Antiquing in Laramie, Wyoming

When Butch Cassidy — aka Robert LeRoy Parker — was released from the Wyoming State Prison in Laramie, Wyoming, in 1896, the American Wild West was being tamed. Although Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and their Wild Bunch would continue to rob trains, banks, and payrolls on horseback for a few more years, Laramie had become a law-and-order town: it had a public school, three churches, a national bank, electric lights, factories, a brewery, and a Union Pacific Railroad station. In the rough-and-tumble West, Laramie was a jewel.

In 2025, it’s still a jewel. Laramie’s historic downtown has been named one of America’s top three downtown areas. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty — and a nice assortment of antique stores. The town’s visitor’s center, once the Union Pacific Railroad’s Laramie Depot, sets the tone for visitors: the cordial staff will suggest restaurants, events, and museums. While there, you can grab some maps, brochures, and a “Laramie, WY” sticker to add to your Great American Road Trip sticker collection.

Strolling through Laramie’s historic downtown, you’ll find boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants housed in well-preserved century-old buildings. Immerse yourself in Western lore at the Laramie Plains Museum in the Ivinson Mansion, or have a cold beer and a steak at an old-fashioned cowboy saloon. With each passing hour, the 21st Century will fade away, and you will return to the Old West.

For Old West collectors, Laramie is the mother lode. Here are five of the many shops that Laramie has to offer:

Miss Etta’s Place: The reference buried within this business’s name will be lost to all but the most devoted Old West enthusiasts. Etta Place — born Ann Bassett — was the paramour and confederate of Butch Cassidy. Known as “The Outlaw Queen,” this cattle rustler, saboteur, and one of Cassidy’s Wild Bunch was admired for her good looks, intelligence, expert horsemanship, and firearm prowess.

The diverse lifestyle of The Outlaw Queen is reflected in the offerings of Miss Etta’s Place at 115 E. Ivinson Avenue. The shop has five specialty rooms: gift shop, Western, Christmas, Women and Children, and Antique. The antique shop specializes in glassware, ceramics, and porcelain, making it a good resource for collectors seeking unique pieces.

Bent & Rusty: Located at 308 S. 2nd Street, Bent & Rusty is billed as “America’s Largest Craftsman’s Co-Op.” It’s an oasis for antique enthusiasts seeking rustic and vintage items. If reclaimed barn wood and upcycled antiques are your style, you’ll love Bent & Rusty. Weathered farm tools, vintage signs, custom copper jewelry, and custom-made quilts round out the offerings. Their inventory changes weekly, and there are two floors of merchandise; be sure to allow enough time to explore!

Tin Man’s Soul: From architectural salvage to fine antiques and glassware, the Tin Man’s Soul captures the inner essence of antiques. Their claim to be “An Inspired Space: Color, Texture, Light, History, Stories, Evocative…” isn’t an idle boast. Described by reviewers as a “must-see, one-of-a-kind shopping experience,” the inventory at Tin Man’s Soul will enchant you with its carefully curated collection. They are located just a stone’s throw from (or, in keeping with our Western theme, perhaps I should say “within spittin’ distance of”) the Wyoming Territorial Prison at 4727 Graham Drive.

Ruby’s Vintage: If you appreciate fine jewelry and collectibles, Ruby’s Vintage at 710 E. Garfield St. is the place to be. This boutique store offers an array of vintage and antique jewelry, ensuring you leave with a unique piece that tells its own story. But jewelry isn’t the whole story: Ruby’s has a top-notch assortment of Frontier and Old West collectibles, too.

While in Laramie, don’t limit yourself to antique shops alone. This town is rich in cultural heritage events and historic landmarks waiting to be explored.

A visit to the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site is — pardon my pun — an arresting experience. This former prison offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of frontier justice. Explore the somber cells, peruse captivating historical exhibits, and delve into the engaging stories of the notorious outlaws who once found themselves imprisoned there.

In stark contrast to the prison is the exquisite Ivinson Mansion, home to the Laramie Plains Museum, in the historic downtown district of Laramie. As you wander through the meticulously restored mansion, you’ll be transported to the opulent days of the early 20th Century. The mansion’s grandeur is a testament to the affluence of Laramie’s early pioneers, and its history unfolds before you in a splendid display of elegance.

Comfortable accommodation and good meals are essential to a satisfying antiquing adventure. Laramie is well furnished with both. Based on customer reviews, here are a few favorites:

The Mad Carpenter Inn at 353 N. 8th St. puts you in the downtown historic area of Laramie. Offering a guest house, cottage, and rooms, you’ll find yourself centrally located and quite comfortable. TripAdvisor rates Mad Carpenter at 5.0 stars/5, based on 78 reviews — a remarkable rating. But Laramie has accommodations to suit all pocketbooks, from a budget-minded Motel 8 to the upscale Hilton Garden Inn near the University of Wyoming Conference Center.
Dining in Laramie is an experience to savor. You can “cowboy up” with a juicy ribeye or burger at the Altitude Chophouse and Brewery (4.3 stars/5, based on 591 reviews) or opt for the strictly vegetarian fare at Sweet Melissa’s Restaurant (4.8 stars/5, based on 985 reviews).

Laramie, Wyoming, is a must-see for collectors of Americana and Old West memorabilia. Beyond the charming antique shops, it is a destination where history, culture, and luxury converge. So, as you pack your bags for this exceptional journey, be prepared to unearth Old West treasures and a profound connection with the past. Laramie offers an experience that discerning travelers will cherish, and who knows? Amidst these historical wonders, you may uncover an antique of unparalleled significance.

For more information on visiting Laramie, contact the Laramie Area Visitor’s Center at 800 S. 3rd Street, Laramie, Wyoming 82070, (307) 745-4195, or browse the Visit Laramie website.

Editor’s Note: I called Laramie home for several years while earning my degree, and it holds a special place in my heart—not just for its antique shops and historic charm but for the incredible outdoor adventures just beyond city limits. For those looking to add a bit of fresh air to their treasure hunting, the area offers breathtaking hiking and camping in the Medicine Bow National Forest, as well as scrambling across the dramatic rock formations of the Vedauwoo Recreation Area, a perfect place for stretching (challenging) your legs between vintage stops. KJ

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