When you think of Cheyenne, Wyoming, cowboys, rodeos and Western history probably come to mind. And while we're proud of our Western roots, there's a lot more to Wyoming's capital city than boots and buckles.
From tropical plants and flavors from around the world to local art, craft beverages and boutique shopping, Cheyenne has plenty of surprises waiting beyond the Wild West. Here are six unexpected things to discover on your next visit.
1. Step Into the Tropics at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
A tropical escape might not be the first thing you expect to find on the high plains of Wyoming, but that's exactly what you'll find at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens.
Located in Lions Park, the gardens are home to the Shane Smith Grand Conservatory, where tropical and subtropical plants grow year-round. Wander among lush greenery, orchids and a flowing water feature, visit the Baroque-style orangerie, explore the bonsai house or head upstairs for views from the rooftop.
Outside, nine acres of gardens offer even more to explore, including rose, herb, wetland and cottage gardens. Families can also make their way to the interactive Paul Smith Children's Village.
Even better? Admission to the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is free, making it an easy addition to any Cheyenne itinerary.
2. Taste Flavors From Around the World
Cheyenne may be cattle country, but there's a lot more on the menu than steaks and burgers.
The city's dining scene includes restaurants serving food inspired by cuisines from around the world. Visitors can find Taiwanese favorites at Destination Taiwan, along with options for Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican and other international cuisines throughout the city.
It's one of the easiest ways to experience an unexpected side of Cheyenne. Try something new for lunch, seek out a locally owned hidden gem or build an entire day around eating your way through the city.
Come hungry. Cheyenne might surprise you.
3. Sip Your Way Through Daddy of the Malt
Yes, Cheyenne has cowboys. It also has a craft beverage trail.
The Daddy of the Malt Craft Beverage Trail is a free mobile pass that makes it easy to explore participating breweries and distilleries throughout Cheyenne and Laramie County. Sign up for the pass and you'll receive buy-one-get-one drink offers at each participating stop.
Complete the trail and you can redeem your pass for a Daddy of the Malt stainless-steel commemorative pint glass, giving you a little something to remember your Cheyenne tasting adventure by.
The pass is delivered by text or email, so there's nothing extra to carry while you're exploring. Just remember to enjoy the trail responsibly and give yourself plenty of time to experience each stop.
4. Find Art Around Cheyenne
Look around Cheyenne and you'll find art in some unexpected places.
Colorful murals transform walls and alleyways throughout the city, while bronze sculptures line Capitol Avenue. Galleries and creative spaces showcase work from local and regional artists, including contemporary interpretations of the West.
Then there are the Big Boots.
These larger-than-life cowboy boots are scattered throughout Cheyenne, each featuring artwork inspired by Wyoming's history, culture, landscapes and community. The public art project began in 2004, and today visitors can turn finding the boots into their own self-guided scavenger hunt around the city.
Whether you seek out every piece or simply see what you stumble across, Cheyenne's art scene gives you plenty of reasons to slow down and look around.
5. Shop Cheyenne's Boutiques and Specialty Stores
If your idea of shopping in Cheyenne starts and ends with cowboy boots, there's more to discover.
Downtown Cheyenne is home to locally owned boutiques, galleries and specialty shops filled with clothing, accessories, home goods, art and Wyoming-made finds. Shops like The Ranch Wife Mercantile, Prairie Pantry and Westward showcase a more contemporary side of the city while still feeling distinctly Wyoming.
At Westward, for example, contemporary Western art shares space with Wyoming-made goods and pieces from artists and makers throughout the region. A walk through downtown can easily turn into an afternoon of discovering shops, galleries, coffee stops and restaurants tucked inside Cheyenne's historic buildings.
Leave a little room in your suitcase.
6. Go Inside the Wyoming State Capitol
You'd expect to find the Wyoming State Capitol in the state's capital city. What might be more surprising is that you can actually go inside and explore it.
Located in downtown Cheyenne, the Capitol dates to the late 1800s and is one of only 20 state capitol buildings designated as National Historic Landmarks. Its Renaissance Revival architecture, grand interior spaces and Wyoming history make it worth seeing from more than just the sidewalk.
The building underwent a comprehensive four-year restoration completed in 2019, bringing historic details back to life while continuing to serve as the seat of Wyoming's executive and legislative branches.
And Wyoming's political history has a few surprises of its own. As you explore the Capitol and surrounding area, you'll find stories tied to Wyoming's pioneering role in women's suffrage and the people who helped shape the Equality State.
The Capitol is open to visitors Monday through Friday, with seasonal Saturday hours. Because access and hours can change, check current visitor information before your trip.
Discover a Different Side of Cheyenne
Cheyenne's Western heritage isn't going anywhere, and we wouldn't want it to. But sometimes the best part of visiting a destination is discovering the things you weren't expecting to find.
Spend the morning surrounded by tropical plants. Try a new cuisine for lunch. Browse local art and boutiques in the afternoon. Grab a Daddy of the Malt pass and explore the craft beverage scene. Walk through the halls of the Wyoming State Capitol.
There's more than one way to experience Cheyenne. Plan your trip and discover the side of Wyoming's capital city you didn't expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique things to do in Cheyenne, Wyoming?
Unique things to do in Cheyenne include exploring the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and Shane Smith Grand Conservatory, finding murals and Big Boots throughout the city, visiting local breweries and distilleries with the Daddy of the Malt pass, shopping local boutiques and exploring the Wyoming State Capitol.
Are there things to do in Cheyenne besides Western attractions?
Yes. In addition to its Western heritage attractions, Cheyenne offers botanical gardens, public art, international dining, boutique shopping, craft breweries and distilleries, live entertainment and other experiences.
Does Cheyenne have international restaurants?
Yes. Cheyenne's dining scene includes restaurants serving Korean, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Mexican and other cuisines.
Does Cheyenne have breweries and distilleries?
Yes. Cheyenne has a local craft beverage scene that includes breweries and distilleries. Visitors can explore participating locations with Visit Cheyenne's free Daddy of the Malt Craft Beverage Trail pass.
Where can you see art in Cheyenne?
Visitors can find murals, bronze sculptures, galleries and other public art throughout Cheyenne. The city's Big Boots are another public art experience, with oversized, artist-designed cowboy boots located throughout the community.
Can you visit the Wyoming State Capitol?
Yes. The Wyoming State Capitol in downtown Cheyenne is open to visitors. The building is generally open Monday through Friday, with additional Saturday hours offered seasonally. Check current hours before visiting.