Jan 10, 2019

Make the most of your next visit to Cheyenne, Wyoming, by checking out some of the best museums in the area. You won’t want to miss these attractions, which are just as entertaining as they are educational. We’ve put together this short list to help you get started.

Cheyenne Botanic Gardens

Visit the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens to discover just how vibrant a museum can be. This is far from the stuffy, dimly lit halls that the word “museum” brings to mind. Instead, this is a living museum with curated displays of plants, trees, and shrubs. The main event is the sprawling Grand Conservatory, but there are some other activities here that your little ones will especially enjoy. The Paul Smith Children’s Village is more than a playground; it has a wetlands environment, outdoor Jenga set, and even a secret garden.

Best of all, admission to the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is completely free.

Cheyenne Depot Museum

Enjoy the quirky and informative exhibits at the Cheyenne Depot Museum and get an in-depth look at the state’s history of transportation and architecture. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you visit this elaborate 19th-century railroad depot. You and your family will learn about the Transcontinental Railroad and how its operation led to Cheyenne’s current prosperity. The site also hosts numerous events throughout the year and has become the area’s cultural hub. In addition to enjoying the museum, make sure to grab a bite to eat: the depot shares its first floor with a brewpub restaurant.

Wyoming State Museum

Explore a breathtaking array of exhibits at the Wyoming State Museum. Where else you can find dinosaur fossils sharing a room with pristine artifacts from Native American history? This museum aims to offer a comprehensive look at the state’s history, so there’s really something here for everyone.

Permanent exhibits focus on prehistory, modern-day ecology, the state’s National Parks and Forests, and cultures both past and present. There are also temporary and traveling exhibits, such as photography exhibitions and contemporary art displays. These rotations make every visit to the museum feel fresh, whether it’s your first visit or your fifth.

High Plains Arboretum

Wyoming is home to the country’s very first national park: Yellowstone. This park is also considered by many to be the first national park in the world, so it’s only natural that the city has an excellent forestry museum. The High Plains Arboretum is an interpretive center maintained by Cheyenne Urban Forestry. This outdoor museum has more than 60 species of trees and shrubs from around the world, and it’s an excellent opportunity for your family to become acquainted with the natural environment.

A recently developed educational kiosk encourages self-guided tours to this open-air attraction, which is open to the public.

The city of Cheyenne is packed with opportunities to learn about its frontier spirit and pioneering history, as well as its modern development. Don’t miss your chance to visit these great museums the next time you’re in town.