Planning a trip to Wyoming? Get your fill of cowboy culture and check out all the best things to do in Cheyenne, Wyoming’s capital city. (Cowboy boots are, of course, optional—but we’d recommend it!)
Many of Cheyenne’s top tourist attractions look to the past. With some of the country’s most interesting and niche historical museums, including the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, Cheyenne is a must-visit for any US history buff—or wannabe cowboy.
Not sure what to do on your visit? Check out this handy guide to the best places to visit in Cheyenne, WY!
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out all our other attractions guides and our United States Travel Guide for more ideas on where to go, when to visit & what to do!
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Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Got a green thumb or just love walking around in nature? Check out the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and relax in its gorgeous greenery!
Located in Lions Park, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens span a huge 9 acres, giving you plenty of room to roam. Choose from several botanical gardens, including the prickly and delightful Cactus Garden, helping you to see these spiny fellows in a whole new light.
At Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, you can choose to check out the outdoor gardens, indoor greenhouses, solar conservatories, interactive events, and much more! It’s a great day out in nature for the whole family, and a Cheyenne must-visit.
Terry Bison Ranch Resort
Want to live that ranch lifestyle for yourself? Maybe you consider yourself a bit of a history buff when it comes to all things Wild West? Either way, a visit to the Terry Bison Ranch Resort is a top way to spend your time in Cheyenne.
Wander around this historical 27,500-acre bison ranch by foot, or, do like the locals, and take advantage of a horseback ride. Jumping on a horse not for you? Take in a more leisurely tour of the ranch via Terry Bison Ranch Resort’s train ride.
Operating since the 1880s, Terry Bison Ranch Resort offers unique insight into the lifestyle of the Cheyenne area in years gone by.
Cheyenne Depot Museum
Love everything to do with the history of railroads of America? Be sure to etch the Cheyenne Depot Museum onto your Cheyenne itinerary.
Located inside the old Union Pacific Railroad depot, the Cheyenne Depot Museum is an icon of US transport heritage. It holds insightful and intriguing exhibits spanning the history of the American rail systems. The depot itself was built in the 1880s and is now a National Historic Landmark.
If you have kiddos in tow, let them loose at the dozens of interactive exhibits throughout the Cheyenne Depot Museum. It’ll help bring history to life and leave a lasting impact on them!
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
Fancy yourself an old cowboy or cowgirl? Test out your resolve at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum.
As one of the biggest tourist attractions in Cheyenne, this living historical museum offers plenty of exhibits and demonstrations, including rodeos! If you schedule your trip to Cheyenne carefully, you’ll be able to time your visit with Cheyenne Frontier Days, known as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration.”
Drawing over 20,000 people annually, Frontier Days is a huge cultural celebration centerong all around the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. Grab your cowboy boots and your lasso—and let’s go!
Holliday Park
Looking to get outside in nature and enjoy that beautiful Wyoming landscape? Grab your friends and family and head to Holliday Park, one of the top points of interest in Cheyenne.
Holliday Park features a large and beautiful lake at its center. You can opt to stroll around the pleasant and well-maintained trails, sit back and relax on one of the many picnic benches, or hit the courts and play some one-on-one.
One of the most unusual parts of Holliday Park is the addition of a vintage steam engine. The Big Boy Steam Engine 4004 is the world’s largest steam locomotive; there are only eight left in the US!
Wyoming State Museum
Looking to take a step into Wyoming’s storied past? Head to the Wyoming State Museum and learn all about the history and culture of the “Equality State.”
The Wyoming State Museum features exhibits and artifacts, ranging from Prehistoric times to the heyday of the Wild West, all the way into the present; it’s exciting to see how far the land has come.
Want something a little more interactive for the kiddos? You can handle some of the exhibits in a special hands-on room to get a (literal!) feel for history.
One of the coolest things about the Wyoming State Museum is that it’s free for everyone. It’s easily accessible and an important stop on any trip around Cheyenne.
Curt Gowdy State Park
Feeling the need to stretch your legs and get moving in the great outdoors? Venture over to Curt Gowdy State Park, located just west of the city.
In the 3,395 acres of Curt Gowdy State Park, you’ll find plenty to see, do, and enjoy. The park features a labyrinth of hiking trails, ranging from beginner to challenging, varied mountain biking terrain, and plenty of space for water-related activities like paddleboarding or kayaking. Whatever your preference, Curt Gowdy State Park has you covered.
Remember to have your entrance fee ready to pay. The admission fee is charged per vehicle; it’s $4 to $6 for Wyoming residents and $6 to $9 for non-residents.
Wyoming State Capitol
Got an interest in local politics and want to see how it all goes down? Check out the Wyoming State Capitol, one of the city’s most beautiful landmarks.
Wyoming’s capitol building is one of 20 capitols in the United States listed as National Historic Landmarks; it’s been in use since 1888! Known as “The People’s House,” the Wyoming State Capitol welcomes visitors to take tours around its halls and hear the stories behind how the state runs.
Architecture fans will love the Wyoming State Capitol, with its impressive domed roof and powerful columns forming an imposing facade.
Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley
Want to take a unique historic tour of the city’s historic downtown? Hit up the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley for a fun-filled excursion through the historic streets.
As you wander around Cheyenne’s historic district, you’re likely to spot these imposing red and green trolleys rolling around the streets. Led by veteran conductors who deliver vibrant recollections of the city’s history, they’re the ideal introduction to all things Cheyenne!
If you’re heading to Cheyenne at Halloween or Christmas, there are two specialist trolley tours: a ghost tour and a Christmas lights tour, respectively. Both are great fun for the entire family—and educational!
The Nelson Museum of the West
Looking for a Western experience in Wyoming’s capital? Head to The Nelson Museum of the West , one of the top-rated Cheyenne attractions, to discover its unique Western-themed artifacts and exhibits.
Focusing mostly on the human history of the region, The Nelson Museum of the West features exhibits ranging from Native American art to saddles to military guns and weaponry—and everything in between.
At just 18,000 square feet, the Nelson Museum of the West is a small museum. But if you’re looking for a quick taste of Western-related history during your time in Cheyenne—or if you’re short on time—it’s a great option for your itinerary.
Bit-O-Wyo Ranch
Wanting to hit the trails ranch-style? Grab your family and head out to the Bit-O-Wyo Ranch for some wholesome, tech-free fun.
Spend a couple of hours reconnecting with nature by enjoying a trail ride on horseback through the valleys and creeks surrounding the city. The Bit-O-Wyo Ranch also offers equine camps and summer kids camps if you’re looking to learn more about these majestic creatures.
One day not enough for you? The Bit-O-Wyo Ranch has a four-person cabin that can be rented out. If you’re looking for an off-grid escape, you’ll be pushed to find anywhere better in the Cheyenne area.
Frontier Mall
Needing to indulge in some retail therapy during your next trip to Cheyenne? There’s no better place to shop til you drop than the Frontier Mall.
Featuring all your favorite chain stores, the Frontier Mall will let you find whatever you’re looking for, along with some impulse purchases! Located at I-25 and I-80, the shopping center is easily accessible by car, and there’s plenty of parking.
Worked up an appetite after all that shopping? Don’t worry; there are plenty of popular food outlets and restaurants where you can take a break and refuel before loosening the purse strings again!
Cheyenne Depot Plaza
Looking to take in some local arts, culture, and music in the heart of Cheyenne’s city center? Check out Cheyenne Depot Plaza for a series of events that’ll keep everyone entertained.
From farmer’s markets to live music to food trucks, you’ll find something new at Cheyenne Depot Plaza each day. Especially in the summer months, the plaza comes alive and becomes a community hive of activity. Mingle with locals and find out what day-to-day life in the modern Wyoming capital looks like.
The best part? Many of the events and concerts at Cheyenne Depot Plaza are free and open to everyone. Get all those good community vibes going at Cheyenne Depot Plaza!
Wyoming Historic Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site
Love to snoop inside historic homes? Maybe you want to imagine what it would be like to live in an old mansion? Perhaps you’re looking to pick up some interior design tips on your next visit to Cheyenne? Whatever the reason, you need to visit the Wyoming Historic Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site.
As the official residence for the Governor of Wyoming since 1976, the Wyoming Historic Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site has seen a lot of comings and goings. Built in the Colonial Revival Style, it’s also a great spot for architecture fans to check out.
With each room representing a different time period, it’ll feel like you’re wandering through the decades with every step!
Mylar Park
Looking to let loose with family or friends in the great outdoors? One of the best things to do in Cheyenne is to pack up a picnic, grab a blanket, and head to Mylar Park for a day of outdoor fun.
With its multiple bike paths, fishing facilities, and a popular disc golf course, you’ll find plenty of variety at Mylar Park. Is running more your thing? Join one of the organized 5K or 10K runs around this beautiful park.
Mylar Park also offers new bathroom facilities and plenty of grills to cook up a storm after a long day of playing. You can easily spend an entire day here—and with so much going on, why wouldn’t you?
Cheyenne Civic Center
Want to catch a show or performance during your visit? Check out the Cheyenne Civic Center for a night of amazing entertainment.
An intimate venue with a capacity of only 1,000 people, the Cheyenne Civic Center features a wide range of music, comedy, and even show tapings in its upcoming events. That’s right: You can watch Wheel of Fortune live during your next Wyoming vacation!
You’ll find the Cheyenne Civic Center in downtown Cheyenne, surrounded by great bars and restaurants, perfect for pre- or post-show refreshments! Make a night of it and let your hair down with some Cheyenne culture!
Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site
Interested in all things military or curious about how missile launching actually works? Well then, you have to check out Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site.
Located 30 miles North of Cheyenne, Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site, or just Quebec 01, is a decommissioned missile alert facility. You can visit this unique site to see how these kinds of high-pressure situations really play out!
Built in 1962 and decommissioned in 2005, this site played a historic role in military and state operations—and has the exhibits to prove it!
Take the elevator below ground and check out the control room. Just remember: Don’t press the big red button, no matter how tempting it might be!
