Day Trip to Wyoming Territorial Prison

Built in 1872, the Wyoming Territorial Prison was restored and renovated the 1990's by the efforts of the citizens of Laramie. There were at least 12 woman housed there and more than 1,000 men; Butch Cassidy being the most famous guest.

What to See....

Prison Museum - Ran as a Territorial Prison until 1890 when Wyoming became a state. In 1890, the facility was reorganized as the Wyoming State Penitentiary for 30 years and held notorious outlawas like Dan Parker, Clark "the Kid" Pelton and Ellijah Canary. The prison became a stock farm for the University of Wyoming in 1903 when inmates were transferred to a new facility. After Laramie citizens rallied to have the prison restored in 1989, it opened as a historic site in 1991.

Warden's House - Built in 1875 by prison labor, it housed both the warden, his family and the guards until 1889. The Warden's House was restored in 2007 with furnishes reflecting the early 1890s period when James Marsh and his oldest children lived in the home.

Horse Barn Exhibit Hall - Constructed in 1910 by the University of Wyoming and housed horses for the stock farm. It was remodeled in the early 1990s to make room for an exhibit hall, theater and kitchen.

Box Car House - Originated as a workshop inside the stockade. Later became housing for employees of the stock farm.

Broom Factory - Ran at the Wyoming State Prison in Laramie from 1892 until 1902 when the equipment was moved to the new prison in Rawlins. The Factory underwent intensive restoration in 2006 - 2009 and is now open to the public 10 to 5, seven days a week.

Church - Saint Mary's of the Plains Episcopal Church opened its doors Easter Sunday, 1902. Originally located in Rock River, Wyoming, the church was abandoned for many years and then donated to the Territorial Museum site in 2003. The church is now open for visitors of all ages, faiths and background. (It can also be rented for wedding and special events)

Ranchland - The Homestead exhibit pays tribute to westward bound pioneers through a display of historic buildings from the Chimney Rock Ranch in Albany County.

The prison is open everyday, 9am to 6pm, May 1 through September 30 (including holidays) and is supported by the Wyoming Territorial Park Historic Association and State Parks & Cultural Resources.

Located just 45 miles west of Cheyenne (975 Snowing Range Road in Laramie), this historical site is a great place to take a day trip to learn a little more about historic Wyoming. People of all ages can explore and learn while having fun!

For more information call 307-745-6161 or visit the Wyoming Territorial Prison web site.