The city of Cheyenne was first established in 1867. The Union Pacific Railroad passed through the area, and General Grenville Dodge surveyed the site as a possible town. The city has a long and fascinating history, making it the perfect place for history buffs to explore. For those who enjoy learning about the past, these are some of the must-see historical Cheyenne attractions.
The Old West Museum
The goal of the Old West Museum is to preserve the western legacy of the Cheyenne frontier days. Visitors can see many western artifacts including one of the largest collections of carriages found west of the Mississippi. The museum brings history alive with the “World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration,” and there is an exhibit showcasing the first rodeo in 1897. There are also brand-new artifacts on display, and even digital interactive exhibits to help illustrate the reality of the Cheyenne Frontier. You’ll find the Old West Museum on Carey Avenue in Cheyenne, and it stays open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
The Wyoming State Museum
The Wyoming State Museum has everything you need to know about the history of Wyoming. There are permanent exhibits such as “For the Benefit of the People: The National Park Service in Wyoming,” and temporary exhibits such as “Wyoming at 125.” This exhibit features both artifacts and photographs from Wyoming’s first 125 years. You can even see things such as the Ping-Pong ball that decided an election and Tom Horn’s shoes. You’ll find the Wyoming State Museum in the Barret Building on Central Avenue in Cheyenne. Admission is free, and it stays open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Historic Governor’s Mansion
The Historic Governor’s Mansion is the very first residence provided by the state for governors and their families. From 1905 to 1976 this mansion served as the home to 19 different governors including the first female governor. You can take a self-guided tour of the mansion which stays open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday during the summer. There are brochures available when you arrive, the staff will give a short introduction, and then you can explore the mansion at your own pace.
The Nelson Museum of the West
Built by Robert L. Nelson, the Nelson Museum of the West provides its visitors with a view of many different older western cultures. From cowboys to Native Americans, and the military, each of these aspects has a spot in this museum. Nelson started collecting artifacts in the 1970s and opened the museum to the public in 1998. Some of the exhibits include Art of the Pueblo Indians, Firearms of the Old West, and the Mexican Exhibit. You’ll find the Nelson Museum of the West on Carey Avenue, admission is $5 for adults, just $4 for seniors, and children 12 and under are free.
Make sure to check out these Cheyenne museums and attractions to learn more about the history of the area and see where everything began.
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Image via Flickr by Ken Lund
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