As the capital and largest city of Wyoming, Cheyenne has no shortage of fun activities and must-see attractions. The city has an extensive parks and recreation system, as well as more than fifty different locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here are some of the best.
The Historic Plains Hotel
Visit the historic downtown neighborhood of Cheyenne to find this landmark that functions both as a modern hotel and historic landmark. The hotel dates back to 1911 when Cheyenne was flourishing from the success of the oil and cattle industry.
Interestingly, some people believe that the hotel is haunted. Visitors have reported disembodied laughter and voices in certain parts of the building. But the modern guest of the Historic Plains Hotel is far more likely to simply enjoy the unmatched amenities and convenient proximity to Cheyenne’s vibrant arts and culture district.
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Take a stroll among the carefully cultivated gardens and conservatories at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. This impressive attraction features several themed exhibits. For example, there is a fairy garden created from a fallen cottonwood tree, complete with a lighted miniature fairy village. There are also sections dedicated entirely to recreating other environments, such as a desert or Mediterranean environment, with all the plant life you would expect to see in those regions.
The prehistoric section is one of the most fascinating exhibits. Here, you’ll get a firsthand look at plants that have been around since before the dinosaurs. The botanic gardens even feature an orange tree grove and bonsai house.
Greater Cheyenne Greenway
The seeds for the Greater Cheyenne Greenway were first sown in 1990 by the Crow Creek Greenway Committee, which dreamed of creating a network of tree-lined corridors for the enjoyment of the area’s residents and visitors. Today, the greenway comprises 37 miles of paths that run through open, natural environments. The greenway is popular with both cyclists and joggers. Students of ecology and history also regularly use the greenway as an open-air classroom.
Future plans for the greenway will expand the paths to completely encircle the city of Cheyenne in a continuous loop, seamlessly connecting neighborhoods and offering a contiguous alternative to motorized traffic.
Lakeview Cemetery
This uniquely beautiful cemetery is set amidst towering pine trees and abounds with oversized, elaborate tombs. Many of the graves belong to pioneers of Wyoming’s early history. You can pick up a visitor’s brochure at the main office so that you don’t miss anything significant.
While the cemetery has been interring the city’s most distinguished citizens for over 100 years, it’s not a strictly historical cemetery. In fact, there are still available plots, and you will see newer headstones scattered among the historical markers. To get the most out of a visit here, consider taking a historical walking tour.
The city of Cheyenne has plenty to interest even the most well-traveled visitor, and these attractions only scratch the surface of what the city has to offer. A trip to the ‘Magic City of the Plains’ is sure to be one to remember.
Image by Falkenpost, used under CCO 1.0
Connect with us
