How to Tour Cheyenne, Wyoming

Cheyenne officially became a city in 1914, but the town's growth started in the mid-1800s from the presence of the Union Pacific Railroad. Named after a local Indian tribe, Cheyenne is the state's largest city with over 55,000 residents. Read on for tips on enjoying Wyoming's capital city.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Enjoy the Wyoming State Museum on Central Avenue. The museum's goal is to collect and preserve historic and cultural treasures that focus on the state of Wyoming and western areas of the country. Admission is free.

2. Learn about Wyoming's political history by visiting the State Capitol Building at 24th and Capitol Avenue. The apex of the capitol building reaches 146 feet and the dome is covered in gold. Designated a national historic landmark, the cornerstone of the building was laid in 1887.

3. Take a stroll at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, known for its use of solar power. A very large staff of the elderly and handicapped are included in the volunteer organization that assists with the lush gardens. The Botanic Gardens combines the energy of people, the sun and the spirit of Cheyenne to create one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the country.

4. Check out the Historic Governors' Mansion, renovated in 2005. The original construction was finished in 1904 and modernized with hot water, plumbing, gas and electric facilities. The design was colonial revival, and the house was considered unpretentious in a neighborhood filled with huge homes built by wealthy cattlemen in the late 1800s.

5. Track your steps to the Cheyenne Depot Museum, a monument to the railroad's contribution to the growth of Cheyenne. The museum's focus is on the very beginning of Cheyenne's history, the lives of the citizens working for the Union Pacific Railroad and the Depot itself, now a national historic landmark. Call [phone] to find out more.