The capital of the state of Wyoming, named after the Cheyenne Indians, was founded in 1867 as a station on the Union Pacific Railroad, and two years later became the chief town in the territory of Wyoming. The town was the largest outpost of the United States Cavalry. The town's principal sights are the prominently situated State Capitol, the Wyoming State Museum and the Union Pacific Railroad Depot, a notable example of industrial architecture built in 1886. North-east of the Depot is a Big Boy locomotive, one of the largest steam engines ever built.
The Cheyenne Botanic Garden is a wonderful oasis of greenery. A wide variety of plants are on display ranging from local to the exotic. During the traditional growing season, there is always something in bloom and ready to be photographed. The Cheyenne Botanic Garden hosts frequent musical and cultural events, check to see what is planned during your visit.
Hours:
Sunrise-Sunset
Tips: The conservatory has limited hours, call ahead. Donations accepted.
The Cheyenne State Capitol building is typical of most US capitol buildings but not disappointing. A large building with a domed top and lawns with statues greets the visitor. The processes of state government take place inside and tours of the building are available. The building was constructed between 1886 and 1890 and is a National Historic Landmark.
On the western outskirts of the town (west of Frontier Park) is the extensive area occupied by the F.E. Warren Air Force Base. The site was originally occupied by a 19th c. fort. During the Second World War it was a prisoner of war camp. Since 1958 it has been an intercontinental ballistic missile base. There is an informative Air Base Museum.
The Historical Governors' Mansion in Cheyenne is a sight to behold. Built in 1904, the handsome structure was quite revolutionary at the time. The mansion was in use up until 1977 when it was opened to the public as a museum. The mansion underwent a massive renovation in 2005 and has been restored to its former glory.
The Nelson Museum of the West is housed in an 18,000 square foot facility in Cheyenne, WY. The museum has 20 permanent exhibits and is dedicated to the preservation of Cowboy and Native American Indian artifacts. The collection at the The Nelson Museum of the West numbers to over 3,700 items.
Hours:
May 1 to May 31: 9am-4:30pm; Closed: Sun, Sat
June 1 to August 31: 9am-4:30pm; Closed: Sun, Sat, Sun
September 1 to October 31: 9am-4:30pm; Closed: Sun, Sat, Sun, Sun, Sat
For a glimpse of the animal that once roamed the plains of America in the millions, be sure to stop in at the Terry Bison Ranch near Cheyenne. Here you will find over 2,500 head of bison along with a variety of other native animals. The ranch is large at 30,000 acres and expands over two states.
Address: Terry Bison Ranch, 51 I-25 Service Road East, Cheyenne, WY 82007-9748, United States
Phone: 1 (307) 634-4171, Fax: 1 (307) 634-9746
The Wyoming State Museum has a diverse collection ranging from fossils to weapons. The permanent exhibits include Wyoming's Story, The Wild Bunch, Swamped with Coal, Rex in Pieces, Barber Gallery, and Drawn to this Land. Also of interest is the interactive exhibit called the Hands on History Room. The Wyoming State Museum is located in Cheyenne.
Hours:
May 1 to October 31: 9am-4:30pm; Closed: Sun
November 1 to April 30: 9am-4:30pm; Sat:10am-2pm; Closed: Sun, Sun
The Wyoming Transportation Museum, also called the Cheyenne Depot Museum, is housed in a beautifully restored railway station. Fascinating displays on the history and importance of the railroads in the development of America are featured. The building is listed on the National Historic Register. The museum hosts frequent events and activities, check the website to see what's coming up.
Address: Wyoming Transportation Museum, 121 West 15th Street, Box 704, Cheyenne, WY 82003-0704, United States
Phone: 1 (307) 632-3905, Fax: 1 (307) 632-0614
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Cheyenne State Capitol, Cheyenne
Cheyenne State Capitol, Cheyenne
Cheyenne State Capitol, Cheyenne
Cheyenne State Capitol, Cheyenne
