Albany County, located in southeastern Wyoming, is a region known for its wide-open plains, rolling hills, and proximity to the Medicine Bow Mountains. Established in 1868, the county was named after Albany, New York, by a settler from the area. Albany County is home to the University of Wyoming in Laramie, which greatly influences its culture and economy. The county’s history is rooted in the development of the railroad, cattle ranching, and, more recently, education and tourism.
With a population of approximately 37,000 people, Albany County includes the city of Laramie as its largest community and county seat. The county also has smaller towns like Rock River and Centennial, each with their unique charm and ties to Wyoming’s frontier history. Outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and fishing are popular due to the county’s natural beauty, particularly in the Medicine Bow National Forest.
Laramie
Geography and History
Laramie is the largest city and the county seat of Albany County, located along the Laramie River in the southeastern part of the state. The city was founded in 1868 as a railroad town, originally serving the Union Pacific Railroad during its expansion westward. Laramie quickly developed into a thriving community, and in 1886, it became home to the University of Wyoming, which has since become a central part of its identity.
Laramie’s history is also tied to Wyoming’s law enforcement history, being the location of the infamous “Big Boy” steam locomotive and the Wyoming Territorial Prison, which housed notorious outlaws like Butch Cassidy. Today, Laramie is a blend of historical charm and modern culture, driven by its status as a university town.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Gem City of the Plains”
- Area: 17.76 square miles
- Population: Approximately 32,000
- Elevation: 7,165 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82070, 82072, 82073
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Laramie is well-connected by major highways, including Interstate 80, which runs east to west through the city, linking it to Cheyenne and Rawlins. U.S. Highway 287 also passes through Laramie, providing a direct route to Fort Collins, Colorado, to the south. Laramie is served by the Laramie Regional Airport, which offers commercial flights to Denver, Colorado. Public transportation is provided by the local bus system, and the city’s walkable downtown makes it easy for residents and visitors to get around.
Famous Landmarks
- University of Wyoming: The state’s only public university, with a picturesque campus and numerous museums
- Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site: A former prison that housed outlaws like Butch Cassidy
- Medicine Bow National Forest: Offers outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and skiing
Rock River
Geography and History
Rock River is a small town located northwest of Laramie along U.S. Highway 30. Founded in the late 19th century, Rock River originally developed as a ranching and farming community, benefiting from its location along the historic Lincoln Highway and later U.S. Highway 30. The town’s name comes from the nearby Rock Creek, which provided water for early settlers.
Today, Rock River remains a small, tight-knit community that serves as a gateway to the open plains and high country of southern Wyoming. Agriculture, especially cattle ranching, remains a key part of the local economy, and the town offers a quiet rural lifestyle.
City Facts
- Nickname: “A Place of Quiet Strength”
- Area: 0.29 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250
- Elevation: 6,814 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82083
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Rock River is located along U.S. Highway 30, which connects it to Laramie to the southeast and Medicine Bow to the northwest. The town’s remote location means that most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation, and there is no public transit. For air travel, residents typically drive to Laramie Regional Airport, located about 40 miles away. The town’s rural highways provide access to outdoor recreation areas like the Laramie Plains Lakes and nearby state parks.
Famous Landmarks
- Rock Creek Station: A historic stagecoach stop along the Overland Trail
- Lincoln Highway Monument: Marking the town’s significance along the first transcontinental highway
Centennial
Geography and History
Centennial is a small mountain town located at the base of the Snowy Range in the Medicine Bow Mountains, about 30 miles west of Laramie. Established in 1876 as a mining town, Centennial was initially a gold rush settlement, though the mining boom was short-lived. The town later became a center for ranching and tourism, with its proximity to the Snowy Range making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.
Today, Centennial is a gateway to the Medicine Bow National Forest and the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, attracting visitors for skiing, hiking, and fishing. The town retains its rustic charm, with several historic buildings and local businesses catering to tourists.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Gateway to the Snowy Range”
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Elevation: 8,076 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82055
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Centennial is located along Wyoming Highway 130, also known as the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, which connects the town to Laramie and the western part of the county. The town’s location in the mountains makes it a popular stop for travelers heading to the Snowy Range Pass. Centennial does not have its own airport, but the nearby Laramie Regional Airport provides access to commercial flights. Most transportation in and around Centennial is by car, given the rural and mountainous nature of the area.
Famous Landmarks
- Snowy Range Ski Area: A popular ski resort offering winter sports and activities
- Medicine Bow National Forest: Provides hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities
- Centennial Depot Museum: A museum showcasing the history of the town and its role in the region’s mining and ranching history
Albany
Geography and History
Albany is a small, unincorporated community located in southeastern Albany County, along the Laramie River. The town developed in the late 19th century as a railroad stop and cattle town, providing services to local ranchers and travelers. Although it remains a small, rural community, Albany serves as a base for outdoor activities in the surrounding Medicine Bow National Forest.
The town’s history is closely tied to the early development of the railroad and ranching industries in southeastern Wyoming, and it continues to play a role as a gateway to outdoor recreation.
City Facts
- Nickname: “On the Edge of Wilderness”
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approximately 55
- Elevation: 7,694 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82070
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Albany is located along Wyoming Highway 11, which connects the town to Laramie and the surrounding national forests. Due to its small size, Albany relies on nearby towns like Laramie for access to larger roads and airports. The Laramie Regional Airport is the closest option for air travel. Given its rural nature, transportation in Albany is mainly by car, and the town serves as a stopping point for visitors heading into the mountains for outdoor activities.
Famous Landmarks
- Albany Lodge: A historic lodge offering lodging and dining, popular with outdoor enthusiasts
- Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest: A vast forest providing recreational activities like hiking, snowmobiling, and camping