Downtown Laramie

Laramie, WY

Overview

The city of Laramie ("The Gem City of the Plains") had a population of 30,816 as of the 2010 Census and 27,204 as of the 2000 Census. Due to the presence of the university, the population of Laramie is rather fluid and transient, with students leaving during the summer months. The elevation of Laramie seems to vary depending the source: the university cites 7,220 feet above sea level at War Memorial Stadium, while the chamber of commerce places the elevation at 7,165 feet above sea level, perhaps closer to downtown Laramie. Annually, 10.88 inches of precipitation (rain and snow) falls in Laramie, with 36 inches in the form of snow. Perhaps the most famous weather statistic is the wind speed, which averages 12.8 miles per hour!

Laramie, Wyoming Map

Laramie was the home to Matthew Shepard, a young man who was murdered in 1998 in what is now considered a hate crime due to his homosexuality. In spite of this event and its aftermath that challenged the notion that Wyoming is the "Equality State," Laramie generally is a safe place to live and work, and its crime rates are well below the national average. Mr. Shepard's story began with his abduction by locals Aaron James McKinney and Russell Arthur Henderson. The two beat and robbed him, and then left him to die while tied to a fence away from town. His body was found while he was barely alive, but rescuers were unable to revive him. The two suspects in this crime later admitted that they beat Mr. Shepard because of his homosexuality.

Home to the burgeoning University of Wyoming, Laramie sees its population swell during the school year when over 13,000 students attend classes. Some of the major attractions at the university include the American Heritage Center, the War Memorial Stadium (football), Arena-Auditorium (basketball), and various museums and exhibits. One of the most popular museums at the University of Wyoming is the geology museum and library.

Routes

City Streets and Roads

First St Thumbnail
First St (8 photos) Union Pacific Pedestrian Viaduct Thumbnail
Union Pacific Pedestrian Viaduct (9 photos) University of Wyoming Thumbnail
University of Wyoming (22 photos) War Memorial Stadium Thumbnail
War Memorial Stadium (5 photos) Willet Dr Thumbnail
Willet Dr (5 photos) ，其他 Roads Thumbnail
Other Roads (20 photos)

First St

First Street parallels the Union Pacific Railroad alongside the railyard. A one-way street, First Street allow vehicular traffic to travel southbound only. The extra space allows for parking adjacent to the railroad. When a train passes through at full speed, the road shakes from the locomotives' vibration. Here, northbound First Street approaches Grand Avenue, with the Johnson Hotel Building facing the southern and western corners of the block.

First Street parallels the Union Pacific Railroad alongside the railyard. A one-way street, First Street allow vehicular traffic to travel southbound only. The extra space allows for parking adjacent to the railroad. When a train passes through at full speed, the road shakes from the locomotives' vibration. Here, northbound First Street approaches Grand Avenue, with the Johnson Hotel Building facing the southern and western corners of the block. 09/07/05

Grand Avenue is a major east-west route that extends from First Avenue at its west end all the way to the trumpet interchange with Interstate 80 east of downtown. All but the westernmost two blocks of Grand Avenue are part of Business Loop I-80 and U.S. 30.

Grand Avenue is a major east-west route that extends from First Avenue at its west end all the way to the trumpet interchange with Interstate 80 east of downtown. All but the westernmost two blocks of Grand Avenue are part of Business Loop I-80 and U.S. 30. 09/07/05

A banner touting downtown Laramie as a place of history is posted on one of the many street lamps along the street in the downtown area.

A banner touting downtown Laramie as a place of history is posted on one of the many street lamps along the street in the downtown area. 09/07/05

Here, northbound First Street reaches University Avenue. All traffic must turn east onto University Avenue; First Street comes to an end here. A vacant lot to the north of University Avenue allows for a clear view all the way to the Wyoming 130-230 viaduct over the railroad.

Here, northbound First Street reaches University Avenue. All traffic must turn east onto University Avenue; First Street comes to an end here. A vacant lot to the north of University Avenue allows for a clear view all the way to the Wyoming 130-230 viaduct over the railroad. 09/07/05

Here is a view of downtown Laramie as seen from southbound First Street. The Overland Restaurant is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of First Street and Ivinson Avenue.

Here is a view of downtown Laramie as seen from southbound First Street. The Overland Restaurant is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of First Street and Ivinson Avenue. 09/07/05

This steel truss bridge allows for pedestrian and bicycle passage over the Union Pacific Railroad yard near downtown Laramie.

This steel truss bridge allows for pedestrian and bicycle passage over the Union Pacific Railroad yard near downtown Laramie. 09/07/05

This steel truss bridge allows for pedestrian and bicycle passage over the Union Pacific Railroad yard near downtown Laramie.

This steel truss bridge allows for pedestrian and bicycle passage over the Union Pacific Railroad yard near downtown Laramie. 09/07/05

This steel truss bridge allows for pedestrian and bicycle passage over the Union Pacific Railroad yard near downtown Laramie.

This steel truss bridge allows for pedestrian and bicycle passage over the Union Pacific Railroad yard near downtown Laramie. 09/07/05

Page Updated Saturday September 13, 2014