What to Know Before You Visit Cheyenne, WY

Updated April 12, 2022.

“Maybe I can still make Cheyenne…” I loved that George Strait song when I was about 10 years old, but I didn’t really know what it meant! In fact, it’s been stuck in my head since I visited the Cheyenne Frontier Days Museum. Yikes! If you find yourself making your way to Cheyenne, there are a few things to know before you go. Lucky for you, I’ve made a list!

 There Will Be a Guest Book.
You Will Be Asked to Sign It.

Every museum, several restaurants, and of course accommodations all had a guest bookf or us to sign! It was the funniest thing because it’s just so sweet and charming! You don’t need to bring your own pen, but you should definitely be prepared to sign your name and where you’re from almost every time you walk through a door!

The Plains Hotel has quite possibly the largest guest book known to man, complete with feather signing pen!
More here: 10 Things to Do in Cheyenne

Bring a Jacket… and Maybe a Sundress!

Cheyenne can have some serious temperature swings, and of course everything also depends on wind, clouds, sun, and time of day! I was definitely glad to have a jacket and cowgirl boots, but also a sundress or two for those summery moments! Even in the winter the locals say they can have several feet of snow or 60 degrees and sunshine. Come prepared any time of year!

Good thing cowgirl boots go with a sundress!
Need help packing?
Check out What Every Woman Should Pack for Every Trip!

There are Military Discounts

Cheyenne is home to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, and as such, a large portion of the town is in the military or was at one point or another! Many businesses offer a military discount ranging from a dollar or two off admission to 10 or 15% off your entire purchase! If you’re like my friend Amanda (a military bride), ask for your discount at restaurants, museums, accommodations, gift shops, and more! If you’re like me (just a regular person), be sure to thank the soldiers you see walking around for their service!

My friends Alyssa, Lt. Colonel Brock Barker, Amanda, and Xander! Thank you for your service!
Don’t forget to ask about it at restaurants, too!
Where to Eat in Cheyenne

There is Stunning Architecture
All Around You

When I think of the “Old West,” dilapidated wooden structures come to mind. But Cheyenne prospered far beyond just a Wild Western town, and their architecture is here to stay! The buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries have been cared for and restored well over the years, and those beautful details from true craftsmanship still shine brightly around town. From theatres to shops to homes, you’ll definitely want to stop and take notice!

The 1887 Atlas Theatre Downtown
Ceiling details in the 1904 Paramount Theatre, currently the Paramount Cafe
More here: The Most Epic Landscapes in the World

Cheyenne is Over 6,000 Feet Above Sea Level

That’s a lot of altitude! You may find yourself a bit out of breath, but thankfully it’s flat there, so you won’t be getting winded going uphill very often! And if you’re like me, you’ll get dehydrated easily at that altitude, so drink plenty of water!

Also helpful: How to Practice Self Care on Travel

Cheyenne is Home to the Largest Cinnamon Roll I’ve Ever Seen

Make your way to the Luxury Diner. It’s just outside of downtown, but it’s the #1 restaurant in Cheyenne according to Trip Advisor when last I looked. Eat a huge meal, and then order one of these cinnamon rolls to go. You’ll be eating on it for days!

The Cinnamon Roll of Dreams
More here: The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Cheyenne

There are Tons of FREE Things to Do!

It’s true! From museums to Big Boots, there’s no shortage of FREE things to do. So whether you’re traveling with a family, fancy yourself a budget traveler, or just want to save a few bucks, Cheyenne won’t break your bank.

That’s right! The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens are absolutely FREE!
Read on: FREE Things to Do in Cheyenne

There are Audio Tours Available

Along wtih free things to do, I was pleasantly shocked and surprised at how many places offered complimentary audio tours! Just dial the nunber on your phone, and you’re in! Even those Big Boots are “made for talking.”

Hear the artist of each boot talk about their work!
Read next: How to Be Your Own Travel Advocate

You Will Want to Have a Car

Unless you are staying in downtown Cheyenne, you’ll definitely need a car to get around. Lucky for me I stayed with a friend at the Air Force Base who graciously drove us around, but the closest major airport is Denver (about 1.5 hours away), so you’ll definitely need a car just to get to Cheyenne!

Prefer to go car-less? The Best Places to Travel in the USA without a Car

Heading to Frontier Days? Get Tickets and Reservations Well in Advance!

Frontier Days is Cheyenne’s major rodeo festival. Numbers differ depending on which sign you read and who you ask, but in general, Cheyenne goes from a town of 60,000 on any normal day to a town of 500,000 during Frontier Days! They have huge-name concerts and a ton of events, so get your tickets in advance, and maybe book your hotel several months in advance as well!

Can’t make it to Cheyenne Frontier Days in July? No worries! Visit the Cheyenne Frontier Days Museum!
Read on: Top 10 Things to Do in Cheyenne

You May See Antelope and Jackrabbits

Don’t worry! They’ll pretty much keep their distance, but respect them as you would deer or any other wild animal. The antelope look similar to deer, but the Jackrabbits are way bigger than a regular rabbit!

I call this work of art “Antelope at Sunrise”.
Read next: Confessions of a Solo Female Traveler

Cowboy and Cowgirl Boots are Actually Comfortable!

So, my feet are finicky, and they always have been. Shoes are simply not made for my feet, even after I had them surgically “perfected” as I like to say! But I found a pair of boots that fit like they really were made for me! Hannah was my helper at The Wrangler, and I ended up wearing them all day, two days in a row on my trip! Give them a try if you never have before. You’ll be comfortable, and you’ll fit right in!

Me new boots!
Keep reading: What Every Woman Needs to Pack for Every Trip

Feel like you’re ready for a trip to Cheyenne? Tell me below! And check out my United States Page for more!

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