel.com/
The Mountain View Hotel was constructed in 1907 by the Laramie, Hahn's Peak, and Pacific Railroad, just in time for the July 4 celebration of the first train to Centennial. The historic hotel continues to welcome guests to this day, and is home to the Mountain View Cafe.
Lunch at Bear Bottom Grill
2768 Hwy. 130, Centennial, WY | (307) 742-2410
http://bearbottomgrill.com
A fun and welcoming family-owned restaurant/bar located in beautiful Centennial, WY. Listen to live music in the outdoor band-shell or inside on the stage, stop in for community events and fundraisers, watch your favorite games and sporting events on one of four big screen TVs, or enjoy the scenery outside on the rooftop deck or backyard picnic tables.
Medicine Bow Rail Trail
Medicine Bow National Forest (Rail Trail info), WY | (307) 745-2333
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbr/recarea/?recid=8086
The Rail Trail follows the route of the Laramie, Hahn's Peak, and Pacific Railroad rail corridor and stretches over 20 miles through the Medicine Bow National Forest. The railcars that once passed through here hauled livestock, timber, coal, and gold from the mountains. At 9,050 feet above sea level, this was the highest standard gauge railroad in the country when it was constructed in the early 1900s. Explore a section of the trail and keep an eye out for wildlife!
Dinner at Woods Landing
9 Hwy. 10, Woods Landing-Jelm, WY | (307) 745-3936
http://woodslandingcafe.com
Make your way to Woods Landing Bar and Cafe. This rustic log building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Woods Landing has a long history of hosting travelers, having been a stop for lumberjacks, freighters, and stagecoach drivers in the late 1800's. Enjoy classic American fare like hamburgers, steak, and a slice of their famous pie.
