25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Cheyenne (Wyoming)

As the capital of Wyoming, Cheyenne welcomes more than 1.1 million visitors per year, and it has a number of attractions for the brave, the curious and the adventurous.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the green hills, sparkling rivers and dry, desert-cracked mountainous regions filled with hikers and campers.

History buffs will appreciate all of the colonial houses and old-fashioned railway depots.

Culture lovers can shop, dine or take in a show at a live performance hall.

Kids can run around a number of parks and playgrounds.

If you enjoy the Wild West, Cheyenne will be particularly interesting to you.

First settled back in the 1800s, it’s a city that’s fiercely proud of its frontier days, and it celebrates its heritage with everything from rodeos and cowboy museums to week-long historic festivals.

Are you ready to take the region by storm?

Do you want to try new things and explore new places just like the pioneers of yesteryear?

Here are a few great things to do in Cheyenne, Wyoming!

1. Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley

Have you ever ridden in a bright red trolley?

If not, this is your chance to hop aboard and take an old-fashioned tour of Cheyenne.

Running every 90 minutes, the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley offers a “jump on, jump off” experience where you can exit at any time and simply catch the next trolley when it trundles past.

This means that you’re free to visit shops, restaurants, museums and other tourist attractions whenever they catch your eye.

You’re in control of your own experience!

Sightseeing destinations include everything from botanical gardens to historical museums.

When you see something that you like, just jump off the trolley for awhile.

You can also take themed tours on special occasions, so be sure to look into their “ghost tours” on Halloween and their “festive tours” on Christmas.

There are many ways to explore Cheyenne, but if you’re looking for the quickest, easiest and most convenient way to see the city’s major points of interest, the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley is the way to go.

It’s an especially nice way to start a trip since you’ll get a guided tour of all the hot spots!

Address: 121 W 15th St #202, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

2. Cheyenne Frontier Days

Held in late July, Cheyenne Frontier Days is an annual festival dedicated to the Wild West.

It draws more than 200,000 visitors per year who put on their spurs for a week-long celebration of art, history, food, culture and good old-fashioned fun.

Activities range from parades and rodeos to outdoor concerts and Air Force demonstrations.

There’s all kinds of food, including free pancake breakfasts, and you can also play games, hop on rides, pet livestock, tour historical museums and shop for a staggering amount of souvenirs.

Culture can be explored at the Indian Village.

History will come alive with demonstrations and reenactments of colonial-era living.

There’s even a saloon where you can kick up your boots and enjoy a beer!

Channel your inner Jesse James when you visit the city during Cheyenne Frontier Days.

It’s one of the biggest tourist attractions in the entire state, and it’s also one of the best.

3. Wyoming’s Rib and Chop House

There’s nothing like the sizzle of baby back ribs to get your stomach growling, and at Wyoming’s Rib and Chop House, you can chow down on world-class food while also enjoying the ambience of a rodeo-style restaurant.

With locations in Wyoming, Montana, Colorado and Utah, the Rib and Chop House franchise has long been a favorite of locals in the Mountain States, and you’ll realize why as soon as you’re served.

The steaks are succulent; the seafood is freshly caught and served on gigantic platters.

There are also wings, fries, soups, salads, sandwiches and pastas.

Everything is served with thick cuts and heaping piles to satisfy even the hungriest of cowboys.

Wyoming’s Rib and Chop House is one of the top destinations in Cheyenne when you’re feeling peckish.

People literally come from out of state just to sink their teeth into some ribs and chops.

If you’re looking for iconic places to visit in and near Cheyenne, loosen your belt and get ready to eat!

Address: 400 W Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

4. Cheyenne Botanic Gardens

With its rolling hills, rugged mountains and gentle creeks, Wyoming is one of the most beautiful states in America.

However, you don’t have to trek into the wilderness to appreciate it.

You can enjoy nature right in the middle of the city when you visit the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens.

Open from dawn until dusk, the gardens are filled with every type of flower that you can imagine.

They also grow trees in an arboretum and oranges in a conservatory.

If you like mazes, you can wind around the stone pathways twisted into spirals among the grass; if you want to get a little zen, you can find inner peace among the bonsai; if you want to play hide and go seek, you can look for small, colorful figurines dotting the fairy garden.

Other activities at the gardens include everything from nature tours and educational classes to art shows and farmer’s markets.

You can even rent the beautiful backdrops for weddings!

The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens are a must-see sightseeing destination.

If you aren’t a nature lover when you arrive, you will be by the time that you leave.

Address: 710 S Lions Park Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

5. Antiques Central

Home to two dozen vendors, Antiques Central lives up to its name by being a “one stop shop” for collectibles and keepsakes in Cheyenne.

It’s located in a big, red-brick building that used to be a creamery, and its goods spill over into two separate floors.

You can find just about anything here, including art, furniture, clothes, toys, books and jewelry.

Everything is vintage, so rather than being a modern-day thrift store, it’s a collection of relics from days gone by.

You might find everything from a hand-stitched set of Native American dolls to a wardrobe full of colorful suits from the jazz era.

You don’t have to buy anything from the store, so if you’re looking for free things to do, window shopping can be a fun way to spend an afternoon.

You can unearth various treasures and maybe even strike up a conversation with the two sisters who own the joint.

All things considered, Antiques Central is one of the coolest places to visit in Cheyenne.

Just don’t get lost among the clutter!

Address: 2311 Reed Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

Visiting other areas of Wyoming? Why not check out some of the best things to do in Jackson Hole?

6. Wyoming State Museum

If you’re interested in the state as a whole, Wyoming State Museum is one of the best places to go for a fun and educational experience.

It offers numerous events, exhibits and activities, and all of them are related in some way to Wyoming.

Do you like animals?

Learn about the wildlife of the region by examining fossils and dinosaur bones.

Do you want to know more about Wyoming’s indigenous roots?

Check out the painted drums and totem poles of the Native American exhibits.

Are you curious about life in the past?

Climb into a covered wagon that represents days gone by, or let your kids venture into the hands-on “history room” where they can play with objects from the 18th and 19th centuries.

They can even dress up in colonial costumes for the full effect!

Another great thing about the Wyoming State Museum is that it has no admission charge.

It’s funded by the state, so if you’re looking for free things to do in Cheyenne, it’s a budget-friendly pick.

Visit the Wyoming State Museum if you want to learn more about the region where you’re staying.

It was founded all the way back in the 1800s, so there’s plenty to discover and appreciate.

Address: 2301 Central Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

7. Happy Jack Road

Running between Cheyenne and Laramie, Happy Jack Road is a stretch of highway that’s popular for its scenic views and just-off-the-road attractions.

You can exit at any time to visit the parks, waterfalls and observation points dotted along the way, but you can also stay in the car and enjoy a slow, leisurely ramble through a beautiful countryside.

The prairies stretch endlessly under big blue skies.

Dry rock formations eventually turn into lakes and hill tops.

If you’re an animal lover, you’ll see plenty of wildlife darting through the trees or scurrying back under the cliffs.

Happy Jack Road is definitely one of the top destinations of Cheyenne.

If you ever need to unwind during your vacation, just fill up your tank and go for a drive along this gorgeous, wondrous highway.

8. Terry Bison Ranch

Billed as “America’s only bison train tour,” the Terry Bison Ranch does combine a lot of fun, eclectic elements, but one thing’s for sure: Your family will have a blast!

You’ll start by riding an old-fashioned train into the ranch.

Once there, you’ll be greeted by the famous bison herds as well as other animals like horses, camels, llamas, mules and donkeys.

The horses can be ridden around the prairies, and the bison and cattle can be fed, pet, groomed and herded around the pens.

Amenities at the ranch include a gift shop and an on-site restaurant.

If you want, you can even fish at the fishing pond and have the cooks fry your seafood right then and there!

A trip to the Terry Bison Ranch is one of the most fun things to do in Cheyenne.

Young or old, everyone can enjoy a bison snuffling snacks out of their hand or a train choo-chooing along a vintage railroad.

Address: 51 I-25 Frontage Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82007, United States

9. Frontier Mall

Covering more than 500,000 square feet, the Frontier Mall is much more than its name implies.

While you might associate the word “frontier” with dirt roads and tumbleweeds, the truth is that the Frontier Mall is a thriving mecca of modernity!

Stores are front and center, of course.

There are glamorous fashion boutiques; there are quaint little arcades and mom-and-pop shops.

Aside from shopping, you can also dine at a number of restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines.

Whether you’re in a mood for a cheap burrito from Chipotle or an elaborate gyro from Renzio’s Greek Food, you can find it here.

There’s even a candy store for dessert!

A trip to Frontier Mall is one of the most fun things to do in Cheyenne.

Just like the pioneers before you, you’ll be able to explore new terrain and have all kinds of experiences with your family in tow.

Address: 1400 Dell Range Blvd, Cheyenne, WY 82009, United States

10. Cheyenne Depot Museum

Towering in the sky with red-orange sandstone squares, the Cheyenne Depot Museum has the tall spires of a medieval castle, but it was actually built as a railway station in 1887.

It stopped running trains years ago, but it still stands as a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of man.

Today’s visitors can tour the station, admire the model trains, marvel at the vintage steam engines and pose with old-fashioned tools and objects.

They can also check out plenty of educational exhibits about the Transcontinental Railroad and the role that Wyoming played in developing it.

Everything is kid-friendly, so the whole family can get in on the fun.

Make time for the Cheyenne Depot Museum if you’re looking for interesting places to visit that also have historical and cultural value as American landmarks.

Address: 121 W 15th St, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

11. Cheyenne Big Boots

One of the most unique of Cheyenne’s attractions, the “Cheyenne Big Boots” are actually an entire series of art installations.

Each one depicts a pair of cowboy boots that have been painted with some kind of theme, and they’re scattered throughout the city like a treasure hunt for art lovers and culture buffs.

Once you know what you’re looking for, you won’t be able to miss them: The boots are all eight feet tall.

They’re usually painted with bright and memorable murals as well, so they’ll make great backdrops for selfies as you get out, have fun, revel in the sunshine and enjoy the art of Cheyenne’s locals.

Some visitors challenge themselves to find the boots on their own.

Others pick up a map at the visitor center’s or dial in for a cellphone audio tour.

No matter how you decide to go on your scavenger hunt, the Cheyenne Big Boots will definitely leave you with a lasting memory of the city.

Best of all, since they’re all located in public spaces, you’ll never have to pay to access them!

They’re one of the free things to do in Cheyenne.

12. Wyoming Historic Governors’ Mansion

Are you looking for free things to do in Cheyenne?

Consider a jaunt to the Wyoming Historic Governors’ Mansion.

There’s no admission fee, and it’ll provide a surprisingly fun experience for anyone interested in history.

You see, the governors’ mansion isn’t just a house.

It’s also a museum-slash-cultural-center where visitors can tour rooms filled with objects, clothes, texts and tools of various eras.

Wyoming has a rich history, and it’s on full display at the seat of its governor’s power.

Another nice thing about the mansion is that it frequently plays host to events such as fancy teas and outdoor concerts on the lawn.

Check the schedule: You never know what will be happening this weekend!

If you’re wondering what to do in Cheyenne on a budget, consider the Wyoming Historic Governors’ Mansion.

It’s one of the best destinations for having fun without having to empty your wallet at the same time.

Address: 300 E 21st St, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

13. Nelson Museum of the West

Another great museum for history lovers, the Nelson Museum of the West has some of the best and most comprehensive exhibits focused on colonial-era America.

The library has more than 4,000 books; the collection has more than 14,000 artifacts.

There are so many things to see and do that you could spend your entire vacation here.

To do more than meander around the halls, however, you’ll need to narrow down your interest areas.

Do you like Mexican culture?

Check out the showcases filled with colorful sombreros and silver-studded spurs and saddles.

Are you fascinated by Native American history?

Look at the artwork and beadwork of the Pueblo and Plains tribes.

If you’re interested in the history of Wyoming, there’s plenty of that on display as well.

You can even explore a recreation of a Western-themed 1920s sheriff’s office!

Cowboys, it’s time to buckle up.

The Nelson Museum of the West is one of those rare Cheyenne attractions that provides both education and entertainment, so it’s entirely worth the ride.

Address: 1714 Carey Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

14. NCAR Wyoming Supercomputing Center

Have you ever seen a supercomputer up close?

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the NCAR Wyoming Supercomputing Center will take you on a journey into one of the world’s most impressive pieces of technology.

Tours are available of the offices, labs and server rooms where hardware stands taller and more imposing than a man.

There are also a number of exhibits about topics such as climate, science, computing, extreme weather and energy resources in the West.

The main attractions, of course, are the computers.

While you probably won’t understand the numbers that they’re spitting out, rest assured that they’re solving incredibly complex equations.

If you’re wondering what to do while visiting Cheyenne, how about something that’s completely unique?

The NCAR Wyoming Supercomputing Center will provide a one-a-million chance to see a real, genuine supercomputer, and if you pay attention to the exhibits, you’ll get a little smarter as well.

Address: 8120 Veta Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82009, United States

15. Historic Cheyenne Walking Tours

One of the best things to do in Cheyenne is to visit its historic district.

There are several blocks downtown with large, mansion-style houses and other architecture that dates back centuries, and if you’re willing to expand your travel radius, there are also museums, churches, landmarks and historic tourist attractions in the greater Cheyenne area.

If you want to see everything, you’ll need to take a tour.

We’ve already mentioned the trolley tours, but you can also take a walking or biking tour.

Maps are available at the visitor’s center, and you can choose from several paths depending on your schedule and fitness level.

For example, the easiest tour is a quick 0.7 mile loop around the major points of interest downtown; the longest and most comprehensive is a 1.7 mile journey that will take you to the capitol building and beyond.

There are many cool places to see in Cheyenne.

If you want to explore them with your own two feet, swing by the visitor’s center and pick up a brochure!

16. Cheyenne Ice and Events Center

You might not immediately connect “ice” and “Wyoming,” but the locals live to surprise!

The Cheyenne Ice and Events Center is a full-sized facility where visitors can indulge in all kinds of wintertime fun.

Figure skating is the most popular, of course, and there are both lessons and free skate times depending on your fancy.

You can also play hockey, learn curling or participate in other cold-weather sports and games.

In the summer months, the arena is transformed into a venue for things like concerts, conventions and trade shows.

You’ll also be able to enjoy rounds of laser tag or miniature golf.

Even bumper cars make an appearance sometimes!

The Cheyenne Ice and Events Center is one of the most fun things to do in Cheyenne.

No matter when you’re visiting, you can find games, events and activities to entertain the whole family.

Check their schedule this weekend and see what’s in your store for your trip.

Address: 1530 W Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

17. Cowgirls of the West Museum and Emporium

Did you know that women played a pivotal role in the exploration and settlement of the Wild West?

The Cowgirls of the West Museum and Emporium is dedicated to their history, and it’s one of the best places to learn about not just Wyoming’s women but the whole of female pioneers.

You see, women wore all kinds of hats in the colonial era, including ten-gallon ones.

They were cowgirls and horse ranchers; they were innkeepers, rodeo performers and even land owners.

Wyoming gave women property rights a full 50 years before any other state!

Tucked away on a side street, the Cowgirls of the West Museum and Emporium isn’t one of the biggest or flashiest places to see in Cheyenne, but it’s one of the most important.

It preserves a critical and oft-forgotten part of history, and it’s great for inspiring the next generation of fearless female adventurers.

Address: 205 W 17th St, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

18. Holliday Park

Holliday Park is one of the great vacation spots of Cheyenne.

Not only does it boast all of the lush green fields of a well-maintained recreation area, but it’s also a place to find unforgettable attractions and amenities, including a vintage steam train!

Its name is “Big Boy,” and it’s an authentic, coal-powered locomotive that was retired after the end of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Rather than letting it rust and go to waste, it was preserved as one of Cheyenne’s attractions, and it stands today as one of only eight “Boy Boys” left in the country.

That said, the train is just one of the cool places to visit in Holliday Park.

There are also ponds, playgrounds, art exhibits, bike paths, horseshoe areas and more.

Go here if you want to enjoy the great outdoors!

Address: 19th Morrie Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

19. Atlas Theatre

The Atlas Theatre is so old that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places several decades ago.

However, its age only adds to its charm.

Its vintage-style stages, audience galleries and concession stands are a great way to see a show!

Plays are the most common form of entertainment at the theater.

There are also concerts, comedy shows, musicals, workshops and other art and culture events.

Many have an element of audience participation, so you can laugh and throw popcorn with your fellow visitors.

Others might have themes like “melodrama” or “vaudeville” for a night filled with larger-than-life acts.

Long story short, if you’ll be in or near Cheyenne anytime soon, it’s worth checking out the calendar of the Atlas Theatre.

There’s probably something cool happening this weekend!

Address: 211 W Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

20. Bit-O-Wyo Ranch

Wyoming has no lack of ranches, but there’s something special about the Bit-O-Wyo Ranch.

Maybe it’s the full activity roster that includes everything from archery and horseback riding to campfire stories and dinner shows with live entertainment.

Maybe it’s the wide, sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains and all of the sunshine and fresh air that comes with them.

Maybe it’s just a ton of fun!

Visitors to the Bit-O-Wyo Ranch can enjoy a rollicking good time in the country.

There are always new adventures to have, and you don’t have to stop when the sun sets.

Cabins are available for rent right there on the water.

If you’re thinking about what to see in Cheyenne, put the Bit-O-Wyo Ranch on your list.

It offers so much stuff to do that it’s practically a vacation destination in its own right, and the scenery is some of the best in Wyoming.

Whether you’re interested in hiking, canoeing, fishing, camping or horseshoeing, this is the destination for it all!

Address: 470 Happy Jack Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009, United States

21. Cathedral of St. Mary

Dating back to the mid-1800s, Cathedral of St. Mary is one of the most impressive things to see in Cheyenne.

Its gigantic square tower rises more than 130 feet into the air, and its stained glass windows catch the light both indoors and outdoors.

It’s okay if you aren’t religious.

While the cathedral is a legitimate place of worship, it’s also considered one of the top things to do in Cheyenne for culture enthusiasts who like art, history, philosophy and architecture.

You might even see a baptism or an anointing of the sick while you’re there.

Cathedral of St. Mary is a great destination for travelers who want to try something a little different while they’re in the city.

If you’re wondering what to do that isn’t listed in glossy adventure brochures, visit a real, old-fashioned cathedral.

Address: 100 W 21st St, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

22. Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum

If you can’t travel to Cheyenne in July, you can still experience the magic of the Cheyenne Frontier Days Festival.

You just have to visit the CFD Old West Museum.

With thousands of artifacts dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, this museum will transport you to the days of rodeos, cowboys, saloons, Stetsons and more.

Not only does it boast impressive sights, including one of America’s largest collections of horse-drawn carriages, but it also provides fun activities for visitors of all ages.

If you’ve ever wanted to rope cattle or paint on hides, this is your chance to do so!

The frontier festival is a top 10 event in Cheyenne, but you don’t have to miss out just because you aren’t traveling there in the summertime.

Visit the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum to experience the dusty, sun-soaked colonial era any time of the year.

Address: 4610 Carey Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

23. Curt Gowdy State Park

Located between Cheyenne and Laramie, Curt Gowdy State Park is a wonderful place to get away from it all.

The scenery looks like something from a postcard with rock formations jutting over woods and waterfalls, and since it’s well away from the city, the blue sky is always wide, open and clear.

Activities at the park include things like hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing and horseback riding, but many people come just for the sights.

They’ll trek to the waterfalls or spend the night in the historical lodge with its genuine log-covered roof.

Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of modern life?

Do you dream of a beautiful, tranquil getaway where you can simply be for awhile?

If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Wyoming is full of natural wonders, and Curt Gowdy State Park is one of the best spots for seeing them.

Address: 1264 Granite Springs Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009, United States

24. Paul Smith Children’s Village

Cheyenne attractions come in all shapes and sizes, but if you’re traveling with kids, there’s no better place than Paul Smith Children’s Village.

It’s fun; it’s interactive; it’s educational.

Your little ones will have a blast, and if you’re lucky, they might just learn something as well!

What is the village?

An offshoot of the Cheyenne Botanical Gardens, the village is a wonderland of games and activities aimed at raising the environmental consciousness of today’s youth.

There are recreations of all kinds of ecosystems, including forests, deserts and wetlands, and there are cultural as well as natural playscapes.

Your kids can climb in teepees, wade in pools, jump around tree houses and more!

Other things to see at the village include a farmer’s windmill and a solar-powered greenhouse.

If you’re at all interested in teaching your children about sustainability, just take them on a tour of the panes, pumps and waterworks of the area.

Paul Smith Children’s Village is one of the best places to visit in Cheyenne to learn about the environment.

To raise the next generation of eco-friendly advocates, this is the spot!

Address: 616 S Lions Park Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

25. Wyoming State Capitol

Last but not least, you can’t visit Cheyenne without visiting the Wyoming State Capitol.

It’s a proud, beautiful building that dates all of the way back to 1886, and it’s still used today by everyone from politicians to foreign princes.

You can’t miss the capitol: Its gold-colored dome towers more than 145 feet in the sky.

Its architecture has a classic, white-walled Renaissance Revival style, which is a direct nod to the United States Capitol in Washington, DC.

Inside, there are rotundas with stained glass windows and checkerboard marble floors leading to thick pillars and cherry wood staircases.

Visitors to the capitol can take self-guided tours around the building.

Upstairs, there are offices and chambers; downstairs, there are art galleries and collections of old safes and sculptures.

The Wyoming State Capitol is one of the major points of interest of Cheyenne.

Whether you’re going for the murals or the memories, it’ll definitely be an unforgettable experience.

Address: 200 W 24th St, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Cheyenne

If you’re wondering what to do while in or near Cheyenne, these are just a few ways to experience the city to the fullest.

Climb a mountain; visit a museum or historic arts theater; eat your fill of baby back ribs.

There’s always something fun to experience in Cheyenne!

Happy travels.