CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Cheyenne. The name brings forth romantic images of the West - cowboys, rodeos, railroads and majestic plains. Named a "True Western Town" by True West Magazine, the town's slogan, "Cheyenne - Live the Legend," is a fitting invitation for travelers to come visit and take a step back into the Old West.
Located just 90 miles north of Denver, Cheyenne sits as the northern anchor of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and is surrounded by some of the nation's most beloved monuments. South Dakota's Mt. Rushmore and Black Hills, Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park and Wyoming's own Devils Tower, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are all within a day's drive of the city.
HOME TO ALL THINGS WESTERN
Within Cheyenne, travelers will find more than they ever expected - cowboys and cowgirls, rodeos, ranches, gunslingers, historic hotels, "Western High Style" cuisine, good old-fashioned Western entertainment, trolley cars, boots that are eight-feet tall, the world's largest stream engine, the Wyoming state capitol, history, Western art and artifacts and much more. As travelers will see, it's hard not to get into the spirit of the American West. Over the years, the Western excitement of Frontier Days has permeated into the daily living and overall feel of Cheyenne. From attractions and cuisine to shopping and entertainment, Cheyenne truly is home to all things Western.
WORLD-FAMOUS FRONTIER DAYS
Cheyenne Frontier Days is the world's largest outdoor rodeo and Western Celebration. Started in 1897, festivities feature 10 days of the world's best PRCA rodeo action. From bull riding and barrel racing to steer wrestling and team roping, Cheyenne Frontier Days has it all. Nightly concerts, parades, pancake breakfast, chuck wagon cook-off and other varieties of Western entertainment are also a trademark of this much-beloved annual celebration.
AMERICA'S RAILROAD CAPITAL
Not to be outdone by the cowboys and rodeos, trains have a legitimate claim in making Cheyenne America's "Railroad Capital." At its heart, Cheyenne is a railroad town. Its first residents were men who moved west to work on the transcontinental railroad. Train enthusiasts will find themselves in train heaven in Cheyenne, as its various rail attractions are quite impressive, including Wyoming's oldest steam engine and two of only eight existing Big Boys!
HOME TO WYOMING'S CAPITOL AND HISTORY
Just as the railroad plays an important role in Cheyenne's history, so too does Cheyenne play an important role in the state's history. Cheyenne is the capital of Wyoming and home to the impressive Wyoming State Capitol Building. A dominant structure on the Cheyenne skyline, the building's cornerstone was laid on May 18, 1887. Historically speaking, it is one of the most important buildings in the state. Nearby is the Wyoming State Museum, which houses artifacts and collections showcasing Wyoming's history from its earliest beginnings.
A CITY BRIMMING WITH ARTS
Visitors hoping to find Western art in Cheyenne won't be disappointed. Among the various galleries in Cheyenne are Manitou Galleries, Deselms Fine Art, and Clay, Paper, Scissors Gallery and Studio. Manitou Galleries feature Western and historic art, wood carvings, antiques, bronzes and other sculpture, cowboy and Indian collectibles and more. Deselms Fine Art, located in one of Cheyenne's oldest homes, features original art by local and regional artists with national acclaim. Cheyenne Artists Guild hosts numerous art shows throughout the year. The historic Van Tassell Carriage House is the home of the guild, established in 1949 and is Wyoming's oldest continuously operating artists' association. Cheyenne also has an active community theatre, two ballet companies, a regionally acclaimed symphony orchestra, a chamber choir, and several music venues that host national touring acts!
FAMILY FUN IN CHEYENNE
The romance and feel of the West won't be lost on children visiting Cheyenne with their families. The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is home to the Paul Smith Children’s Village, a hands-on, must-see children’s garden for all ages! The garden features a wetlands area, sheepherder wagon, a secret garden, farmers windmill, outdoor giant Jenga and more! Cheyenne also features a number of parks that are perfect for biking, hiking, boating and other great outdoor activities. Many of the museums have kids' exhibits and have developed interesting and unique ways for kids to learn about Cheyenne and Wyoming and the history of both.
About Visit Cheyenne: Cheyenne, Wyoming's capital city, embodies the spirit of the Old West. It is considered the nation's rodeo and railroad capital, and is home to museums; historic hotels and mansions; a collection of steam engines; western-themed attractions and shopping; resorts and ranches; and a thriving art community with soft adventure nearby. For more information on Cheyenne, contact the Visit Cheyenne, the Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 426-5009 or visit its comprehensive website located at www.cheyenne.org.