A Laramie day trip from Cheyenne can pair the drive west on Interstate 80 with a visit to the University of Wyoming Geological Museum. From Cheyenne Guest Inn, the drive to Laramie Regional Airport is about 66 minutes, giving you a useful reference for the journey to Laramie.
- Route: Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie
- Museum stop: The University of Wyoming Geological Museum is open to the public
- Road check: WYDOT’s 511 service provides Wyoming road-condition and traffic information
Planning the Drive to Laramie
Interstate 80 is the route between Cheyenne and Laramie, and the summit between the cities calls for attention to changing road conditions.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol puts the I-80 Summit at 8,640 feet above sea level. WYDOT describes this stretch as having steep grades, strong winds, winding roads and variable weather, so check conditions before you leave and allow your plans to stay flexible.
WYDOT’s 511 service is the official source for Wyoming road-condition and traffic information. You can check its website, call 511 or use the Wyoming 511 app. For broader local transport context before setting off, the guide to getting around Cheyenne covers movement around the starting city.
Choose a Laramie Visitor Stop
The University of Wyoming Geological Museum is a public visitor stop at 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071.
It is open to the public, including people who are not University of Wyoming students. Its location gives your day a specific destination in Laramie; make the museum the main stop, then plan the rest of your visit around the time you have available.
For parking, the museum advises using the hourly-parking area on the third floor of the Ivinson Parking Garage at 11th and Ivinson Streets, or getting a day permit for Brown-zone parking near the museum. A day permit costs $7.50.
Allow Time for the Return Journey
Build your return drive into the day, since Interstate 80 crosses a high summit between Laramie and Cheyenne.
Before leaving Laramie, check WYDOT 511 again for road-condition and traffic information on the route. Conditions can vary along the summit, so use the latest report to guide your departure rather than relying only on the drive time to the airport as a timing reference.
What to Verify Before Leaving
Confirm the museum’s hours and parking details, then check the road report before you start the drive.
The Geological Museum’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; it is closed Sundays and major holidays. WYDOT’s 511 service is the official place to check conditions on Wyoming roads. Check the University of Wyoming Geological Museum’s official site before you go for current visitor details.
FAQs
Is the University of Wyoming Geological Museum open to the public?
Yes. The museum welcomes visitors who are not University of Wyoming students.
How much does admission to the Geological Museum cost?
Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.
When is the Geological Museum open?
It is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sundays and major holidays.