Laramie, Wyoming was not on our 'loosely' planned route towards Washington. What brings us to this historic area of rolling terrain and prairie is an unexpected motorhome issue: a cracked windshield. When we arrived to Cheyenne over a week ago, we got up the following morning to discover that small windshield crack we obtained somewhere between Arkansas and Oklahoma (about 12 inches long) had grown into a 30 inch crack.. literately overnight. It is possible to drive with a glass crack this long (the windshield is actually 2 pieces of laminated glass molded together, this crack is in the outside layer) but not something we feel comfortable doing for any significant distance. We made the decision to call our insurance company and cease all travel until we could get the windshield replaced. All campground options in Cheyenne were booked for the next few weeks therefore we had limited options. Thankfully we found campground space about 50 miles west in Laramie. With record-breaking heat temperatures all over the west and more heat-wave breaking temperatures forecast, we're fortunate to land here where highs only reach about 94 degrees. We also discover there are some very interesting day trip possibilities for this region, so lots of opportunities to explore this area are in store.
The historic city of Laramie was founded in 1868 as a major stop on the Union Pacific Railroad. Several of the old restored buildings from that time remain, giving the town a unique old western town appeal. These buildings now house quaint shops, restaurants and businesses. The University of Wyoming is located here along with several historic sites, museums as well as homes on the National Register of Historic Places. Also, many movies and television shows have been filmed about Laramie, Wyoming. One of the more famous: "Laramie" starring John Smith and Robert Fuller (1959-1963).
The shop owner tells me this Christmas Cactus is about 150 years old!
Founded in 2011, Laramie's Mural Project brightened up some of the bland building walls, adding a cultural flare to the city.
Laramie's storied history begins with the building of the Union Pacific Railroad in 1868. To learn more about the history of Laramie, click this link HERE. Arriving with a broken windshield, we had no idea we were staying in such a historic area. From the history of building the first transcontinental railroad, to the Overland Stage crossing, the Wyoming Territorial Prison to the woman's suffrage movement..Laramie's University of Wyoming campus, art museums and galleries, antique shopping, the Snowy Range Scenic Byway it was clear we were fortunate to have plenty to do while we wait for our insurance to process and schedule the new windshield installation.
Today, Laramie is still an important railroad hub.
The Union Pacific Snow Train 900015 (as seen in the yard of the Laramie Train Depot (1930), listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
We're expecting to be in Laramie for a little over 2 weeks. Checking out possible day trips, we quickly learn about the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. This beautiful drive was originally a wagon road built in the 1870's. In the 1920's the road was constructed using horse drawn equipment and later paved in the 1930's. In 1988 is was designated as the nation's second Scenic Byway. Traveling west along Wyoming Highway 130 we also pass the historic monument for The Overland Trail. Used as an alternate route for the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails, this route was primarily used by the Overland Stage Company, transferring passengers and mail to and from Salt Lake City, Utah. You can see the white post marker out in the field.
Continuing our day trip on the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, we make a quick stop in the small community of Centennial. Founded in 1876, this historic railroad depot now named the Nici Self Museum was an interesting discovery.
Built in 1907, the restored depot building housed many artifacts from this era.
A buffalo coat, old binoculars and old typewriters were among the vast collection of artifacts.
Housed in separate outdoor buildings were more artifacts including this 1917 LaFrance Fire Engine.
Traveling westward on Wyoming Highway 130, the scenic byway continues to climb almost 3000 feet. Reaching the road's summit at 10,000 ft, this overlook provided stunning views of the Medicine Bow Peak (12,013 ft).
The plaque below is designated for the memory of the 66 people who lost their lives in a plane crash in 1955. The United Airlines DC-4 crashed into the mountain sometime during the morning on October 6, 1955. To learn more about that sad day in history click HERE.
The geological history of the Snowy Mountain Range includes crustal movement, normal faulting, folding, uplifting and tilting of the earth's crust. Erosion and glaciation also play a role in the mountain range formation. It is estimated the oldest rocks to be 2.5 billion years old.
The glacier lilies are in full bloom when we reach the summit.
Still researching the name of this alpine wildflower..
I believe this is called Lanceleaf Springbeauty.
A close up of the Globeflower.
A field of globeflowers.
Many of the picnic areas and hiking trails were closed this day near the Byway's summit. The temperature in Laramie was about 93 degrees but up at Libby Flats, the summit's lookout, it was 76 degrees.
More Later from Laramie, Wyoming:
Our visit to the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, more downtown views from Laramie and a couple more day trips.
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