Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Our 10 Best Things To Do In Cheyenne, Wyoming article takes a look at a place that is home to railroads, rodeos, cattle ranches, and coal mines. You also have majestic mountains all around that offer beautiful scenery. Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming, has a large array of things to see and do. No matter what time of the year you visit; there are museums, restaurants, parks, splash pads, and much more. Wyoming is also home to one of the greatest country music artists of all time, Mr. Chris Ledoux. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2005.
So whether you are looking for kids activities, historical, seasonal, outdoor, or western fun then Cheyenne is the place to visit. 1.3 miles away, in Laramie, is the University of Wyoming. Home to the Wyoming Cowboys football team. Cheyenne is more than railroads, coal mines, and cattle. Let’s begin our Cheyenne adventure and see just what they have to offer.
# 10 – Reservoir Aquatic Rentals at Gowdy State Park
On our seasonal list we are going to start with a summer activity; Reservoir Aquatic Rentals. If you like fun in the sun and water then this is a great place to visit. They offer paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boat rentals. The Reservoir is located at The Camp Store at Curt Gowdy State Park. Giving you double the attractions and double the fun. The state park has two smaller reservoirs that are perfect for rainbow trout and salmon fishing. You also have the options of mountain biking, camping, and hiking at Vedauwoo Reservation Area.
# 9 – Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley
For a narrated tour of Cheyenne you can hop on the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley. It offers tours from May through September. The tour will offer a lot of information on the time-frame of the wild west. This is more of an adult activity, unless you do not mind your children hearing about gun battles, saloons, and brothel stories. You will see historic buildings and other interesting sites along the way. The veteran conductors will also show you where Wild Bill Hickock used to hang out.
# 8 – Paul Smith Children’s Village
Paul Smith Children’s Village located inside of the Cheyenne Botanical Gardens is fun for everyone. See a secret garden, a sheepherder wagon, and play a giant outdoor Jenga game. In September and October they offer “drop-in classes” where you can learn about science, art, or exploration. Since it is located inside of the botanical gardens you will also get to experience award-winning plants, shrubs, and trees from all over the country. As a bonus you get to check out the oldest train in Wyoming, Engine 1242.
# 7 – Wyoming State Museum
For a history lesson on everything in Wyoming, lets visit the Wyoming State Museum. The museum holds artifact collection items that date back to 1895, when the museum was first established. They show life from prehistoric times to the present. The museum has Native American artifacts from the Northern Plains Region. There are many styles of clothing on display from the early days; baby shoes, band jackets from the United Pacific Coal Company, a pocket watch from 1939, and so much more. You can also view household items, transportation, artifacts, tools, and artwork.
# 6 – Holliday Park
Another super attraction that is kid friendly, Holliday Park. Here, you can see a vintage steam train, tour the art center, enjoy a picnic, and the kids can play on one of the two playgrounds. You can also play tennis, basketball, or watch the ducks, geese, and other wildlife play in the small lake. You can take a refreshing walk or bike ride on the trail around the small lake. After a busy day of sight-seeing this is the perfect place for a nice picnic, to relax, and to watch the sunset over the lake.
# 5 – Cheyenne Depot Museum
Cheyenne Depot Museum is perfect for those adults and children who are absolutely in love with trains both big and small. The Depot was under a serious restoration in 1993. The first floor is home to the actual museum, a pub, and a restaurant. You will learn about the construction of Union Pacific Railroad and Depot along with the Transcontinental Railroad. You have the opportunity to take a look at the Union Pacific Main Yard as well. Learn all about the railroad in Wyoming and then enjoy a delicious meal.
# 4 – Big Boots of Cheyenne
Big Boots of Cheyenne is a wild and crazy adventure and scavenger hunt. There are nineteen, eight foot cowboy boots throughout the city. They have been painted by local artists to show Wyoming history. You can pick your map up in the Visitors Center at the Depot. Do you think you can find all 19?
# 3 – Flippers Family Arcade
Flippers Family Arcade is an extreme arcade that boasts approximately 75 modern arcade games, over 50 pin-ball machines, Pac-Man Smash, air hockey, and a whole lot more. They have a full restaurant and bar as well. You could literally get lost in this HUGE arcade and would never be able to play every game, even if you went every night for a week. For just $10 you get free play on pinball, video games, and arcade games. Ticket and prize games cost separately.
# 2 – Cheyenne Frontier Days Museum
Cheyenne Frontier Days Museum goes hand in hand with my top pick of things to do in Cheyenne. This museum has so much history and western artifacts for you to view. They have a huge collection of carriages and you will learn the history and see many items from Cheyenne Frontier Days, the largest outdoor rodeo. There are digital displays to show you the triumphs and the heartaches of the rodeo. The Frontier Days Museum also has Hole-in-The-Wall Children’s Gallery and gift shop.
# 1 – Cheyenne Frontier Days
The “daddy of them all” as it is called: Cheyenne Frontier Days. This is an experience of a lifetime. I was born in Wyoming and spent a great deal of my 48 years there. Before I moved, I made sure that I went to the largest outdoor rodeo. It was the one thing that I had always wanted to do. This is the biggest, most intense outdoor rodeo ever! Home to the PBR championships. You will be on the edge of your seat watching the bull riders compete. They also have an enormous carnival, amazing concerts (I got to see Rascal Flatts) and tons of mouth watering food. This is a one of a kind experience you will NEVER forget!!
