As the capital city of Wyoming, Cheyenne is best known for its cowboy heritage, rodeos, and trains - things reminiscent of the good old Wild West. In fact, Cheyenne’s iconic heritage has been delicately preserved through buildings such as Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, the landscaped Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, and Wyoming Historic Governors’ Mansion. With tons of things to do around the city for both the young and the old, going on a trip to Cheyenne is sure to transport you into a totally different time and period. Delay no more - its time to make plenty of new memories with some of the best things to do in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
1. Take a stroll around Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located within Lions Park, this 9 acre (3.6 hectares) large garden consists of a multitude of attractions. As you stroll through this carefully curated park, be sure to head to the main centerpiece - Grand Conservatory. Upon entering, get ready to be transported to a tropical paradise with a collection of lush tropical flora and fauna. Truly a garden within a garden, Grand Conservatory also consists of a special bonsai house, a fairy garden, a desert section, a Mediterranean section, a prehistoric section, and many more.
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Address: 710 S Lions Park Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States
Website: Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
2. Interact with nature at Paul Smith Children’s Village
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Jennifer Payne on Saturday, September 26, 2020
If you are looking for some family-friendly activities, Paul Smith Children’s Village is a fantastic choice. The village consists of stimulating interactive landscapes, natural wetlands, and the chance to learn about the intriguing relationship between science and nature through gravity-powered waterworks, a farmer’s windmill, and solar pumps. It is no wonder that the garden is known to attract not just children but people of all ages. There is undoubtedly plenty to see and do for curious minds at this perfectly disguised outdoor classroom.
Paul Smith Children's Village at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Address: 616 S Lions Park Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States
Website: Paul Smith Children’s Village
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: Free
3. Roam around Wyoming Hereford Ranch
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Home to the local Hereford cattle herd, Wyoming Hereford Ranch dates all the way back to 1883. With a long history and heritage of original buildings that have been meticulously preserved, the current owners of the ranch continue to welcome the public. Starting from the office at Wyoming Hereford Ranch headquarters, visitors are welcomed to embark on a self-guided tour at their own pace on several trails. Expect to see wildlife and many species of birds in the delicate ecosystem in and around the ranch.
Wyoming Hereford Ranch
Address: 1101 Hereford Ranch Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82007, United States
Website: Wyoming Hereford Ranch
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
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4. Step back in time at Wyoming Historic Governors' Mansion
As the former residence of Wyoming’s governors and their families, this mansion served its purpose as the governor’s residence from 1905 to 1976. The venue hosted many important events such as state dinners and receptions, and the interior has since been transformed to reflect the early to mid-90s era. The basement retains its Cold War fallout shelter look. For those reminiscent of the past or simply looking to discover Wyoming’s history, Historic Governors’ Mansion is the perfect place to be. Though it is no longer in official use, the mansion is fondly remembered as the people’s house - and continues to carry that legacy.
Historic Governors’ Mansion
Address: 300 E 21st St, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States
Website: Historic Governors’ Mansion
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
5. Step into the past at Wyoming State Museum
Established in 1895, Wyoming State Museum is a state-run museum serving as an educational, historical, and cultural institution for the human and natural history of Wyoming and Rocky Mountain West. Relics, artifacts, and collections on display are grouped according to various permanent and non-permanent displays. Some permanent displays include the gallery on America’s first National Park - Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park, a stimulating space highlighting the prehistoric world of dinosaurs.
Wyoming State Museum
Address: 2301 Central Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States
Website: Wyoming State Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 4.30pm (closed on Sun)
6. Discover Downtown Cheyenne Historic Distric
Make your way through Historic Downtown Cheyenne, an area around seven blocks wide located in the heart of Cheyenne’s earliest business districts. Some buildings you can find here are Old Union Pacific Depot, Atlas Theatre, and Tivoli Building. Let your imagination take you on a ride back to the past as you walk along the streets which used to be full of activity back in its heyday. Brochures with maps and guides can be found online or at the visitor’s information booth of the Historic Depot, 121 West 15th Street.
Historic Downtown Cheyenne
Address: 1601 Capitol Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States
Website: Historic Downtown Cheyenne
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
7. Gather fresh produce at Cheyenne's Farmer's Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Jackie's Java
Posted by Cheyenne Winter Farmers' Market on Tuesday, April 21, 2015
During the months of fall, Cheyenne’s Farmer’s Market lines the 15th Street where more than 40 vendors from Wyoming and Colorado gather with their fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, flowers, and more. In the winters, this market is set up close to this spot near Cheyenne Train Depot. Besides fresh produce, you might also get to discover some of Wyoming’s specialty dishes as you join the locals on a leisurely stroll through the market.
Cheyenne's Farmer's Market
Address: 121 W 15th St, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States
Website: Cheyenne’s Farmer’s Market
Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
8. Join the celebrations at Cheyenne Frontier Days
Cheyenne Frontier Days is a 10-day extravagant and fun-filled 100-years-old festival. It is a vivid picture of the Wild West, cowboys, and a whole lot of family fun - that is what Cheyenne Frontier Days is all about! As the ultimate summer festival, brace yourself for a celebration filled with rodeo and slack events, concerts, professional bull riders, and even the USAF Thunderbirds. Celebrate Cheyenne’s western heritage at Old West Museum and experience Native American food, art, and culture at The Indian Village. A crowd favorite that is not to be missed is the Grand Parade. The 90-minute route starts from the Capitol at Capitol Avenue and ends at East 24th Street. The parade includes colorful floats, marching bands, antique carriages, automobiles, and horses with riders in period attires.
Cheyenne Frontier Days
Website: Cheyenne Frontier Days
9. Go horse riding at Bit-O-Wyo Ranch
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Guests arrive at 6pm
Posted by BIT-O-WYO RANCH on Tuesday, August 18, 2009
At Bit-O-Wyo Ranch, there are trail rides, cabin rentals and cowboy campfires available for families and friends to spend a great day out. Experience scenic trails leadings you to high ridges overlooking valleys and creeks before ending the day with a classic cowboy campfire. Rest up in the evening around the fire with storytelling, and cowboy songs and tunes played on the harmonica and guitar.
Bit-O-Wyo Ranch
Address: 470 Happy Jack Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009, United States
Website: Bit-O-Wyo Ranch
10. Explore Cheyenne Depot Museum
Though steam engines and locomotives no longer pass through Cheyenne Depot, life in this depot does not seem to have quietened down. In fact, it is still an iconic and popular place around town, attracting visitors from all around to witness its historic architecture and interactive Cheyenne Depot Museum. Get ready for a truly immersive experience as you discover what it used to be like back in the days when the depot was still in operation. Along with an on-site visitor center and restaurant, enjoy a fuss-free visit.
Cheyenne Depot Museum
Address: 121 W 15th St #300, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States
Website: Cheyenne Depot Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 3pm; Sun: 11am - 3pm
To the frontier and beyond
The streets of Cheyenne act almost like an open museum of buildings and artifacts, reminding you of the old frontier days. From the days of construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, the region has definitely prospered and developed. At present, the city is known for Cheyenne Frontier Days, which also happens to be the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. Evidently, and rightfully so, tradition and heritage is a source of pride for many residents here.
History
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