22 Top Things to Do in Cheyenne, Wyoming
Cheyenne, Wyoming, captures the essence of the American West with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Historic landmarks and museums share stories of the region’s past, while local events celebrate its cowboy spirit.
Scenic drives and outdoor adventures provide opportunities for exploration. A welcoming community and vibrant downtown add to the town’s appeal.
Unique shops and eateries offer a taste of local flavor. Discover 22 top things to experience in Cheyenne:
Wyoming State Museum
Wyoming State Museum stands as a treasure trove of the region's rich heritage. Covering everything from early human settlements to the natural wonders of Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain West, its permanent displays create an immersive journey through time.
You can find engaging attractions for families, such as the "Hands-on Habitat," where prairie dog holes spark curiosity alongside opportunities to roast s'mores by a campfire. Unique exhibits also feature animal pelts and skulls native to this area, making learning both fun and interactive.
Best of all, accessing these experiences comes at no cost.
The Nelson Museum of the West
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of western heritage at the Nelson Museum of the West. With a remarkable collection exceeding 14,000 artifacts, this museum provides an insightful glimpse into diverse aspects like cowboys, Native Americans, and military history.
An extensive library featuring around 4,000 books complements its offerings. You will find captivating art pieces from Pueblo and Plains Indians alongside practical items created by coastal tribes and Inuit communities.
A dedicated Mexican exhibit displays vibrant sombreros and intricately designed silver-mounted spurs that reflect cultural craftsmanship.
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
Cheyenne's annual Frontier Days comes alive through the Old West Museum, where you can delve into rich history and culture. A treasure trove of artifacts awaits, featuring one of the largest collections of carriages in the United States alongside exquisite Western American art and historic clothing.
Scholars benefit from a dedicated research facility that deepens understanding of this fascinating era. Children find joy in an interactive gallery designed for hands-on experiences like roping cattle and painting on hide safely.
Summer camps cater to kids aged 5-12 with flexible attendance options by day or week, while advanced sessions engage budding artists aged 10-14 eager to explore their creativity further. School groups have opportunities tailored just for them too.
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens focuses on the importance of community involvement through volunteerism, particularly engaging senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and at-risk youth. This initiative aims to harness the therapeutic benefits of gardening for those participants.
Within this vibrant space lies a rich tapestry of plant life; visitors can explore hundreds of rose varieties alongside an herb garden featuring culinary and medicinal herbs. A unique cactus collection thrives in a dry section near the parking lot while a labyrinth offers contemplative paths for reflection.
Two community gardens allow locals to cultivate their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs amidst these lush surroundings. Excitingly, plans are underway for expanding into a 62-acre arboretum that promises even more botanical wonders ahead.
Cheyenne Depot Museum
You will find the Cheyenne Depot to be a significant historical site, representing a pivotal era in train travel. This architectural gem from 1887 marks an important chapter in the development of the American West through mechanized transportation.
Inside, you can explore fascinating exhibits featuring two historic steam engines: The 844 Steam King, notable for being the final steam engine constructed for Union Pacific Railway, and Challenger 3985, recognized as the largest operational steam engine worldwide. A remarkable model train display enhances your visit here too.
If you're seeking a unique venue for events like weddings or reunions, consider utilizing the spacious lobby of this museum which provides an elegant setting steeped in history.
Paul Smith Childrens Village
At the heart of Cheyenne Botanic Gardens lies a remarkable destination for children known as Paul Smith Childrens Village. This engaging space, named after an enthusiastic gardening board member, was established during the Depression through the WPA job-training initiative.
It focuses on teaching kids about sustainable practices and gardening in enjoyable ways. Interactive features abound, including ponds perfect for splashing around, teepees for imaginative play, and sand areas designed for castle construction.
Weekly story sessions and creative craft classes add to its charm along with a hidden garden boasting a puppet theater.
Terry Bison Ranch
At the Wyoming and Colorado border, you will find Terry Bison Ranch, home to an impressive herd of fifty bison.
This unique ranch experience includes a charming train ride that takes you right into the midst of these majestic animals, allowing for unforgettable moments as you feed them by hand.
As we journey toward the bison, a variety of animals greet us along the way, there are horses with their adorable foals, mules, donkeys, camels, ostriches and llamas adding to this diverse setting.
For those seeking adventure on horseback or looking to engage in authentic cattle drives while herding cows across vast prairies make sure not to miss out on this opportunity; dinner at Senators restaurant awaits after your day’s activities.
Wyoming Hereford Ranch
Wyoming Hereford Ranch stands as the oldest continuously operating livestock business in the nation. Spanning an impressive 60,000 acres, this remarkable ranch has been thriving since 1883 and offers a fascinating glimpse into agricultural history.
With its headquarters functioning as a visitor center, you can explore an extensive library filled with literature on farming practices and Hereford breeding techniques. Birdwatchers often flock to this site due to over eighty bird species that inhabit the area around Crow Creek and within diverse trees like cottonwoods and spruces.
From kestrels to kingfishers, wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty of avian wonders here.
Cowgirls of the West Museum & Emporium
The significant contributions of women in shaping the American West often go unrecognized. This museum highlights their vital legacy and strives to inform visitors about this rich history.
From branding cattle to cooking meals, women adapted to rugged environments while also nurturing families and even participating in rodeos. Wyoming notably led the nation by granting voting rights and property ownership to women fifty years ahead of other states, as well as being home to the first female judge.
You will find fascinating exhibits filled with photographs, costumes, and tools that depict these women's experiences alongside knowledgeable volunteers eager to share insights. Additionally, an emporium brimming with western memorabilia offers unique clothing pieces, antiques, collectibles, home decor items along with captivating literature for enthusiasts.
Curt Gowdy State Park
Curt Gowdy State Park offers an incredible outdoor experience just 24 miles from Cheyenne, perfectly positioned halfway to Laramie. This stunning area features three reservoirs nestled among steep granite formations in the scenic foothills of the Laramie Mountains.
Historically significant as a resting point for Native American bison hunters, it now serves nature enthusiasts with thirty-five miles of trails ideal for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding while deer often roam these paths. Fishing is another highlight here; stocked waters provide opportunities to catch rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon, attracting anglers eager for a good haul.
Boating and canoeing add to the fun on these serene waters along with camping facilities available nearby.
Historic Governors Mansion
The Governors Mansion in Cheyenne is a historic gem that serves as a museum today. This Colonial Revival-style residence, constructed in 1904, was home to state governors from 1905 until 1976.
A unique feature of this house is the fallout shelter created during the Cold War era, which adds an intriguing aspect to your visit. The mansion comprises two and a half stories along with a full basement and separate carriage house, all beautifully restored for public enjoyment.
You can explore rooms adorned with decor from various historical periods while listening to music representative of each era. Accessibility is prioritized here; wheelchair access ensures everyone can appreciate this remarkable site through guided tours available by appointment.
Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley
Embarking on a journey through Cheyenne's rich history becomes an unforgettable experience with the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley. Originating from 1920s-style buses, these ninety-minute tours begin at the iconic Cheyenne Depot and circle around key attractions like the Wyoming State Capitol and Botanic Gardens.
You have flexibility; hop off to explore any site, then catch another trolley in just under an hour and a half. During summer weekends, this tour extends to two hours as it pauses for thirty minutes at the Old West Museum without any added fee.
This adventure provides you with insight into Cheyenne’s heritage while enjoying scenic views along the way. Each stop reveals unique stories that shape this vibrant city’s identity.
Cheyenne Frontier Days
Celebrating western heritage, Cheyenne Frontier Days is a vibrant festival lasting two weeks. A major highlight includes the world’s largest rodeo where skilled cowboys showcase their talents in bronco riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing.
You can also explore an authentic old frontier town and a Native American village that add to the event's rich cultural backdrop. The excitement continues with wild horse races and informative behind-the-chutes tours that provide unique insights into rodeo life.
Entertainment options abound with thrilling carnival rides, captivating parades featuring antique vehicles, and an impressive art show displaying local talent. A standout feature this year highlights gentling techniques for mustangs and burros leading up to a special adoption auction you won't want to miss.
Cheyenne Big Boots
The Cheyenne Depot Museum benefits from an exciting initiative that features nineteen large cowboy boots, each standing eight feet tall. Local businesses sponsored this creative project called These Boots Were Made for Talking.
Artists contributed by imagining the narratives these boots would share if they could express themselves. Now scattered across downtown Cheyenne, these vibrant installations not only beautify the area but also serve as excellent spots for photos while promoting local artistry.
For those eager to explore further, a brochure listing boot locations can be found at the museum along with a unique cell phone audio tour that reveals each artist's intended story behind their creation.
Wyoming National Guard Museum
Explore the Wyoming National Guard Museum to appreciate the profound legacy of Wyoming’s Army and Air National Guard. This institution honors over 150 years as a steadfast protector of the state, embodying a rich history that merits celebration.
Within its walls, you can find meticulously arranged exhibits illuminating significant milestones and contributions made by these brave individuals throughout three centuries. A unique highlight includes an impressive T-33 jet trainer alongside various army vehicles and artillery pieces on display, enhancing your understanding of military heritage in this region.
Engaging with this museum connects you to stories that shaped our nation while recognizing those who served valiantly for us all.
NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Centers Visitor Center
Wyoming's supercomputer plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of Earth's atmospheric dynamics. By efficiently dividing intricate equations into manageable parts, it employs parallel processors to deliver solutions much faster than traditional methods allow.
This impressive machine ranks among the fastest globally and is essential for research related to climate science and extreme weather phenomena. A visit to the Visitor Center offers an engaging opportunity for individuals or groups to embark on self-guided tours covering various topics like energy resources, fire management, and water conservation in the West.
Additionally, educational field trips cater specifically to schools, clubs, camps, and homeschoolers while interactive exhibits at the museum will undoubtedly captivate every visitor's interest.
Warren ICBM and Heritage Museum
Intercontinental ballistic missiles, or ICBMs, are powerful weapons designed to deliver nuclear warheads over vast distances. Capable of reaching at least 5,500 miles from their launch site, these missiles play a critical role in national defense.
One notable location housing such technology is Warren Air Force Base near Cheyenne. This base features the LGM-30G Minuteman III missile and stands as one of just three strategic missile bases in the United States.
For those interested in exploring military history, the AFB Museum offers insights into missile development on its first floor and honors past personnel on the second level. Visitors should arrange their trips ahead of time to ensure security clearance for entry into this significant site.
Historic Cheyenne Walking Tours
Cheyenne's rich history comes alive through its engaging walking tours, which are self-guided and start at the Historic Depot. At the Visitor Center located in the Depot, you can find brochures that outline three different tour lengths.
The shortest option covers just 0.7 miles within the bustling downtown historic district. If you're up for a bit more exploration, consider the 1.3-mile route that includes both downtown and charming homes in Rainsford area of town. For those seeking an extended adventure, a 1.7-mile trek encompasses all three areas: downtown historic sites, Rainsford neighborhood highlights, and Cheyenne's Capitol district as well as significant buildings and events from past to present noted on each brochure.
Cheyenne Artists Guild
The Cheyenne Artists Guild, established in 1949, proudly holds the title of Wyoming's longest-standing artists association. This non-profit organization plays a vital role in enriching the local art scene by supporting over one hundred members as they pursue their artistic endeavors.
Each month brings fresh exhibits with diverse themes that spotlight various talents and perspectives within the community. Additionally, the guild organizes an annual painting competition called the Seven State Regional, attracting participants from across the nation to showcase their creativity.
For those eager to explore this vibrant hub of art and culture, visiting is possible from Tuesday through Saturday.
Sherman Hill Model Railroad Club
Attention scale model railroad fans! You will find a treasure trove of creativity and craftsmanship at the Sherman Hill Model Railroad Club.
This non-profit organization not only showcases stunning, intricately designed model railroads but also fosters a community where enthusiasts can share ideas and techniques. Engaging clinics are available for both novice and experienced builders, providing valuable skills to enhance your modeling journey.
Additionally, visitors get insights into the captivating history of Wyoming’s railroads during their time here. The club regularly hosts various events that invite participation from all who appreciate this fascinating hobby.
Wyoming’s Rib and Chop House
For those craving juicy steaks, delectable seafood, and celebrated ribs, Wyoming's Rib and Chop House emerges as a top choice. Across numerous locations in Wyoming and nearby states, this establishment embodies the spirit of Rocky Mountain hospitality while serving up exceptional cuisine.
Begin your meal with tempting appetizers such as Fried Green Tomato or Hot and Crunchy Shrimp to whet your appetite. Once you’re ready for the main course, options like Cote de Boeuf or Fulton Street Ribs await your taste buds.
Be sure to indulge in their rich assortment of desserts and cocktails that can elevate any dining experience further beyond expectations.
2 Doors Down
You will find a true gem in Cheyenne at 2 Doors Down, where gourmet burgers take center stage. This beloved eatery is the brainchild of Jerry and Sandy Inniss, who have dedicated years to serving outstanding meals with exceptional hospitality.
The laid-back atmosphere enhances your dining experience as you indulge in mouthwatering options like the barnyard burger or avocado bacon burger. Each selection bursts with flavor, complemented by bottomless fries that add an extra layer of satisfaction for patrons.
This establishment has become synonymous with downtown culinary delights, making it a top choice for anyone seeking delicious food in a relaxed setting. Don't overlook this local treasure on your next outing!