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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.”
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!
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!
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!
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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