Albany County Overview
Albany County is located in the southeastern region of Wyoming, with its county seat in Laramie. Established in 1868, Albany County is known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and strong ties to education and agriculture. The county is bordered by Carbon County to the west, Laramie County to the east, and Colorado to the south. It encompasses part of the Medicine Bow National Forest and offers ample outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, and skiing.
The population of Albany County is approximately 38,000 people, with the majority living in Laramie. The county is home to the University of Wyoming, which plays a significant role in its economy and culture. Other industries include agriculture, government services, and tourism, thanks to the area’s abundant natural beauty.
- County Seat: Laramie
- Number of Cities and Towns: 6
- Major School Districts: Albany County School District #1
Laramie
Laramie Overview
Laramie is the county seat and largest city in Albany County, located along the Laramie River. Founded in 1868 during the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, Laramie grew quickly and became a major hub for education, transportation, and commerce. The city is bordered by the Medicine Bow National Forest to the west and the Laramie Plains to the east, providing stunning scenery and ample recreational opportunities. Laramie is also home to the University of Wyoming, which is the state’s flagship institution and a major contributor to the local economy.
Laramie experiences a semi-arid climate, with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. The city is home to landmarks such as the University of Wyoming Art Museum and the Wyoming Territorial Prison, a historical site dating back to the 19th century. Its unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities makes Laramie a vibrant and appealing place to live and visit.
- Population: 32,711
- Population Density: 1,915 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 82070, 82072, 82073
- Road Network: Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 287, Wyoming State Highway 230
- Nearest Airports: Laramie Regional Airport, Denver International Airport (140 miles)
- Libraries: Albany County Public Library
- Hospitals: Ivinson Memorial Hospital
Schools in Laramie
Laramie is served by the Albany County School District #1. Slade Elementary School (PreK-5) enrolls about 350 students, focusing on developing early literacy and math skills. Laramie Middle School (grades 6-8) serves approximately 500 students, offering a broad curriculum that includes arts, STEM, and physical education. Laramie High School (grades 9-12) has around 1,100 students and offers advanced placement courses, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and athletic programs. In addition, Laramie is home to University of Wyoming, which enrolls over 12,000 students and contributes significantly to the educational and cultural environment of the city.
Rock River
Rock River Overview
Rock River is a small town located about 40 miles northwest of Laramie. Established in the early 20th century as a railroad town, Rock River has maintained its rural charm and serves as a quiet, agricultural community. It is situated along U.S. Highway 30 and offers easy access to nearby natural attractions, such as the Medicine Bow National Forest and the Laramie River. The town’s economy is primarily based on ranching and farming, with a small, tight-knit population.
Rock River experiences a semi-arid climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The town’s key landmarks include historic buildings from its railroad days and local farms that have been in operation for generations. Outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and fishing are popular in the surrounding areas.
- Population: 245
- Population Density: 91 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 82083
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 30, Wyoming Highway 13
- Nearest Airports: Laramie Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Laramie (Albany County Public Library)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Laramie (Ivinson Memorial Hospital)
Schools in Rock River
Rock River is part of the Albany County School District #1. Rock River School (PreK-12) serves approximately 120 students in a combined elementary, middle, and high school setting. With small class sizes, the school provides personalized instruction and close teacher-student relationships. The school offers core academic subjects as well as vocational training and extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and student clubs. The community takes pride in supporting its local school, which is a central part of town life.
Centennial
Centennial Overview
Centennial is a small, unincorporated community located at the base of the Snowy Range Mountains, about 30 miles west of Laramie. Founded in the late 19th century during the mining boom, Centennial once thrived as a gold and silver mining town. Today, it is a gateway to outdoor recreation, particularly for visitors to the nearby Medicine Bow National Forest and Snowy Range Ski Area. Its scenic beauty and proximity to national forest lands make it a popular destination for camping, skiing, and snowmobiling.
Centennial experiences a cool, mountain climate, with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. The town’s landmarks include the Nici Self Historical Museum, which preserves the history of the area’s mining and ranching heritage. Centennial is also a hub for outdoor adventure, with year-round activities available in the surrounding wilderness areas.
- Population: 270
- Population Density: 32 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 82055
- Road Network: Wyoming State Highway 130
- Nearest Airports: Laramie Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Laramie (Albany County Public Library)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Laramie (Ivinson Memorial Hospital)
Schools in Centennial
Centennial is also served by the Albany County School District #1. Centennial Elementary School (PreK-6) enrolls around 50 students and provides a unique, small-school environment that fosters individualized learning and strong community involvement. After sixth grade, students typically travel to Laramie for middle and high school education. Laramie Middle School and Laramie High School offer a broader range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students from Centennial, including athletics, arts, and advanced placement courses.
Bosler
Bosler Overview
Bosler is an unincorporated community located approximately 20 miles north of Laramie. Once a thriving railroad town in the early 20th century, Bosler has since declined in population, with much of its activity centering around ranching and agriculture. The town’s remote, quiet setting and its proximity to U.S. Highway 30 make it a pass-through point for travelers heading to larger cities like Laramie or Casper.
Bosler experiences a typical high plains climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Although much of the original town has faded, Bosler’s surrounding landscapes provide opportunities for ranching, wildlife observation, and scenic drives through the open plains of southeastern Wyoming.
- Population: 10
- Population Density: 3 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 82051
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 30
- Nearest Airports: Laramie Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Laramie (Albany County Public Library)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Laramie (Ivinson Memorial Hospital)
Schools in Bosler
Since Bosler is a very small community, students typically attend schools in Laramie, part of the Albany County School District #1. Laramie Middle School and Laramie High School serve students from Bosler, offering a wide range of academic courses, extracurricular programs, and sports. The district’s small-school atmosphere allows for personalized instruction while still providing access to comprehensive educational opportunities.
Tie Siding
Tie Siding Overview
Tie Siding is a small, unincorporated community located near the Wyoming-Colorado border, about 20 miles south of Laramie. Historically, Tie Siding served as a stop along the Union Pacific Railroad, where railroad ties were produced and distributed. Today, it is a quiet, rural area known for its scenic views of the surrounding Laramie Mountains and its access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.
Tie Siding experiences a semi-arid, mountainous climate, with cold winters and mild summers. Although the town itself is small, it offers a peaceful, remote lifestyle and serves as a gateway to nearby attractions, including the Vedauwoo Recreation Area and Curt Gowdy State Park.
- Population: 16
- Population Density: 4 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 82084
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 287
- Nearest Airports: Laramie Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Laramie (Albany County Public Library)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Laramie (Ivinson Memorial Hospital)
Schools in Tie Siding
Tie Siding does not have its own schools, so students in the area attend schools in Laramie, which are part of the Albany County School District #1. Slade Elementary School, Laramie Middle School, and Laramie High School provide students from Tie Siding with a comprehensive education. The schools offer a wide variety of academic courses, athletics, arts programs, and extracurricular activities, ensuring that students from the rural community of Tie Siding have access to quality education and enrichment opportunities.