Laramie Plains Museum | Laramie

The Laramie Plains Museum is a historical house museum located in Laramie, Wyoming, USA.

It preserves and interprets the history of the Laramie Plains region through its collections and exhibits housed within the historic Ivinson Mansion.

Visual Characteristics

The Ivinson Mansion is a two-and-a-half-story Queen Anne style house constructed primarily of red sandstone. It features a prominent wraparound porch, a three-story turret, and decorative gables. The exterior paint colors are historically accurate, reflecting the period of its construction. The interior retains original woodwork, stained glass windows, and decorative plasterwork.

Location & Access Logistics

The Laramie Plains Museum is situated at 603 Ivinson Avenue in Laramie, Wyoming. It is approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) south of the Laramie city center. Parking is available on-site in a dedicated lot adjacent to the mansion. Public transport options include the Laramie Connect bus system; Route 2 stops within a 0.5km (0.3 mile) walk of the museum.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Ivinson Mansion was constructed between 1890 and 1892 for Edward J. Ivinson, a prominent Laramie businessman and banker. The architect was William Dubois. The mansion was originally a private residence and later served as the University of Wyoming's first dormitory for women before becoming a museum.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the restored rooms of the Ivinson Mansion, which showcase period furnishings and artifacts. Exhibits detail the history of Laramie and the surrounding plains, including topics such as ranching, railroads, and early settlement. Guided tours are available, offering in-depth information on the mansion's architecture and the lives of its former inhabitants.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the first floor of the mansion. Limited shaded areas are present on the porch. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the museum building. No on-site food vendors are present, but dining options are available within a 1km (0.6 mile) radius in downtown Laramie.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open year-round. For optimal interior lighting and photography, visiting during daylight hours is recommended. The best months for comfortable travel to Laramie are typically May through October, avoiding the harsher winter conditions.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical oddity is that Edward J. Ivinson, the mansion's original owner, was also instrumental in establishing the first bank in Wyoming and served as the territorial treasurer. A local legend suggests that the ghost of Mrs. Ivinson can sometimes be seen in the upstairs rooms, though this is unconfirmed.

Nearby Landmarks

• University of Wyoming (0.8km North)
• Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary State Historic Site (1.2km Northwest)
• Downtown Laramie Historic District (1.5km North)
• Big Boy Steam Engine 4004 (2.5km West)