Things to do & places to visit in Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States

While Cheyenne is the capital of Wyoming, it’s also considered America's rodeo and railroad capital. But there’s more to this Magic City of the Plains, with high tech taking advantage of using the mix of weather, landscape and populace for their latest innovations. Cheyenne is home to museums, historic hotels and mansions, a collection of heritage steam engines, western-themed attractions and shopping, resorts and ranches, a thriving arts community and a wide array of outdoor adventures.

Cheyenne city in Wyoming, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 8:43.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Laramie County Library (76 reviews)
- Love to Read
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Libraries

Established in 1886, when Wyoming was still a territory, the Laramie County Library System (LCLS) located in Cheyenne is the oldest continually operating county library system in the United States. Territorial citizens of Cheyenne rallied for five years to fund the first library building, opened in 1886. It was located on the third floor of a business building on Carey Avenue and after that in the basement of what was then known as the Central School. When Wyoming became a state in 1890, state statute dictated library service should be provided for residents by the county government. With funding being withdrawn from city resources, American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie offered $50,000 toward a new building in 1899. Three years later, the Laramie County Library opened on May 19, 1902, on the southeast corner of 22nd Street and Capitol Avenue, offering 10,000 square feet of space. Almost sixty years later, the need arose for a larger building, and on October 19, 1969, a new building See more..
5.0 Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility (19 reviews)
- A Well-Preserved Piece of American History
Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums

This hidden piece of American history is only a 30-minute drive from Cheyenne. The site has been wonderfully restored/maintained and very much reminded me of my time as a former missileer ten years ago. Guests can tour topside for free, but the tour into the underground capsule does cost a small fee...it's worth it! The tour guide was fantastic and answered all the questions launched his way (pun intended). As with topside, the elevator shaft way and the capsule itself are wonderfully preserved. From the launch switches and capsule chairs to the 8-inch floppy discs and "prison" bathrooms, everything exists as it was when the Peacekeeper weapon system was decommissioned in the early 2000s. Visiting this site and taking the tour are very much worth it. If you're an Air Force veteran who's worked at one of these sites in any capacity, this tour will bring back a lot of nostalgia...both topside and capsule still have that funky smell! (IYKYK) See more..
4.5 Wyoming State Museum (481 reviews)
- Great Museum, Great History On Wyoming, No Fee To Enter
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Children's Museums • History Museums

Great Museum, Great History On Wyoming, No Fee To Enter A really nice museum in downtown Cheyenne with easy access to parking. A tremendous amount of history on the area and the State of Wyoming. Takes about 2 hours to sell the entire museum. I would recommend this as a place to visit if you enjoy history. See more..
4.5 Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum (400 reviews) from $13.85
- Cheyenne Frontier Days explained
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

Learn about the history of Cheyenne and the Old West at this engaging museum which exhibits antique horse-drawn carriages, wagons and early automobiles, among other artifacts and memorabilia related to the region. See more..
4.5 Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center (250 reviews)
- Welcome change in opening hours
Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

On Sept. 6 we again stopped here with 15 people on the way back from Yellowstone, figuring the welcome center would be open on a Tuesday. It was and everyone was really glad we stopped as the facility is most interesting, informative and well done, a very worthwhile stop. Most important, the little sign on the entrance doors to the main area now says open every day, unlike last time when we were so disappointed that the display rooms weren't open weekends. I change my rating from 1 to 5. See more..
4.5 Historic Governors' Mansion (166 reviews)
- Wyoming be proud
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Built in 1904, this grand Colonial Revival-style mansion was home to 19 of Wyoming's First Families, including the First Female Governor in the United States. Docents will gladly orient you to the home before sending you on a self guided tour of the Mansion. We are happy to welcome you as our guest to Wyoming's First Executive Mansion! See more..
4.5 Cheyenne Big Boots (152 reviews)
- Coolest way to see and experience the city!
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

We loved getting to explore and try to find all the boots and mark them off as we went. We went out around sunset and it was the nearest experience that took us around the city and showed us tons of new places and parks. Would recommend to anybody visiting Cheyenne! See more..
4.5 Happy Jack Road (139 reviews)
- Views are beautiful - allow time for the spontaneous stop
Scenic Drives

I've read reviews of this road that downplayed its value as a place to visit, so I was curious to see for myself. And I must say, driving between Cheyenne and Laramie on this road was one of the most beautiful parts of our trip. The scenery is gorgeous prairie (notwithstanding a patch of modern windmills, which is brief) and rock formations that are a feast for the eyes. We got sidetracked by a drive through the beautiful Curt Gowdy state park (which is RIGHT off the road, and has a very helpful park ranger) and at another site simply because it was so beautiful we couldn't help stopping to ogle a bit. This country is worth seeing. See more..
4.5 Cheyenne Frontier Days (114 reviews)
- Immersed in western culture
Cultural Events

Every year at the end of July in Cheyenne, Wyoming you can enjoy one of the USA's wildest western events – The Cheyenne Frontier Days. The ten day event includes not only rodeos where you can see some bucking broncos, but also includes country music concerts and dances. After enjoying one of three free pancake breakfasts (over 39,000 people served in one day), head to see one of the Grand Parades, full of horses, cowboys and covered wagons. See more..
4.5 Nelson Museum of the West (71 reviews)
- Excellent museum!
History Museums

This is an excellent museum. Beautifully organized, impeccably displayed, excellent information to describe the artifacts and pieces of art. There is an extensive collection of trophy taxidermy that I found beautiful but if you are vehemently against hunting you may want to skip. Otherwise it is a must see. See more..
4.5 Warren Air Force Base (69 reviews)
- Our first assignment
Military Bases & Facilities

Wandered the base as we were in town visiting friends; much has changes since we were here in the late 70s, but much has stayed the same...old brick quarters, antelope roaming around, etc. See more..
4.5 Lincoln Highway (31 reviews)
- Very Nice!
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Wanted to stop here 5 years ago, but was unable to because my son was a skateboarding nut and would have attempted to skate the stair set, so we skipped it. This year it was just my daughter and I so we decided to stop! Glad we did! Nice rest area/monument. Wandered around the little museum display they have, collected our free "sticker", which we did not know that throughout the state of WY, you can get stickers! We found out a little late, so we only received one, but will go back next time for more at each stop! They ladies at the stop were very nice and informative! If you are headed West, and traffic is bad, you could stop and wait for the traffic to let up (it was bumper to bumper for about 5 miles before and after this exit) or skip it until you are heading East and its easy on and off to see the monument! Definitely do not skip the chance to see this bit of history! See more..
4.5 Bit-O-Wyo Ranch (28 reviews)
- Best one!
Ranches

We thoroughly enjoyed the ride and the views. Beautiful horses, well taken care of, knowledgeable guide. Location on scenic by-way next to state park. Got to see part of the countryside off the interstate. We do horse rides for every vacation. This was by far one of the best! See more..
4.5 Messenger's Old West Museum (23 reviews)
- A must see when visiting Cheyenne!
Speciality Museums

Magnificent collection! Mr Messenger did a phenomenal job creating this museum of stagecoaches, scenes from the old west etc. It was larger than we expected and we were overwhelmed with the quality of the vehicles especially. A great step back into history. Mr Messenger spent a few minutes talking to us at the end it was the missing on the cake for a great visit. See more..
4.5 The Merci Train (20 reviews)
- Learning Opportunity for all!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This train was a gift from the French in appreciation for the American Friendship Train that supplied food to the French during World War II. On its "thank you" tour, the Merci Train deposited a boxcar full of presents at each state capital. See more..
4.5 Lakeview Cemetery (17 reviews)
- Good for a nice quiet stroll
Cemeteries

One of three or four cemeteries all clustered together but this one seemed the nicest with the lush green grass and lots of trees. Well manicured. See more..
4.5 Cheyenne Artists Guild (11 reviews)
- Local Art, Relaxing Atmosphere
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Art Galleries

The C.A.G. is the oldest operating Art Guild in the Cheyenne Area, and had been open for over 60 years! to date we have almost 300 members and would love to share that with you. Admittance is completely free and open to the public always! We have a new art show displayed every month, and if you'd be interested in entering our shows feel free to contact us during our normal operating hours! See more..
4.5 Paul Smith Children's Village (10 reviews)
- Interactive and Fun!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

This is a really great place to spend a couple hours with your children. Everything here is interactive and fun. See more..
4.5 Mylar Park (9 reviews)
- A little bit of everything - but no goats
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Playgrounds

We were just looking for a place to go for a 45 minute jog while visiting Cheyenne and happened upon Mylar Park. The park is very well maintained and has a little bit of everything. There is a really nice frisbee-golf course which was being well used while we were there. There is a nice little playground for the little ones and nice little picnic areas for, well, people who want to have a picnic. Convenient for us was the decent bathrooms which we needed before heading out on the run. Lots of people had their dogs too - but there were no goats to be seen. The run itself didn't take place in the park which is actually rather small. However, the Dry Creek Greenway goes right through the park so we did a loop on that. See more..
4.5 NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center Visitor Center (9 reviews)
- A Geek Paradise for Young and Old
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers

Friday's at Noon is the organized public tour, though you can arrange a group tour at a time and day of your choosing. As this is a non-profit organization and not a private company, they welcome people to tour and take pictures of their operation. For three babyboomer geeks who worked in high tech and love all that goes with it, this was the perfect two-hour-plus stop. No food or anything is available, but it is a great place to see what modern computers are all about. And learn that it is more than just a calculating machine, it is a place that power and water are important for cooling and running the joint, and it is all done at a top-level environmentally friendly way. If you need a wheelchair, there is one, and there is a lot of walking, so take advantage of it. There is no charge to visit the facility. This was one of the highlights of our visit to Wyoming. See more..
4.5 Wyoming Hereford Ranch (9 reviews)
- We held my daughter's wedding and reception there!
Ranches

The folks there were great to work with. It was a very nice setting and we all had a wonderful time and many memories. See more..
4.5 Mid Mod Etc. (4 reviews)
- Amazing Store
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Antique Shops

If you love all things Vintage...if you adore Mid Century Modern...they have it all. Massive store with so much cool stuff! See more..
4.0 Cheyenne Depot Museum (512 reviews)
- Gotta do if you appreciate rail history
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

The Cheyenne Depot Museum is housed in the renovation Union Pacific Cheyenne Depot, a National Historic Landmark. The museum provides a journey through the history of Cheyenne. It also houses the world famous model railroad layout, the Union Central & Northern, an HOn3 scale layout created by Harry Brunk. See more..
4.0 Terry Bison Ranch (443 reviews)
- Worth visiting
Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Ranches

America's only Bison Train Tour. We are the second largest Bison Ranch in the United States. We offer ATV Rides, Guided Horseback Trail Rides, a Trading Post for amazing shopping, a Restaurant and Full Bar, RV Sites, Tent Camping Sites, Cabins and Venues for any Event large or small. See more..
4.0 Wyoming State Capitol (336 reviews)
- Beautiful building, inside and out
Government Buildings

This Corinthian-style edifice was modeled after the Capitol in Washington, D.C. The famous Esther Hobart Morris Statue stands in front of the building, in honor of the first woman to hold judicial office in modern times. See more..
4.0 Cheyenne Depot Plaza (292 reviews)
- Historic Gem in use in Cheyenne
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We enjoyed strolling through this grand historic complex while visiting Cheyenne. It's been properly restored structurally and appears well maintained. Located adjacent to an active Union Pacific switch yard that still has about a fourth of the old yard's roundhouse. This complex has been in continuous rail use dating to the late 1800's. Hard to imagine what it took for railroad to build this architectural treasure. Sure glad they did. See more..
4.0 Big Boy Steam Engine (281 reviews)
- 1 of 25 UP's Black Beauties from 1940's
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Railroad buffs will enjoy seeing Old Number 4004, the world's largest steam locomotive, retired from service by the Union Pacific in 1956. See more..
4.0 Cheyenne Botanic Gardens (200 reviews)
- My family and I visited the Botanic Garden, mostly on my request. My grandson and my husband actually both loved it.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

You don't want to miss the new three story conservatory! It opened in August 2017. The Grand Conservatory features a tropical conservatory with several areas of respite. The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is Wyoming’s only botanic garden. It exists in one of the most challenging gardening climates in the lower 48 states (high winds, regular hail, high altitude, little winter snow cover and unpredictable first and last frosts). Come explore our Grand Conservatory as well as 27 specialty landscapes, where senior, youth and handicapped volunteers provide a majority of the physical labor. This is also home to Engine 1242, the oldest locomotive engine in Wyoming. See more..
4.0 Big Country Speedway (6 reviews)
- Great Place for Family Fun
Friday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM Auto Racing Tracks

A great way to spend a summer Saturday night. Big Country Speedway has been a Cheyenne icon since 1948. BCS is a 1/5 mile asphalt paved oval. See their website for schedule of events. See more..
3.5 Frontier Mall (19 reviews)
- Great small town mall
Friday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Shopping Malls

Frontier Mall, located at I-25 and I-80, is the dominant shopping center in a six county area. It features four major department stores, more than 75 specialty shops and great restaurants. See more..