Cheyenne: The name brings forth images of the West - cowboys, rodeos, railroads and majestic plains - Wyoming's capital city embodies the spirit of the Old West, and it is especially lively in the summer when the weather is fair and there is a wide range of activities and events. With a plethora of Western-themed attractions and shopping, a thriving art community, a variety of soft adventures nearby, and an eclectic selection of dining options, Cheyenne offers travelers a summer experience that is truly unique. Included below is just a sampling of new happenings in Cheyenne.
Splash Pad
Ground has been broken and new sewer lines are being laid for the long-awaited Splash Pad in the Depot Plaza! A family-friendly draw to the downtown area, the water feature will cool kiddos off during the hot summer months and bring playful whimsey to the Plaza.
Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site
A quick 30-minute drive north of Cheyenne to Quebec 01 is worth the trek to get an up close and personal look at the Cold War and the defenses hiding in plain sight. Top-side, the facility is a self-guided museum where the missileers and support staff lived during their shifts. Every half-hour there is a guided tour to descend the impressive 60 feet underground to the command center capsule. The temperature noticeably drops in the 1 minute 27 second elevator ride down. Codes, lockboxes, and an escape hatches that fill with sand after a blast seem like elements from an H.G. Wells novel, but in fact, were the United States’ strongest line of defense for several decades. The state’s historical experts worked closely with the U.S. Air Force to ensure accuracy and extreme attention to detail.
Re-Ride Cycling Program
The Re-Ride Program, established several years ago, is getting a much-needed technological upgrade and the original bicycles are being replaced over the next few seasons. The result will be a more automated, uniform bike library that will allow residents and tourists alike to navigate our city in a more efficient way – at little-to-no cost to the user! Visit Cheyenne partnered with the Cheyenne DDA/Mainstreet to reinvigorate and expand the program.
Live Music Scene
Over the last few years, Cheyenne’s live music scene exploded –festivals like Rock the Block, EdgeFest, and free weekly concerts in the summer at Fridays on the Plaza, and Cheyenne Frontier Nights top the must-do lists of locals and visitors alike. But over the last year, Cheyenne has added the potential of a new music venue in the heart of downtown as a local non-profit renovates The Lincoln and Blue Pig Presents has begun consistently working with the folks at Array and Terry Bison Ranch to bring in national names into up-close and personal venues!
Blacktooth Brewery
One of Wyoming’s most famous beer brands, Black Tooth Brewery, expanded out of Sheridan this year and selected Cheyenne as its new test market. The tasting room on the West Edge of downtown will feature flavors in small batch brewing, giving Cheyenne a major say on what flavors go on to be canned and distributed around the state!
Magic City Holidays
This year Cheyenne aims to become a holiday season “must,” combining programming across the city into a single month-long event! Between the kickoff to “Tinsel through Time” at the Historic Governor’s Mansion and the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in the Plaza, there will be no shortage of festivities in all corners of the county. The Christmas Parade, Small Business Saturday, a variety of market opportunities, specially-lit destinations, and more will bring more joy and wonder to the season and encourage everyone to shop local in Cheyenne!