Laramie Hotels
Find a hotel in Laramie, Wyoming. The city of Laramie, known as the "Gem City of the Plains", looks like a handful of precious stones nestled in a black velvet jewel box when approached from any direction at night. Surrounded by the Snowy Range to the west and the Laramie Mountains to the east, the Laramie Valley is wide enough to be considered a high plain.
Laramie is home to University of Wyoming, the state's only four-year institution. The University has an impact on the local business environment, providing a well-educated labor force and employers spun off from University-related research projects. This is enhanced by two more post-secondary education providers: Laramie County Community College's Albany County campus, and Wyoming Technical Institute, a highly-regarded vocational school.
The urban environment is highlighted by a charming downtown area with lovingly restored buildings. Some of the most remarkable characteristics of Laramie, however, don't come into play until you leave the city limits. The Snowy Range Mountains to the west shelter a family downhill ski area, 80 mountain lakes, innumerable ice-cold mountain streams, and all the room in the world for snowmobiling, mountain biking, cross-country skiing - all manner of mountain delights!
The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site also makes its home in Laramie. The penitentiary was restored in 1989 and is open for tours. The WTPSHS is located on 190 acres and is home to the original prison Broom Factory and Warden's House, along with a restored Horse Barn/Dinner Theater, Chimney Rock ranch, Rock Springs country church, and recreated Frontier Town. Special events include Ghost Tours of Laramie City, the Butch Cassidy Chili Cook-off, living history reenactments, and theater performances.
The Old West lives on in modern-day Laramie. The broad plain on which the city lies supports big cattle ranches and with them, the singular blend of reliance on community and proud individualism which typifies life on the land.
