Ranked #4 on RentCafe’s 2026 “Best College Towns” list, Laramie is a great place to live, work, play, and learn! This itinerary is perfect for prospective students and their families visiting the University of Wyoming, WyoTech, or LCCC’s Albany County Campus who want to familiarize themselves with the area or make a vacation out of their campus tour. Find out why students love Laramie!
Day 1:
Breakfast at Turtle Rock Coffee & Cafe
270 N. 9th St | (307) 745-3741
Right across the street from the University of Wyoming Campus, Turtle Rock Cafe is a favorite amongst students. The vibe of this cafe is fun and cozy with lots of houseplants and nature-inspired artwork. Imagine yourself studying outside on the patio or enjoying a warm cup of their signature Cafe Richesse coffee to fuel up during finals week. Try one of their baked pastries, breakfast burritos, waffle sandwiches, or smoothies.
University of Wyoming Geological Museum
11th & Lewis St | (307) 766-2646
The UW Geological Museum is home to more than 50,000 rocks, fossils, and minerals. Greeting you outside the museum entrance is a life-sized copper T. rex sculpture. Legend has it that if you toss a pinecone in his mouth during finals week, you’ll get an A on your exams!
Explore Wyoming’s rich geological history and get up close to specimens and interactive activities. Don’t miss the balcony that overlooks the museum and gets you face-to-face with Big Al, a 75-foot Apatosaurus skeleton!
Williams Conservatory
1000 E University Ave | (307) 766-4336
Used for many years as a research facility for UW's Department of Botany, this serene greenhouse is open to the public and features a variety of plants from around the world. A few tables in the conservatory are even available for students to use as a study space.
Lunch at 17th Street Cafe
310 S 17th St | (307) 460-2095
Just a short walk away from the UW dorms is 17th Street Cafe, a popular brunch spot serving 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.
Take a Hike at Vedauwoo Recreation Area
Buford, WY | (307) 745-2300
Students love UW for its proximity to an abundance of outdoor activities. Vedauwoo Recreation Area is popular with hikers, boulderers, and rock climbers. Turtle Rock Loop is a local favorite that winds around Turtle Rock, an iconic granite formation aptly named for its resemblance to a giant turtle. Keep an eye out for moose lounging by ponds along the trail.
Dinner at Born in a Barn
100 E. Ivinson Ave. | (307) 460-3604
Born in a Barn is known for its flavorful takes on traditional American cuisine. This family-friendly restaurant is decorated in the style of an old-school sports bar with vintage signs and memorabilia. Choose from 4 kinds of wings with 16 sauce options, 17 kinds of burgers, or their famous Barnchos made with smoked pork and a queso sauce over house-made potato chips. Their PB&J wings are a must-try for adventurous eaters!
Day 2:
J’s Prairie Rose
410 S. 2nd St. | (307) 745-8140
Enjoy a home-cooked meal at J's Prairie Rose, known for its fun 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. Prairie Rose is the perfect brunch spot to hit with the new friends you’ll make in school.
Downtown Laramie - Shopping
Downtown Laramie has a unique lineup of local, one-of-a-kind businesses loved by visitors and residents alike. Stock up on essentials and find your new favorite stores! Below is a list of recommendations.
Throughout the year, students can look forward to a number of fun events downtown. Check out our pages on Laramie Jubilee Days, the International Flavor Festival, and the Friday Farmer’s Market.
Poppy's | 119 Grand Ave, Laramie, WY | (307) 745-3230
A women's boutique and floral studio offering clothing, accessories, and gifts. This is a great place to get a plant to brighten up your new dorm or apartment.
Atmosphere Mountainworks | 210 S 2nd St, Laramie, WY | (307) 343-3477
The apparel at Atmosphere Mountainworks is made by hand in-store and easily recognizable by its bright color block designs. Consider grabbing a jacket for walking to campus in Laramie’s chilly winter weather.
Big Hollow | (307) 745-3586 | 112 S 2nd St
Locally-owned grocery store offering a variety of gluten-free, vegan, and more options for students with allergies and/or dietary restrictions.
NU2U and NU2U Sports
116 E Custer St | (307) 721-3070
320 S 5th St | (307) 742-3979
Offering quality used clothing and sporting goods. Consignment is a great way for students on a budget to save money and clear out unwanted clothes from their dorm closets. Set up a consignment account while you’re there!
The Bent & Rusty | 308 S 2nd St. | (307) 460-9265
Browse antiques and local handmade goods. The Bent & Rusty is a great place to find western and rustic-style decorations for your dorm.
Works of Wyoming | 300 S. 2nd St | (307) 460-3304
Exclusively features Wyoming-made artworks with the mission to support and encourage local artists. Along with artwork to bring color to your new space, find cards and souvenirs to send back home.
Art and Soul Pottery | 107 Grand Ave | (307) 742-2021
A paint-your-own pottery studio with a large selection of pottery options and colors. Create a custom mug or bowl to use in your dorm room! While pottery usually takes one to two weeks to fire, they ship finished pottery to out-of-town visitors for a fee.
Windy City Pet store | 702 S 3rd St | (307) 742-7387
This friendly local pet store carries specialty items and is a good resource for students bringing pets with them to school.
Tea Party at The Sugar Mouse
321 S 2nd St. | (307) 223-2147
Book an afternoon tea time at this adorable cupcake shop. From the furniture to the teapots, everything in this store is a cheerful shade of pink. Tea time includes cucumber sandwiches, savory baked goods, fresh fruit, cupcakes, and your choice from a wide selection of teas. If booking a tea party, be sure to schedule in advance on their website!
Laramie Mural Tour
Laramie is home to a beautiful collection of public art throughout downtown and beyond. Explore over 20 murals downtown that bring the culture and heritage of Laramie to life through art. Find an interactive map and information about individual murals on our Laramie Mural Tour page and get started on one of our recommended driving or walking routes.
Dinner at Anong’s Thai Cuisine
101 E Ivinson Ave | (307) 745-6262
Anong's offers an immersive dining experience with traditional Thai artwork and décor. Their food is authentic - but can be made less spicy on request! Don’t miss desserts like green tea fried ice cream or mango sticky rice.
Day 3:
Breakfast at Night Heron Books and Coffeehouse
107 E Ivinson Ave | (307) 742-9028
The extensive drink menu at Night Heron features a variety of locally-roasted coffees, teas, and smoothies. Night Heron is known for their delicious artisanal baked goods and cozy bookstore atmosphere. Try their Egg, Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato, and Pesto bagel sandwich or a spicy Mayan Mocha with habanero and cayenne! Bookworms will enjoy the attached Night Heron Bookstore and the 2nd Story Bookstore upstairs.
Snowy Range Scenic Byway and Green Rock Trail
Head west to Centennial, to the start of the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. From Memorial Day through October, you can drive the length of the byway to Libby Flats Observation Area. You can use our tour brochure or follow our byway itinerary (keeping in mind that you will be driving back the same way).
Before Memorial Day, the byway closes just after Green Rock Trailhead. Take this beautiful spring hike, and be prepared for muddy conditions or lingering snow. Return to Centennial for lunch.
Lunch at Bear Bottom Bar and Grill
2768 WY-130, Centennial, WY | (307) 742-2410
Grab a burger or a pizza with a refreshing cold beverage at this family-friendly local restaurant. You can enjoy the fun, cozy atmosphere inside, or eat outside on the rooftop deck or at the backyard picnic tables. Be sure to check for mud season closures on their website!
Wyoming Territorial Prison
975 Snowy Range Rd., Laramie, WY
Visit the iconic old west prison that held infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy! See where outlaws lived out their days in prison cells and worked in the prison’s broom factory. Guided tours with an expert are available late May through early September.
Dinner at Sweet Melissa Café
213 S. 1st St.
Described as “Comfort Food for the Homesick Vegetarian”, Sweet Melissa Café's creative menu offers delicious vegetarian and international cuisine with something for everyone to enjoy. Start with an appetizer of cauliflower wings or try their Mac n Cheese of the day! Guy Fieri pays the Café a visit in Season 35, Episode 5 of the hit Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives to rave about Melissa’s vegan dishes! Follow along his culinary journey through Laramie on our Foodie Tour. Attached is Front Street, a cozy tavern with equally tasty drinks and mocktails.
