Cheyenne, Wyoming
Time Needed: multi-day
Experience Type: historic landmark, small-town charm
Founded in 1867 as a railroad town, Cheyenne remains the beating heart of the American West. From cowboy boots to bison, rodeos to railways, this capital city blends frontier grit with western charm, making it an unforgettable stop on any Wyoming road trip.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Visit the Cheyenne Depot Museum – Explore railroad heritage in a restored 1887 depot with exhibits, model trains, and 35+ eight-foot-tall hand-painted cowboy boots at Depot Plaza.
- Shop at The Wrangler – Outfit yourself like a true cowboy at this legendary store, open since 1943, known for authentic boots, hats, buckles, and Western flair.
- Tour Historic Cheyenne by Trolley – Board the vintage Street Railway Trolley for a narrated ride through Cheyenne’s storied past, from frontier saloons to stately mansions.
- Ride the Train at Terry Bison Ranch – Feed bison from an open-air train on a narrated one-hour tour of the country’s second-largest bison ranch.
- Experience Cheyenne Frontier Days – Every July, the “Daddy of ’em All” brings world-class rodeo events, parades, and concerts to celebrate the spirit and tradition of the American cowboy.
Plan Ahead: Buy a Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum ticket in advance to skip the line and guarantee entry. Visit anytime during open hours and explore exhibits highlighting Cheyenne’s heritage and the history of one of America’s longest-running rodeo celebrations.
Photo Credit: Domenico Convertini/Flickr