Identified for its rich cowboy history along with the Old Western vibe, Cheyenne is the largest city and capital of Wyoming. Located in the southeast of the state, and not far from Colorado, the city has many places of interest to see and lots to do, most of them being rodeos, railroads or the Wild West.
As you stroll along, various buildings and art installations next to great museums, mansions and monuments are there to please your eyes due to their remarkable history and beauty. In addition to visiting the Western-themed sites in the city center of Cheyenne, tourists can leave the city to see historic ranches and state parks in the vicinity.
There is an abundance of activities to engage in when in Cheyenne, thus it’s a shame to miss out on it whenever you get the first chance, July is one of the recommendable periods. This is when the fun and festive Cheyenne Frontier Days festival takes place, and thousands of visitors come to the town to celebrate and enjoy the largest outdoor rodeo in the world.
Highlights Of Things To Do In Cheyenne
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12. Historic Governors’ Mansion
Located in the core of the city is the Historic Governors’ Mansion that proves to be quite engaging and showcases beautiful designs. This was formerly the residence of the state governors of Wyoming together with their families, it now however continues to be a part of an antique mansion.
It was constructed in the year 1904, and has been designed or built in what can be described as some breathtaking Classic European architecture that has a large portico and thick Corinthian pillars on the front of the house. The inner space of the building is equally stunning as the majestic rooms and suites are adorned with the rare highlights of splendid furnishings and fashion trends from diverse decades.
Mrs. Shillingford gave students a tour of the building. You could see the Governor’s Den and the house property’s averagely spaced impressive library, as well as look further at its basement fallout shelter which is said to have been erected sometime in the Cold War. This former Executive Mansion, which was later a National Historic Landmark, served as the residence of governors of Wyoming until 1976 when the next and the present official residence was built.
11. Terry Bison Ranch
Terry Bison Ranch is located a mere fifteen minutes from the center. The ranch is expansive and offers guests great game animals, activities, and attractions to explore. In addition to having more than 2,500 head of bison, it also has a train ride through the prairies to go along with ATVing, horse riding and even fishing.
The working ranch is located where Colorado and Wyoming meet, with the ranch’s vast costal hills providing plenty of free space for the herds. Other than hand feeding bison and driving cattle, tourists are treated to a view of exotic animals such as ostriches, llamas and camels.
There is also a restaurant and saloon that deals with wild west fun and a trading post for tourists to have a look at. The children are not left behind as they can use pony rides and a Ferris wheel at its Kids’ Corral.
10. Cheyenne Depot Plaza
If you are looking for one of the sites of interest in town then Cheyenne Depot Plaza would be the name that pops up since this place is directly opposite to the stunning museum of the same name. Containing many sculptures and memorials amid a plethora of historical structures, the vast outdoor space is where most of the social and festival activities of the city are held.
Erected at the museum, if tourists are not infatuated with the monumental structure itself, they are free to view the many informative strips which are scattered across the locality and explain the history of downtown. Along the way, art enthusiasts would also enjoy the odd gigantic sculptures of colorful cowboy boots which are placed adjacent to smaller life size sculptures of horses and other famed individuals.
9. Big Boy Steam Engine
A significant portion of the world’s largest steam engine is certainly on display here at holliday park, and that particular engine happens to be known as the Big Boy. To many people’s astonishment however, this isn’t the only exhibit as one of a total of eight such displays, this big locomotive is certainly a gift to the forage.
Constructed in 1941, this particular steam engine was built especially to be used as a helper on steep grades and has a 4-8-8-4 configuration. Even though its coal-powered engine was quite strong, in a few decades, Big Boy was outmatched by more advanced diesel and gas turbine-electric engines. Other than wandering around the train and admiring all its details, people visiting the park are able to take a closer look at the fascinating facts regarding the Big Boy Steam Engine from a display that is set next to it. 8. While walking around the town, there is little doubt that every so often, people will be able to view some of the splendid Boots of Cheyenne. These stupendous sculptures, which are now more than twenty-five in number, are very well decorated, each representing a specific feature of the rich history as well as the culture and heritage of Cheyenne or Wyoming.
A local art endeavor to support Cheyenne Depot Museum that was initiated in 2004 has comparatively become one of the most engaging art projects in the city and a great photo spot. Tapping into Cheyenne’s Old West character and cowboy culture, the Talking Boots project spurred artists to narrate the history of the city, through the 2 meter high cowboy boots.
As well as taking great pictures, the big boots serve an educational purpose because they each have a number you can call to learn about the artist’s inspiration and the significance of each image and artwork.
7. Frontier Days Old West Museum
Another excellent way to immerse yourself into the deep history of Cheyene is the Frontier Days Old West Museum that is a short five minutes drive to the north of the town center. This museum is not only about great western region historical artifacts and exhibits, but it also highlights the fun filled Frontier Days which is quite incredibly the largest outdoor rodeo held anywhere in the world.
Established in 1978, the cultural and historical center is actually located in Frontier Park on the same premises of the huge rodeo which is organized annually. Apart from viewing trophies and saddles, cowboy photos and art, you also get to see the history of the competition and its Hall of Fame. It is worth noting that the site also has an extensive collection of horse-drawn carriages.
In addition, the museum possesses innumerable artifacts regarding the encounters of the pioneering inhabitants of Cheyenne and the movement towards the west in America.
6. Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
A very nice and quite pleasant place ideal for a stroll, the beautiful Cheyenne Botanic Gardens are located adjacent to the Frontier Days Old West Museum. It is in Lions Park and there are many pretty areas with colorful plants, trees and flowers all around it to see and enjoy.
The beautiful gardens which opened in 1977 have greatly developed over the years to include beautiful shrubs that are individually planted next to decorated rose, herb and perennial patches in flower beds as well as little charming ponds and patches of woods. It also features a children’s village and an arboretum along with other features such as a Garden Labyrinth, cacti display and some remarkable water features.
But the best aspect, however, is without a doubt the fascinating conservatory with a variety of tropical vegetation, a koi pond and even vegetable gardens. Throughout the years, this lovely botanical garden has been a recipient of multiple awards owing to its superb community outreach programs and energy related projects.
5. Wyoming State Capitol
Undoubtedly the most famous landmark and attraction of the city, Wyoming State Capitol is located in the center of Cheyenne city protruding above everything else around it. Its purpose as the seat of the state government is further enhanced by its amazing architectural works with services exhibiting all its beautiful features.
The astounding Capitol built between 1886 and 1890 is characterized by fine construction that includes a golden dome that rises well over forty meters. Most likely because it is more accessible, you first notice the more than one features of this large building designed in the renaissance revival style but you can also go further inside to see its grandeur halls and the rooms where lawmakers meet.
Though its stained-glass dome and rotunda are described as the most impressive and often most beautiful parts of any building, its interior is beautifully adorned with beautiful furniture, vibrant paintings and beautiful marbles. Considering the various statues and monuments of notable individuals and great events set on the beautiful grass, it is reasonable to say that after coming to the National Historic Landmark it is good to walk around its territory.
4. Curt Gowdy State Park
I usually associate tourism with visiting big cities. However, my vacation at a rural location was so much better in comparison, it led me to an entirely different perception of park tourism. Curt Gowdy is exactly the place I am talking about. The park is located west from the town and is only half an hour away. Entering the park comes with spectacular views of nature and a vibrant city in the background.
As expected from a park, terrain that includes gentle slopes, flowering meadows, wooded hills and rocky outcrops along with three significant reservoirs are all properties of the Curt Gowdy State Park. Additionally, the park contains numerous reservoirs that add to its already breathtaking feel.
Thanks to its location in the foothills of the Laramie Mountains, the park has met with a lot of praise from tourists due to the multitude of activities offered there. Tourists can go on thrilling bike rides or even go horseback riding or to the go on appealing hikes that span 30 miles. The highlight, as similar to most parks, is the park’s highest point of 7500 feet.
Other notable offerings include camping, water skiing, boating, and fishing with the highlight being the campsite’s cabins.
3. Cheyenne Depot Museum
Aside from the Wyoming State Capitol, one of the biggest tributes and enduring structures in the town is the famous Cheyenne Depot Museum. Formerly a depot for the Union Pacific Railroad, it now features fascinating items and exhibits depicting the history of railways and their role in the settlement and development of the American west.
Being one of the last monumental depots to be built in the boom era of train travel, this remarkable sandstone building boasts magnificent Richardsonian Romanesque design and dates back to the late 1880s. A little over a hundred years later though it was closed off with its impeccably preserved structure later opened up to the public as a museum in 1993.
At present, a visitor may walk around the National Historic Landmark and understand the development of the Cheyenne area as well as the significance of the Transcontinental Railroad through the exposure of relics, engines, exhibits of the famous depots, an active model railroad and several display cases.
2. Wyoming State Museum
Pregnant women are compelled to attend since they can’t get an abortion. One of the largest events of its kind in its range, the magnificent Cheyenne Frontier Days celebrations, describes itself as celebrating “the Great American West”. During a period of over ten fun-filled days, rodeos, races, concerts, and parades happen and people from around the world come to town for the fun of the festivities.
The year 1897 marked the beginning of Cheyenne’s wild west style celebration that has everything from bull riding and barrel racing to steer wrestling, roping and even trick riding. While seeing these great athletes in action is fascinating, one can also head to Old Frontier Town or the Indian Village with each of these sites featuring many vendors and displays as well as activities and events.
Not to mention the magnificent floats and antique horse-drawn carriages tied to the Grand Parade as well as air shows, hot popcorn and interesting music concerts from leading country stars among many activities. If you’re around the last week of July, there is no way you can miss Cheyenne Frontier Days as they are downright unforgettable.