Quick Guide for Visitors & New Residents
Welcome to Medicine Bow! As a tight-knit town set against the stunning Medicine Bow Mountains, you are getting a serene, rugged Wyoming experience. While there are no dedicated public tennis courts directly within the town limits, you are situated just under an hour's drive from some of the best high-altitude tennis facilities in the state, primarily located in Laramie. The local tennis scene is anchored by the University of Wyoming and regional community associations. If you are staying at one of the luxury guest ranches in the Medicine Bow region, you may also have exclusive access to private courts right on the property. This guide provides everything you need to navigate the region's tennis landscape quickly and easily.
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Why Play in the Medicine Bow Area?
For the avid tennis traveler, the Medicine Bow area serves as a unique, adventurous basecamp. You get the peace of the Wyoming wilderness, the charm of a historic western town, and the physical challenge of playing at over 6,500 feet of elevation. The high-altitude tennis experience means the ball flies faster and bounces higher, providing a fun and exciting adjustment for serious players. Furthermore, local community organizers in the Wyoming district are known for their incredible western hospitality. Whether you are looking to meet different people or jump into a local mixer, the regional tennis community ensures visiting players are welcomed warmly the moment they step onto the courts.
Courts & Facilities
Because Medicine Bow itself does not have public tennis courts, residents and visitors commute to nearby Laramie (about 55 miles southeast) or utilize private ranch facilities.
University of Wyoming Tennis Complex (Laramie)
- Surface: Hard courts (Indoor and Outdoor).
- Lighting: Yes, excellent indoor and outdoor lighting.
- Access: Public use is available; reservations are highly recommended via gowyo.com.
Undine Park (Laramie)
- Surface: Hard courts.
- Lighting: No.
- Access: Public, free, first-come, first-served.
Laramie High School & Middle School
- Surface: Hard courts.
- Lighting: No.
- Access: Open to the public outside of school hours and team practices.
Private Guest Ranches (e.g., A Bar A Ranch)
- Description: Located in the Medicine Bow Mountains, several luxury guest ranches offer private tennis and pickleball courts exclusively for their guests.
- Access: Details at abararanch.com.
Community & Associations
The local tennis heartbeat for Carbon and Albany counties is driven by dedicated volunteer associations.
- Alpine Tennis Association (ATA): The primary grassroots community organizer for the region. They host social mixers, local tournaments, and maintain an active player network. Connect with them at alpine-tennis.org.
- USTA Wyoming: They oversee official leagues, NTRP ratings, and regional tournaments. Check their schedule and league info at wyoming.usta.com.
Lessons & Coaching
If you want to improve your game, certified coaching is available a short drive away.
- University Clinics: The UW Tennis program frequently hosts community clinics and summer camps for various skill levels throughout the year.
- Independent Pros: To find a local PTR or USPTA certified coach for one-on-one sessions, the best contact is the USTA Wyoming district office, which maintains a roster of active teaching pros in the area.
Shops, Stringing & Services
Due to the sparse population, dedicated commercial tennis pro shops are not found in Medicine Bow or Laramie.
- Racquet Stringing: Professional stringing is typically handled by private local stringers, including coaches or collegiate players. Ask at the UW Tennis Complex to get connected with a local stringer who can turn your racquet around quickly.
- Equipment & Apparel: General sporting goods stores in the area carry very basic tennis gear. For high-end racquets, shoes, and professional 24-hour stringing, local players usually ship their gear to specialty shops in Fort Collins, Colorado, such as Game-Set-Match (gamesetmatchinc.com), or order online.
Local Players & History
While Medicine Bow itself is quiet, Wyoming has a rich tennis history. The region is proud of the University of Wyoming Cowgirls Division I tennis team, who bring high-level competitive play to the area. Additionally, the state has been home to notable tennis figures like Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Freddie Botur, who moved to a Wyoming ranch later in life, beautifully cementing the connection between the rugged west and the sport of tennis.