Cheyenne is the capital of Wyoming and its position in relation to road trips leaving from Denver makes it both an excellent stop-over and a good place for an overnight stay. The town is small but has several elements of interest, including a downtown with many historic buildings and a remarkable number of small but interesting museums, quick to visit and (most of them) free, a privileged opportunity to learn more about the history of the state and its “cowboy town” atmosphere.
So what can you expect from a visit to this town? Is it worthwhile including it in your road trip plan? Here is my list of all the best things to do in Cheyenne, including some tips to plan a trip.
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Where is Cheyenne and how to get there
Cheyenne is located at the southeastern end of Wyoming and is usually included in the Real America on road trips as a stop after Denver, about 100 miles away (about 1 and a half hour’s drive) along Interstate 25. From there, the trip usually continues towards Rapid City (for those who want to visit Mount Rushmore and its surroundings) or, more rarely, towards the towns of Laramie or Casper (for those who prefer to explore Wyoming in depth).
Things to do in Cheyenne, Wyoming
Cheyenne is a town with a personality of its own, here you begin to breathe the western atmosphere of the cowboy state (Wyoming, in fact) and there are plenty of places to visit.
Cheyenne Big Boots
Of all the “cowboy towns” in the state, Cheyenne has distinguished itself in a curious way. Along the streets of its historic district (and elsewhere too) you will notice big colorful boots more than 6 feet high with very creative decorations.
They are all hand-painted by local artists and are a favorite spot for tourists to take a selfie. There are more than 25 in the city, and if you want to take the challenge, you can pick up a map at the visitor center and look for them all.
Cheyenne Depot Plaza
A very beautiful square full of historical buildings: the main points of interest (besides the omni-present boots) are the Cheyenne Depot Museum, in front of which you will find the statue A New Beginning that celebrates Wyoming as the first American state to give women the right to vote, the historic Wrangler’s department store, where lovers of the clothes of this historic brand can hoard jeans, t-shirts, etc. …, and The Albany, a historic building dating back to 1905 that first housed a hotel and is now a restaurant/pub.
Wyoming State Capitol Building
Cheyenne’s beautiful capitol building was built in the period 1886 to 1890 to house the seat of state government. If you want to see the places of power from the inside, you can also take a quick self-guided tour of the building. Admission is free.
Big Boy Steam Engine
If you’re a fan of trains and locomotives, I recommend a trip to Holliday Park, where the Big Boy Steam Engine, a valuable example of a Union Pacific steam locomotive from 1941, awaits you. These locomotives were characterized by the particular configuration of their wheels and were built to travel the route Ogden (Utah) – Green River (Wyoming). Nowadays, 8 of them still survive.
Museums dedicated to the Far West
Cheyenne is a real godsend for those in search of small but interesting museums dedicated to the Far West and to the myth of the frontier (and most of them are free). They are ideal places for those who visit the city in passing and want to use the little time available to get into the mood of the place.
The most popular is the Wyoming State Museum, dedicated to the history of the state, but the Historic Governors ‘ Mansion, the former home of Wyoming’s governors, the Cheyenne Depot Museum, dedicated to the region’s railroad industry, and the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, filled with relics from the Wild West, are not to be underestimated. The more curious among you can stop by the Cowgirls of the West Museum, dedicated to the contribution women made to the history of the old and wild West.
What to do near Cheyenne
There are many interesting things to see in the Cheyenne surroundings. Here are some suggestions.
Warren Air Force Base
Less than a 3-mile drive from Cheyenne, Francis E. Warren Air Force Base is one of the most important missile bases in the United States. Strict security regulations governing entry have also protected the many pronghorns that roam freely near the district’s historic homes and buildings.
These animals have developed an unusual familiarity with humans and have become accustomed to their presence. Visiting this area is therefore a good opportunity to admire these specimens in the wild. Obviously, most of the military site is closed to visits, however guided tours are available, to learn more refer to the official website.
Terry Bison Ranch
With 2,500 American bison on 27,500 acres, the Terry Bison Ranch offers some of the most popular family activities in the area, including a train ride around the property to see ostriches, camels, and of course, bison (and feeding them). The ranch is less than 20 miles from Cheyenne and offers plenty of other activities, as well as emporiums and dining options.
Happy Jack Road
A fascinating scenic road that connects Cheyenne to Laramie: if you drive along this road you will find prairies, impressive rock formations, farms, and grazing horses, but also the beautiful natural area of Curt Gowdy State Park. A detour will also take you to Veudawoo Recreation Area, which is impressive with its evocative granite clusters.
Best places to eat in Cheyenne
We’re in cowboy country, and to stick with the theme, there’s probably no better place to eat in this area than The Bunkhouse Bar and Grill. The place is located on Happy Jack Road, about 15 miles from Cheyenne, but it’s worth the little trip, not only for its excellent all-American cuisine, but also for its atmosphere, live music, and the dancing that animate this place. Please check the times of evening entertainment and eating times on the official website.
Best places to stay in Cheyenne
A good number of accommodations are located on Lincolnway, a short distance from the historic district, but there are many other areas to look for that are some distance from the center, but easily reachable by car. Most of the hotels are run by big American chains, some of them of very good quality, such as the Staybridge Suite or the Comfort Inn (which also have apartments), but there are also more original choices, such as Charming Cheyenne Home. For a complete list of available accommodations in the city you can click on the button below:
Great list and starting point. Lots more to see and do in Cheyenne.