The capital city of the state of Wyoming is Cheyenne. Located in southeast Wyoming just 10 miles from the Colorado border, Cheyenne is in Laramie County and is actually the largest city in Wyoming state, spanning slightly over 32 square miles.
The city of Cheyenne was founded on Crow Creek and Dry Creek and sits on the northern terminus of the Southern Rocky Mountain Front ,which reaches all the way to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Why Is Cheyenne the Capital of Wyoming?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CP3YxPMtROz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Cheyenne, WY, is bordered by Colorado and Utah to the south, Nebraska and South Dakota to the east, Montana to the north, and Idaho to the west. The region of Cheyenne belongs to the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Só'taeo'o or Só'taétaneo'o (more commonly spelled as Suhtai or Sutaio), Tsétsêhéstâhese (also spelled Tsitsistas, and O?héthi ?akówi? Native American tribes. Today, the tribes are split into two federally recognized Nations, the Northern and Southern Cheyenne.
What to Do in Cheyenne, Wyoming
1. Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
If you visit the state capital city of Cheyenne, it is imperative to make a stop at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. Serving as a base for the city's culture and history, the Old West Museum has some of the grandest collections of carriages west of the Mississippi. The permanent Cheyenne Frontier Days™ exhibit captures the energy from the very first rodeo in 1897 to their modern role in Cheyenne's namesake.
2. Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
With a mission to cultivate growth and enrichment in the community, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens boasts a treasured garden for visitors to gather, celebrate, and educate. Stroll through the mystical gardens, which feature specially crafted displays of plants, shrubs, and trees.
3. Wyoming State Museum
When you visit the Wyoming State Museum, you can learn all about the state government, the Wyoming Territory, the Native American history, and how this area in the Great Plains came to join the USA as a state. From prehistory to the modern-day, you can discover a wide array of artifacts, natural history, art, anthropology, paleontology, wildlife, and more.
4. 1904 Historic Governors' Mansion
RELATED: Visit "Big Sky Country" in Montana's Beautiful Capital City
Situated just five blocks from the Wyo state capital, the Historic Governor's Mansion was designed by Omaha-native Charles Murdock and constructed in 1904. Home to 19 of the state's first families, this iconic government building boasts four Corinthian sandstone columns on the main mansion, a full basement, and a stand-alone carriage house.
5. Wyoming State Capitol Building
This National Historic Landmark in downtown Cheyenne dates back to 1888 and is home to the Wyoming Legislature and state government. This state capitol building completed the first of a 4-year restoration plan in 2019. The Capitol Square is open for self-guided tours from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday.
6. Cheyenne Depot Museum
Wyoming and played a huge role in the transportation and railroad boom in the 19th century. The Cheyenne Depot was crucial in the success of the Union Pacific Railroad and was designed by one of the most well-known architects of the time.
7. Warren Air Force Base
Lastly on our list of the best things to do in the capital of Wyoming is the Warren Air Force Base. If you are into the Air Force and the history of the Air Force, make a request to take a specialized tour of the Francis E. Warren Air Force Base to learn about the heritage, history, and mission of the 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs.
Nearby Destinations
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- The Black Hills, South Dakota
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- Denver & Fort Collins, Colorado
- Rawlins & Casper, Wyoming
Planning a visit to the Rocky Mountains? Explore the possibilities at our Wide Open Roads Facebook!
