There are many obvious “wonders” to Laramie and Southeastern Wyoming. We have the incredible rock formations of Vedauwoo, the beautiful Medicine Bow mountain range, hidden waterfalls at Curt Gowdy State Park, the Greenbelt, and an incredibly scenic and affordable ski resort.
Through word-of-mouth, the Casper community has created a comprehensive “seven wonders of Casper” that highlight the town’s unique features beyond the obvious ones. In inspiration of Casper, I’ve compiled the seven wonders of Laramie to exhibit not-so-known quirks about the Laramie area.
1. Scenic Overlook near Lincoln Monument
If you want to see a stunning view of the city of Laramie, the mountains and the Laramie valley, is at the scenic overlook near the Lincoln Monument. To get to the spot head east on i80, take exit 323 and turn right. Follow highway 210 for a quarter mile and turn right on Government Gully Road. The road is unmarked, but it is the first right turn. Follow this dirt road until the end of the road where there is a large dirt pile and fencing. There are several campsites by the overlook which are perfect places to have a night outdoors during the summer.
2. The Golden Prairie Bakery
The Golden Prairie Bakery, off highway 130, is the perfect place to grab homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, cakes and pastries. Despite its limited hours and desolate location, it remains my favorite destination for treats in the Laramie community. The staff is friendly and it gives you the opportunity to see the Wyoming plains. Try my family’s favorite pastry, the bearclaw.
3. Stink Lake at LaBonte Park
The lake in LaBonte Park, also known as Stink Lake, is a less than savory “wonder” of Laramie, however, the lake has a cool history. The lake is known for its sulfuric odor that stinks especially in the summer during periods of intense heat. When the water gradient is thrown off in the lake, there is nothing to keep the materials at the bottom of the lake decaying. Hence, we are left with an unpleasant smell of the left over minerals.
It was also discovered that the lake has turned into a sinkhole, after city planners attempted to build an island for a seating area in the park. They found the foundation of the lake was too unstable because the LaBonte basin holds a significant amount of the mineral gypsum. When gypsum interacts with groundwater, it creates a concave effect, making a sinkhole formation.
4. Ames Monument
The Ames Monument is a hidden tribute to the transcontinental railroad and specifically the Ames brother’s work in constructing the Union Pacific section of the railroad. From the monument you are able to see all of the Laramie valley and a scenic mountain view. The monument is uniquely shaped like a pyramid to mimic the shape of the distant mountains. I find this monument ot be slightly out of place and mysterious, which is why it remains one of my favorite places to visit in Laramie.
5. A hidden staircase at Vedauwoo
While I was searching for a place to camp over the summer, I weirdly came across a staircase on top of a rock formation in Vedauwoo. It’s odd location makes it seem eerie and paranormal. If you are a fan of the outdoors and want a fright, I strongly recommend taking a trip to the east side of the park where you can find the hidden staircase. The hidden staircase is not on the Turtle Rock Trail, but is near camping sites and a bridge. Good luck finding it!
6. Historic Black 14 mural
In the alley between Second and Third Street you will find a tribute to the social justice icons of the Black 14 who protested Brigham Young University’s racial policies in collegiate football by wearing black armbands. The Black 14 were dismissed from the University of Wyoming’s football team which spurred the court case Williams vs. Eaton. This discussed free speech, specifically the controversy around separation of church and state. I find this mural to be empowering and a reminder of the influential history of our town. See this mural to get a taste of history and court decisions around the first amendment!
7. UW’s Planetarium
The planetarium is one of my favorite spots in the Winter months when it’s too cold to do something outdoors. The UW planetarium has fascinating shows that allow you to escape from reality for a while. I learn about topics I would never learn about in my Economics classes, from the sun to aliens to black holes. Plus, tickets are inexpensive for students, I like to go.
