When the Union Pacific Railroad headed west, the area known as Crow Creek required bridging. The railroad needed to create a townsite for its mountain region headquarters and named the area Cheyenne after the Cheyenne Native American people. At the same time, the US Army built a fort a few miles further west to protect the railroad. On November 14, 1867, the first train arrived in Cheyenne. The city grew so quickly it earned the nickname the “Magic City of the Plains.” In 1868, the US organized the Territory of Wyoming, and the following year the governor named Cheyenne the temporary territorial capital. Cheyenne has remained the capital of Wyoming ever since.

Sport venues in Cheyenne are plentiful and include the Cheyenne Ice and Events Center, Pioneer Park, Powers Field, Bison Stadium and Okie-Blanchard Stadium. The local city government operates a swimming pool, spray park, skateboard park, two golf courses, the Botanic Gardens with children's village, summer paddle boat rentals in Lions Park and a miniature golf park. The city also operates the 40-mile Greater Cheyenne Greenway system which connects parks and neighborhoods through bridges and underpasses so pedestrians and cyclists can avoid roads and waterways.
Many historical buildings and colonial houses have been beautifully preserved and serve as museums today. A journey on the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley is highly recommended. Visitors can hop on and off at various stops throughout the city to visit museums, take in some shopping, relax at a nearby coffee shop or enjoy a delicious meal in one of many fine restaurants.
Wyoming State Museum
The Wyoming State Museum was established in 1895 to collect, preserve, and interpret a diverse range of objects in many subject areas including history, art, anthropology and natural history. The museum’s permanent exhibits focus on Wyoming’s past, including human history, major industries, paleontology, wildlife and landscapes. Temporary exhibits change frequently and highlight different Wyoming artists.
Cheyenne Depot Museum
The Union Pacific Depot is the last of the grand 19th century buildings remaining on the transcontinental railroad and was donated to the city in 1993 by Union Pacific. The building has undergone extensive rehabilitation and is now home to the Cheyenne Depot Museum and brewpub/restaurant.
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
The Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum supports the legacy of Cheyenne Frontier Days. It preserves and interprets the art and material culture of the American West, and offers educational, cultural and children’s programs year-round.
Cheyenne Frontier Days
Cheyenne Frontier Days is one of the largest and most authentic rodeo events in the world. It draws professionals from around the world who compete for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. In addition to the daily rodeo action, there are behind-the-chutes tours, trick riding and a wild-horse race. A Native American Village, an old frontier town, a saloon, dancing, a chuck wagon cook-off, pancake breakfasts and an art show carry through the frontier theme. Rounding out the program are a carnival midway, air show, professional bull riding shows and several parades that include antique carriages and automobiles.
Historic Governors' Mansion
Built in 1904, this grand Colonial Revival-style mansion was home to 19 of Wyoming's First Families, including the first female governor in the US. Visitors to the mansion can participate in self-guided tours.