Introduction
If you’re like me—someone who loves a mix of wide-open skies, Western grit, quirky mid-west charm and a bit of unexpected fun—then my trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming, turned out to be far more interesting than I initially thought. I arrived expecting a “cow-town” feel, and left with memories of rodeos, steam trains, vast prairie views, historic downtown strolls and a surprising variety of activities. Here are the 12 Best & Fun Things To Do in Cheyenne, WY — the places I discovered, why they stood out, and how you can make the most of them.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Cheyenne, WY (2025)
1. Visit the Wyoming State Capitol & Historic Downtown
One of my first stops was the majestic Wyoming State Capitol building in downtown Cheyenne—its imposing architecture, the old legislative chambers and the sense of the frontier meeting government. According to visitor guides, it remains a landmark in the city’s must-see list.
Why I loved it: Walking through the historic downtown from the capitol, I felt the layered history—railroad era, political legacy, western identity—all in one town block.
Tip: Take your time inside the Capitol if open (often free). Then wander the sidewalks of Central Avenue for cafés, shops and old-west storefronts.
2. Explore the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
No visit to Cheyenne is complete without dipping into the town’s rodeo tradition. The Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum tells the story of the legendary festival and the cowboy era.
Why I loved it: I found myself lingering over displays of horse-drawn wagons, saddle gear and cowboy hats—it brought the “Wild West” closer than expected.
Tip: Pair your museum visit with checking if any rodeo or western festival is happening—Cheyenne excels at this theme.
See Also: 41 Things To Do & Places To Visit In South Carolina
3. Ride the Street Railway Trolley for a Historic Tour
For a fun and low-stress way to get acquainted with the city, I hopped aboard the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley for a narrated tour of downtown and historic neighborhoods. Guides say it’s a great way to see Cheyenne’s history on wheels.
Why I loved it: Sitting back on the trolley, listening to stories of the old railroad town and spotting architectural gems—it felt like stepping back in time.
Tip: The tour runs during warmer months (May–Sept) and sometimes off-season weekends. Good for all ages.
4. Visit the Cheyenne Depot & Museum
Cheyenne’s railroad heritage is big, and the Cheyenne Depot Museum housed in a historic 1880s station highlights that. Visitor sources list it as a top thing to see in town.
Why I loved it: I walked through the old station halls, looked at train memorabilia and then relaxed on the plaza outside—great mix of history + chill.
Tip: Check for museum hours and also look for any local events on the Depot Plaza (free concerts, markets, etc).
5. Get Outdoors at Curt Gowdy State Park & Vedauwoo
If you want a nature escape near Cheyenne, head to Curt Gowdy State Park or the nearby Vedauwoo rock formations for hiking, mountain biking and wide-open views. These spots are listed as top outdoor options.
Why I loved it: On a day out I wandered trails surrounded by granite outcrops, felt the breeze, saw a few wild-life glimpses—it was that western nature I’d been craving.
Tip: Bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water. If you’re into climbing or bouldering, Vedauwoo is slightly more advanced.
6. Visit the Terry Bison Ranch
For something a bit different, I visited the Terry Bison Ranch just outside Cheyenne. You can board a train ride among bison herds, see ranch-style life and enjoy Western hospitality.
Why I loved it: Being that close to massive grazing bison, riding the rail through the ranch and breathing in big-sky Wyoming felt unforgettable.
Tip: Check their schedule ahead for the bison train ride. Bring a camera and maybe some quarters if you want to feed the bison.
7. Walk Through the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens & Old Treehouse
One of the more peaceful stops was the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens especially the children’s village and the tree-house at Lions Park. These green escapes show there’s calm here as well as western bustle.
Why I loved it: After busy walking around downtown, this garden stroll felt restorative and charming—a delightful surprise.
Tip: Ideal if you’re travelling with family, or just want a slower paced nature break.
8. See the Big Boy Steam Engine & Holliday Park
If you love trains (I do), then seeing the enormous steam locomotive at Holliday Park was a highlight. The park includes the legendary Big Boy engine and is listed among family-friendly attractions.
Why I loved it: Standing beside the engine, imagining its power in the steam-age—it’s a memorable photo-stop.
Tip: Combine it with a walk around the park or an afternoon picnic nearby.
9. Grab a Coffee, Craft Beer & Explore the Local Food Scene
Cheyenne surprised me with a lively local food & drink scene: craft breweries, solid coffee, old-west flair on the menu. As local blogs note, downtown offers café patios, historic dining rooms and good food.
Why I loved it: After a long walk, I settled into a local brew-pub patio, ordered something local, and watched the day fade—it felt simultaneously relaxed and full of flavor.
Tip: Look for local breweries like Freedom’s Edge or Blacktooth. Reserve dinner if you want a special western-style meal.
10. Check Out the Big Boots Art Installations & Public Sculptures
One of the fun and quirky things I discovered: the “Big Boots” scattered downtown as part of a public-art trail. Cheyenne’s site mentions giant boots, Western art and statues all around town.
Why I loved it: It turned an ordinary walk into a little treasure hunt—snap-shots of boots, quirky western art, playful surprises in alleyways.
Tip: Take your phone and follow the map of Big Boots (often available at the visitor centre). It’s a light-hearted way to explore.
11. Attend or Time Your Visit for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo
If you time it right (mid-July), the legendary Cheyenne Frontier Days is a must-do: 10 days of rodeo, parades, chuckwagon races, live music and Western spectacle.
Why I loved it: I watched some highlight reels and wished I’d been there—just being in town during frontier days would elevate the whole trip into an experience.
Tip: If you’re going around that time, book early. Roads and hotels fill up. Even if you’re not there for the exact dates, check for local related events.
12. Visit the Historic Governors’ Mansion & Other Hidden Spots
Beyond the major sights, I found solace in lesser-known places like the Wyoming Governors’ Mansion, and quiet natural spots just outside town. A blog on hidden gems mentions the High Plains Arboretum and other bits of Cheyenne worth exploring.
Why I loved it: Quiet, historic, off the main trail—these spots made the trip feel multi-layered, not just rodeos and downtown.
Tip: Ask at the visitor centre for local hidden-gem maps; go for a late afternoon drive outside town if you have a car.
Final Thoughts
My visit to Cheyenne turned out to be a delightful blend of Western heritage, outdoor adventures, historic architecture and unexpected modern flair. The “cow-town” label only scratches the surface. From strolling downtown under big skies, to riding through bison herds, to doughnuts and coffee in quaint cafés—it all added up to a fuller experience.
Here are a few travel take-aways from my time in Cheyenne:
- Stay at least 2-3 full days if you can—so you have time for downtown, an outdoor escape and maybe a ranch or museum.
- Mix your pace—blend one big activity (trolley tour, ranch visit, museum) with one slow moment (quiet walk in gardens, coffee break).
- Pack for the weather—Wyoming winds, prairie sun and cooler mornings. A jacket helps.
- Bring a camera and wander off the main street—so many fun photo-ops (boots, sculptures, historic façades).
- Go with local curiosity—ask locals about upcoming events, hidden trails or new breweries.
- Respect the land and history—this is a place with deep heritage. Stay on trails, ask permission for photos in certain sites, take care of nature.
- Leave a little extra time—things may open later, downtown might be slower than big cities, so allow for exploration.
If I had to pick one favourite memory: It was riding the bison train at Terry Bison Ranch—looking out over grasslands, spotting massive bison, hearing the train wheels click and understanding that this place still carries the spirit of the American West. That’s Cheyenne for me.