Cheyenne & Laramie

Cheyenne and Laramie are the two largest cities in Southern Wyoming, but "large" is a relative term in both cases: Cheyenne, the state's capital city, has about 55,000 residents, while Laramie, home to the University of Wyoming, has a population of around 25,000. Separated by a mountain pass (the centerpiece of which is Curt Gowdy State Park) and about 50 miles, the cities serve as not only the state's political and intellectual centers, respectively, but are worthy destinations or stopovers on trips to or from Yellowstone or Grand Teton national parks. Cheyenne is best known for the annual "Daddy of 'em all," the rodeo spectacular known as ...

Cheyenne and Laramie are the two largest cities in Southern Wyoming, but "large" is a relative term in both cases: Cheyenne, the state's capital city, has about 55,000 residents, while Laramie, home to the University of Wyoming, has a population of around 25,000. Separated by a mountain pass (the centerpiece of which is Curt Gowdy State Park) and about 50 miles, the cities serve as not only the state's political and intellectual centers, respectively, but are worthy destinations or stopovers on trips to or from Yellowstone or Grand Teton national parks. Cheyenne is best known for the annual "Daddy of 'em all," the rodeo spectacular known as Cheyenne Frontier Days, held during the last week in July. Museums also offer a wealth of history on the state and its railroads. In Laramie, the big annual event is Jubilee Days, held in mid-July; there is a nice little downtown, several museums on the UW campus, and outdoor recreation to the west (the magnificent Snowy Range Mountains) and south (Pole Mountain and Vedauwoo Recreation Area).

About the Expert

Eric Peterson has written and contributed to numerous Frommer’s guidebooks covering the American West, including Montana & Wyoming, Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, and Texas.