Cheyenne Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and more.


Introduction to Cheyenne

Located in Southeast Wyoming, Cheyenne is the capital of the state and the county seat of Laramie County. Known as the “Magic City of the Plains,” this charming city is home to a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a thriving cultural scene.

With its Western heritage and small-town charm, Cheyenne offers a unique experience that is hard to find elsewhere. Whether you are interested in exploring museums and historical sites, enjoying outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing and taking in the local culture, Cheyenne has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Cheyenne

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

With its rich history and Western heritage, Cheyenne is home to several museums and historical sites that are worth exploring. Some of the top cultural attractions in the city include:

  • Wyoming State Museum: Located in the state Capitol Building, the Wyoming State Museum showcases the state’s history and culture, from prehistoric times to the present day.
  • Cheyenne Depot Museum: Housed in a restored Union Pacific depot, the Cheyenne Depot Museum features exhibits on railroad history and Cheyenne’s role as a railroad town.
  • Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame: This museum celebrates the achievements of women in the American West, including cowgirls, ranchers, and pioneers.
  • Wyoming State Capitol: This impressive building dates back to 1888 and serves as the seat of government for the state of Wyoming.

Natural Attractions of Cheyenne: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Cheyenne offers a wide range of attractions and activities. Some of the top natural attractions in the city include:

  • Terry Bison Ranch: This working bison ranch offers visitors the opportunity to see bison up close and even go on a bison safari. Other activities at the ranch include horseback riding, fishing, and hiking.
  • Curt Gowdy State Park: Located just 24 miles west of Cheyenne, Curt Gowdy State Park is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park offers over 3,000 acres of scenic landscapes, including granite rock formations, forests, and lakes.
  • Cheyenne Botanic Gardens: This 9-acre garden features a variety of plants and flowers, as well as educational exhibits and a solarium.
  • Cheyenne Big Boots: This sculpture is a must-see for visitors to Cheyenne. Standing at 19 feet tall, it is one of the largest cowboy boots in the world.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cheyenne

Cheyenne offers several hiking and biking routes that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the top routes include:

  • Crow Creek Trail: This 3.3-mile trail offers scenic views of Cheyenne and follows the historic Crow Creek.
  • Pole Mountain Trail System: Located just 16 miles east of Cheyenne, this trail system offers over 55 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails in a beautiful alpine setting.
  • Lions Park Trail: This 1.4-mile trail runs through Lions Park, one of Cheyenne’s most popular parks, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Dry Creek Trail: This 4.5-mile trail runs through the heart of Cheyenne and offers a unique urban hiking experience.

Best Things to Do in Cheyenne: Activities and Tours

In addition to outdoor activities and cultural attractions, Cheyenne also offers a variety of other things to do, from family-friendly activities to unique tours. Some of the top things to do in the city include:

  • Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley Tour: This 90-minute tour takes visitors on a journey through Cheyenne’s historic neighborhoods and landmarks.
  • Sixth Avenue Skatepark: This world-class skatepark offers a variety of features for skaters of all skill levels, including bowls, ramps, and rails.
  • Cheyenne Ice and Events Center: This state-of-the-art facility offers ice skating, curling, and hockey, as well as a variety of events and activities throughout the year.
  • Ash Hollow State Historical Park: This park, located just 3 miles southeast of Cheyenne, features a historic 19th century military outpost and offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cheyenne

Day 1: Discover Cheyenne’s history and culture by visiting the Wyoming State Museum, the Cheyenne Depot Museum, and the Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

Day 2: Spend the day exploring Cheyenne’s natural attractions, including Terry Bison Ranch and Curt Gowdy State Park.

Day 3: Take a hike or bike ride on one of Cheyenne’s scenic trails, such as the Crow Creek Trail or the Pole Mountain Trail System.

Day 4: Enjoy some family-friendly activities, such as visiting the Cheyenne Ice and Events Center or the Sixth Avenue Skatepark.

Day 5: Take a tour of Cheyenne’s historic neighborhoods and landmarks on the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley Tour.

Day 6: Relax and enjoy some of the city’s local culture, such as visiting the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens or attending a local event or festival.

Day 7: Shop for souvenirs and local products to bring home, and say goodbye to the charming city of Cheyenne.

Food and Drink Scene of Cheyenne

Must-Try Dishes

Cheyenne is known for its hearty Western cuisine and comfort food. Some of the must-try dishes in the city include:

  • Bison Burger: Made with locally sourced bison meat, this delicious burger is a staple of Cheyenne’s food scene.
  • Prime Rib: Cheyenne is known for its delicious prime rib, which can be found at many of the city’s steakhouses.
  • Green Chili: This spicy stew is a classic Wyoming dish that is made with pork, green chilies, and other flavorful ingredients.

Local Beverages

Cheyenne is home to several breweries and distilleries that produce a variety of delicious and unique beverages. Some of the top local beverages in the city include:

  • Coal Creek Distillery Whiskey: This small-batch distillery produces a variety of whiskeys, including bourbon, rye, and single malt.
  • Freedom’s Edge Brewing Company Beer: This local brewery offers a variety of handcrafted beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers.
  • Chrono’s Coffee: This popular coffee shop offers a variety of delicious drinks made with locally roasted coffee beans.

Where to Stay in Cheyenne: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From budget-friendly accommodations to luxury hotels, Cheyenne offers a wide range of options for visitors. Some of the top places to stay in the city include:

  • Nagle Warren Mansion B&B: This historic bed and breakfast offers elegant rooms and suites, as well as a delicious breakfast each morning.
  • The Plains Hotel: This iconic hotel, which dates back to 1911, offers luxurious accommodations and a prime location in the heart of downtown Cheyenne.
  • Little America Hotel and Resort: This sprawling resort offers a variety of amenities, including a golf course, pool, and spa.

What to Buy in Cheyenne: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Cheyenne offers a variety of unique souvenirs and local products that are perfect for bringing home. Some of the top items to buy in the city include:

  • Bison Products: From jerky to leather goods, bison products are a popular souvenir in Cheyenne.
  • Western Apparel: Cheyenne is known for its Western heritage, so why not bring home a cowboy hat, boots, or other Western apparel?
  • Local Artwork: Cheyenne is home to many talented artists, so be sure to check out the local galleries and shops for unique artwork and crafts.

Local Culture and Customs of Cheyenne

Cheyenne is a friendly and welcoming community that is proud of its Western heritage and small-town charm. Visitors to the city should be respectful of local traditions and customs, such as:

  • Rodeo Culture: Cheyenne is home to the world-famous Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, so be sure to check out this exciting event if you are in town during July.
  • Western Attire: Dressing in Western attire is a fun way to embrace the local culture in Cheyenne, so don’t be afraid to don a cowboy hat and boots.
  • Cowboy Ethics: Cheyenne values hard work, honesty, and integrity, so be sure to embrace these values during your visit.

Best Time to Visit Cheyenne

The best time to visit Cheyenne depends on your interests and preferences. If you are interested in outdoor activities, the summer months (June-August) offer the best weather and longest daylight hours. If you are interested in cultural events, you may want to plan your trip around the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, which takes place in July.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cheyenne

Do:

  • Do embrace the local Western culture and traditions.
  • Do explore Cheyenne’s rich history and cultural attractions.
  • Do try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Don’t be disrespectful of local traditions or customs.
  • Don’t underestimate the importance of cowboy ethics in Cheyenne.
  • Don’t forget to bring appropriate clothing for the weather and activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cheyenne

Cheyenne is a relatively safe city, but visitors should always take normal precautions to protect their safety and belongings. Be sure to lock your car and hotel room doors, avoid walking alone at night, and stay in well-lit areas.

Health in Cheyenne

Cheyenne offers a range of healthcare options, including hospitals and urgent care clinics. Visitors should be prepared for high altitude and cold weather, especially in the winter months.

Getting to Cheyenne: Transportation Options and Logistics

Cheyenne can be easily accessed by car or plane. Some of the top transportation options include:

  • Cheyenne Regional Airport: This airport offers daily flights to and from cities such as Denver, Dallas, and Chicago.
  • Interstate 25: Cheyenne is located along Interstate 25, which connects the city to other major destinations in Wyoming and Colorado.
  • Greyhound Bus: The Greyhound bus station is located in downtown Cheyenne and offers service to other cities in Wyoming and beyond.

How to Get Around in Cheyenne

Cheyenne is a small city, and many of the top attractions are within walking distance of each other. Taxis and rideshare services are also available, as well as a local bus system.

Where to Go Next from Cheyenne: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Cheyenne is located in a stunning natural landscape, with several nearby destinations and excursions that are worth exploring. Some of the top places to visit include:

  • Rocky Mountain National Park: Located just 2 hours southwest of Cheyenne, this national park offers stunning alpine scenery, hiking and biking paths, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Fort Collins, Colorado: This vibrant college town is located just an hour south of Cheyenne and offers a variety of cultural attractions, restaurants, and shops.
  • Medicine Bow National Forest: Located just 30 miles west of Cheyenne, this forest offers over 1 million acres of outdoor recreation opportunities, including camping, hiking, and fishing.

Conclusion

Whether you are interested in history, nature, or culture, Cheyenne offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. With its friendly community, charming Western heritage, and stunning natural beauty, this city is a must-visit destination. Start planning your trip today and discover all that Cheyenne has to offer!

Downtown Cheyenne map Downtown Cheyenne map