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Discover the Laramie River Station Power Plant Tour in Wyoming

Located near Wheatland, Wyoming, the Laramie River Station Power Plant Tour offers visitors an inside look at one of Wyoming’s major coal-fired electricity generating facilities. Guests learn how coal is converted into electrical power, explore key components of a large-scale power plant, and discover the role the station plays in supplying electricity across the western United States.

Why it’s special: Laramie River Station is one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the Rocky Mountain region, generating electricity for multiple states.

History & Story of Laramie River Station

Laramie River Station was constructed in the late 1970s and early 1980s to meet growing electricity demand across the western United States. The plant is jointly owned by several regional power utilities and was designed to provide reliable baseload power to communities throughout the region.

Located near coal mines in southeastern Wyoming, the plant was strategically built to take advantage of local fuel supplies and transmission infrastructure. Over the years, upgrades have improved efficiency and environmental controls, allowing the facility to continue supplying electricity to millions of customers.

What You’ll See & Do on the Laramie River Station Power Plant Tour

• Learn how coal is delivered and prepared for electricity generation
• Observe massive boilers where coal combustion produces steam
• Discover how turbines and generators convert steam energy into electricity
• See environmental control systems used to reduce emissions
• Understand how electricity is transmitted from the plant to regional power grids

Hands-On Elements: Educational presentations explain how electricity is generated and distributed through the power grid.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography may be restricted in operational areas for safety and security reasons.

Souvenirs & Extras: Informational materials about energy production and power plant operations may be provided to visitors.

Pricing of the Laramie River Station Power Plant Tour

Adult price: $0 per adult (free)

Advance reservations are typically required for facility tours.

Visiting information for Laramie River Station Power Plant Tour

Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes
Age limits: Minimum age requirements may apply; minors must be accompanied by an adult
Accessibility: Visitor facilities are accessible, though some operational areas may require stairs
Working Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday Closed

Tours are usually scheduled by appointment with plant staff.

Nearby attractions to Laramie River Station Power Plant Tour

• Glendo State Park
• Oregon Trail Ruts Historic Site
• Register Cliff State Historic Site

FAQs About Visiting the Laramie River Station Power Plant Tour

What type of power plant is Laramie River Station?
The facility is a coal-fired power plant that generates electricity using steam turbines powered by coal combustion.

Do I need to schedule the tour in advance?
Yes. Because it is an active industrial facility, tours are typically arranged by appointment.

How much electricity does the plant produce?
The station has multiple generating units that collectively produce thousands of megawatts of electricity for regional utilities.

Is photography allowed during the tour?
Photography may be limited in certain operational areas for safety and security reasons.

Why was the plant built in Wyoming?
Wyoming has large coal reserves and access to major transmission lines, making it an ideal location for a large power generation facility.