Wyoming Territorial Prison Laramie
Step back in time at the Wyoming Territorial Prison, a historic site offering a glimpse into Wild West justice and unique crafts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Wyoming Territorial Prison Laramie
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the Wyoming Territorial Prison, a historic site offering a glimpse into Wild West justice and unique crafts.
"An excellent slice of history has been preserved and renovated to showcase its authenticity."
Allocate Enough Time
Plan for 2-4 hours to fully explore exhibits and the broom factory. Don't rush this historical gem!
Engage with Staff
Staff at the broom factory offer great insights. Ask questions to enhance your visit!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Butch Cassidy's Cell
Inside the Prison
Explore the cell of the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy and learn about his time here. A key piece of Wild West lore.
Broom Making Factory
Grounds
Witness traditional broom-making techniques and purchase authentic, handmade brooms. A unique, living history experience.
Women's Wing
Prison Building
Discover the history of the prison's small, two-cell women's wing, offering a rare perspective on female incarceration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Immerse Yourself in History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Enough Time
Plan for 2-4 hours to fully explore exhibits and the broom factory. Don't rush this historical gem!
Engage with Staff
Staff at the broom factory offer great insights. Ask questions to enhance your visit!
Butch Cassidy Exhibit
Learn fascinating details about Butch Cassidy's life and time at the prison.
Broom Demo is a Must
Watch the broom-making demonstration and consider buying a souvenir.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Enough Time
Plan for 2-4 hours to fully explore exhibits and the broom factory. Don't rush this historical gem!
Engage with Staff
Staff at the broom factory offer great insights. Ask questions to enhance your visit!
Butch Cassidy Exhibit
Learn fascinating details about Butch Cassidy's life and time at the prison.
Broom Demo is a Must
Watch the broom-making demonstration and consider buying a souvenir.
Kid-Friendly History
The prison's history is engaging for older children. Consider it for a family stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Wyoming Territorial Prison a very interesting historical site, particularly for its insights into past prison operations and famous inmates like Butch Cassidy. The broom-making factory is a unique highlight, offering demonstrations and handmade products. While some found the experience 'just okay' and noted a lack of engagement from some staff, many highly recommend it for its preserved authenticity and historical value.
"Very interesting history. Even better if you enjoy visiting prisons of the past n how they were run. The first with a women's wing (2 cells only, n they never left it). It could appear that the guards were also "prisoners" while working. Butch Cassidy has his own exhibit inside. There's a broom making Factory out back, that still handmakes n sells the brooms. When the prison closed it was turned into a farm. It bk is a tropics town. Definately worth visiting. A thorough visit can take 3-4 hrs."
Karen Talley
"An excellent slice of history has been preserved and renovated to showcase its authenticity. Being presented a "prisoner" at admission added an element of curiosity to the process. The museum has a lot of great information and throughout our 3000 mile trip, we kept learning more about Butch Cassidy but this was the most information in one place (we decided he was an intelligent & charismatic man who was never going to settle down - much to his parents' despair). The broom factory was excellent as the guide provided a great deal of information in addition to a brief demonstration for our questions. Really enjoyed the whole thing and it left a remarkable impression of Wyoming."
emm dee
"Hubby & I visited this place and took the guided tour. Our guide was very good and told stories of several inmates that were incarcerated there. One of the most famous was Butch Cassidy. Recommend visiting if in the Laramie area."
K. W.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site is located in Laramie, Wyoming. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. If you're driving from Estes Park, CO, it's a good mid-point to break up the journey to Grand Teton National Park.
Public transportation options directly to the prison may be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for the most convenient access to the Wyoming Territorial Prison and other Laramie attractions.
From Denver, you can drive west on I-80 towards Laramie. The drive typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
Yes, Laramie offers several attractions like the University of Wyoming, Vedauwoo Recreation Area, and downtown shopping. It's a great stop on a larger Wyoming road trip.
Absolutely! The prison is a perfect stop for a day trip if you're in the Laramie area or passing through on a longer journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees apply for entry to the Wyoming Territorial Prison. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it's a good idea to check the official website, especially during peak season or for special events, to secure your entry.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. Always consult the Wyoming Territorial Prison's official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
Yes, guided tours are often available and highly recommended. They provide in-depth historical context and engaging stories about the inmates and the prison's operation.
Some visitors have mentioned being presented as a 'prisoner' upon admission, adding an element of historical immersion to the experience.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore authentic prison cells, learn about famous inmates like Butch Cassidy, visit the women's wing, and witness traditional broom-making. The grounds also offer historical context.
A thorough visit can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, allowing time to explore all exhibits, watch demonstrations, and perhaps purchase a handmade broom.
Accessibility information can vary. It's best to contact the site directly or check their website for details on accessible pathways and facilities.
The Wyoming Territorial Prison sometimes hosts special events, like the Higher Ground Fair featuring baby goats. Check their schedule for unique visitor experiences.
The broom-making factory is a historical operation that continues to handcraft brooms. Visitors can watch demonstrations and purchase these unique items.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's generally recommended to check for signage or ask staff upon arrival regarding restrictions on photography, especially inside sensitive exhibit areas.
The historic cell blocks, the exterior of the prison buildings, and the broom-making factory offer great photographic opportunities. The rugged Wyoming landscape surrounding the site also provides scenic backdrops. 
Drone usage is typically subject to strict regulations. Always check with the site management and local aviation authorities before operating a drone.
The authentic cells and the historical artifacts provide a unique backdrop. Capturing the essence of the Wild West era can make for memorable photos.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the interiors of the cells and a telephoto lens for details on the grounds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the broom-making factory as a highlight for younger visitors, as the hands-on demonstration and the opportunity to purchase a unique souvenir can be very appealing. Ensure children are supervised, especially in areas with narrow passages or historical artifacts. The site's open grounds also offer space for kids to move around.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider packing your own snacks and drinks, as on-site dining options might be limited or more expensive. The self-guided tour option, if available, can also help manage costs compared to a fully guided experience, though guided tours offer significant added value.
📚 History Buffs
Pay special attention to the Butch Cassidy exhibit and the unique women's wing. Engaging with the staff, particularly those at the broom factory, can provide additional historical context and anecdotes that enrich the understanding of the site's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Wild West Justice
Visitors can walk through the authentic cells, imagining the daily lives of those incarcerated. Exhibits detail the prison's operation, the challenges faced by guards, and the stories of its most infamous residents. One of the most compelling narratives revolves around Butch Cassidy, the legendary outlaw, whose time at the prison is a significant draw for history enthusiasts.
The site also highlights the transition of the prison grounds after its closure. It was later converted into a farm and eventually became a historic site dedicated to preserving this unique piece of Wyoming's past. This transformation adds another layer to the site's rich history, showcasing its evolving role in the community.
The Enduring Craft of Broom Making
Visitors have the opportunity to witness these demonstrations firsthand, learning about the materials and processes involved in creating a durable, functional broom. The staff are often happy to share their knowledge and answer questions, making it an educational and interactive experience. Many visitors find this aspect particularly memorable and often purchase a handmade broom as a unique souvenir of their visit.
The broom factory not only serves as a historical demonstration but also as a small business that supports the site's preservation efforts. It’s a living history element that adds significant value to the overall visitor experience, offering a different perspective on the daily life and industry that once thrived within the prison's walls.
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