The Best Things to Do in Cheyenne
If you’ve never been to Cheyenne before, you might just be surprised at how much there is to do in Wyoming’s Capital City. Blessed with a wild history, beautiful outdoor activities nearby, and a culture that is as fun as it is inviting. Here’s a look at some of the things to see in Cheyenne and do in the Magic City of The Plains.
1. Terry Bison Ranch
If you're wondering what is there to do in Cheyenne, Wyoming, don't miss the Terry Bison Ranch. The ranch consists of nearly 30,000 acres of rolling hills and lush grasslands and more than 2,300 grazing bison. A tour via train takes visitors right into the middle of the herd. Other features include the Sunday lunch train, horseback riding, Kid Corral, fishing and the Trading Post gift shop.
The ranch is also home to The Senator's Restaurant and Brass Buffalo Saloon, a full-service old-West restaurant and saloon which now features slot machine style gaming options.
2. Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
One of the top things to see in Cheyenne, WY is the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. Come experience the dazzling variety of award-winning, curated displays of plants, shrubs, and trees from around the world in the Grand Conservatory, enjoy family-friendly activities in the Paul Smith Children’s Village, or take a walk through the community vegetable garden and greenhouse. Don’t forget to check out the banana trees!
The Gardens are also home to Engine 1242, the oldest train engine in Wyoming. The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens are open year-round and is free to the public.
3. Wyoming State Capitol
We mentioned Cheyenne’s culture earlier and now it’s time to ante up! Wyoming’s culture is steeped in the Western way of life, as well as a history of making moves towards equality that were well ahead of its time.
A National Historic Landmark, the Wyoming State Capitol Building is a dominant structure in the Cheyenne skyline. Historically, it is one of the most important buildings in the state (its cornerstone was laid in 1887).
4. Wyoming State Museum
The Wyoming State Museum houses artifacts and collections showcasing Wyoming's history. Here you can learn not only about the history and culture of Wyoming’s peoples but also its natural history. Plan to spend a couple of hours exploring this free museum.
5. Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley
For a fully narrated historic tour of Cheyenne, jump on board the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley. The trolley operates every day from May through the end of September and on weekends during the off-season. Haunted Cheyenne tours are offered in October and Christmas Lights tours in December.
6. Cheyenne Depot & Museum
The Cheyenne Depot is one of the most storied and historic buildings in the area. Built in the 1880’s, the Depot has seen many changes over the years, but it’s silhouette - the long stone building with a tall clock tower - has remained largely the same.
Today it stands as a monument to Cheyenne’s roots, and houses the Visit Cheyenne information kiosk along with the Depot Museum. Learn about Cheyenne, Wyoming attractions and history with the railroad that founded it, while getting information where else to visit in the city!
7. Curt Gowdy State Park
Curt Gowdy State Park lies among the picturesque foothills of the Laramie Mountains. The area features granite towers, rocky soils and timbered slopes. Two small reservoirs form the heart of Curt Gowdy State Park. Granite Reservoir, the larger of the two, is an excellent base for water sports as well as rainbow trout and kokanee salmon fishing.
8. Vedauwoo Recreation Area
If you're still pondering over what to see in Cheyenne, Wyoming, visitors can also visit the ancient rock formations at Vedauwoo Recreation Area, which allows for beautiful sightseeing, hiking, camping and mountain biking. Known for some of the most unique rock formations in the world, this little spot in the Medicine Bow National Forest is considered one of the best places for rock climbing and bouldering in Wyoming.
9. Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
Known as "The Daddy of 'em All," Cheyenne Frontier Days is the world's largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration. Started in 1897, it features 10 days of the world's best PRCA rodeo action - from bull riding and barrel racing, to steer wrestling and team roping.
A variety of Western entertainment is also a trademark of Frontier Days, including concerts, chuckwagon cookoff, parades, carnival rides and shows, a pancake breakfast and more.
10. Big Boy Steam Engine
Even in retirement, Old Number 4004 remains an imposing sight. Visitors can see Big Boy Steam Engine, the world's largest steam locomotive, year-round in Holliday Park. Big Boy is one of eight such remaining locomotives on display in the U.S.
11. Cheyenne Big Boots
Another must-see on your list of top things to do in Cheyenne, Wyoming should be the Cheyenne Big Boots. These giant boots are made for talking! They can be found all over Cheyenne, especially Downtown, and each one has a story to tell. Some of those boots are also included in an audio tour, letting you hear those boot stories from the artists who created them.
12. Nelson Museum of the West
Housing one of the largest collections of western artifacts in the country, the Nelson Museum of the West combines passion and history. Explore multiple stories of western apparel, firearms, saddles and wild animals along with a large collection of military uniforms.
13. Historic Governors’ Mansion
From the early 1900’s to the 1970’s, this historic mansion housed Wyoming’s governors. This includes the nation’s first female governor, Nellie Taylor Ross.
14. Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site
A quick 30-minute drive north of Cheyenne to Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site is worth the trek. Top-side, the facility is a self-guided museum where the missileers and support staff lived during their shifts. Underground, guided tours show you life in a missile alert facility during the Cold War.
Codes, lockboxes, and escape hatches that fill with sand after a blast seem like elements from an H.G. Wells novel, but in fact, were this missile silo was the United States’ strongest line of defense for several decades.
Downtown Cheyenne: Essential Tips for Your Visit
From local cuisine to unique transportation options, these essential tips will ensure you make the most of your visit to the vibrant heart of Wyoming's capital city. When visiting, visitors can't help but get into the spirit of the West with the downtown area's many Western boutiques and museums.
The Wrangler and Just Dandy are just a few of the top shops. Visitors wanting to incorporate a touch of the West into their home can swing by Wyoming Home, which feature Western and Wyoming-themed home furnishings.
Also located downtown are a number of attractions and museums that speak to the history of Cheyenne and The West, including the Nelson Museum of the West, which is dedicated to the preservation of fine cowboy and Native American objects, as well as fine Western art.
Downtown Cheyenne Places to Eat
Cheyenne is home to a wide variety of eateries. Beyond the national chain restaurants, any palate can be tantalized here with our local chefs’ fare. From high-end New American Cuisine at The Metropolitan, to beers and massive portions of cajun food at Sanford's Grub and Pub, to hometown favorite burger joint Two Doors Down, there is something for everyone.
Downtown Cheyenne Breweries & Distillery Trail
The Greater Cheyenne area is home to several breweries and distilleries. All locally owned and operated, the variety of craft beers and spirits available spans the spectrum from sweet to spicy. You can find four of the five watering holes in Downtown Cheyenne.
Food and brews can be found at Accomplice Beer Company, while Blacktooth Brewery and Blue Raven Brewery offer live music every week. Freedom’s Edge Brewery and Chronicles Distilling both sit along 15th Street. Down the road in Pine Bluffs you’ll find Pine Bluffs Distilling, a farm to flask establishment taking the area by storm.
MORE CHEYENNE ATTRACTIONS
There's always something fun happening in the Cheyenne area, whether it's high-energy rodeo or the culture of high tea!
The categories of attractions from which you can choose include:
Farmers Markets
Historical Attractions
Kids Attractions
Movie Theaters
Museums
Outdoor Attractions
Seasonal Attractions
Favorite Cheyenne Attractions
Train Attractions
Western Fun
Click here to see all the attractions listed together. Please note, all attractions are listed alphabetically.