Cheyenne
Cheyenne, WY
Cheyenne Ghost Tour
From $25 / person
8:00PM
Cheyenne, WY
Cheyenne Ghost Tour
From $25 / person
8:00PM
Cheyenne
Cheyenne by Junket
Did you know Cheyenne became home to the first “yellow pages” telephone book when the company ran out of white paper? Or that the city made it illegal to wear hats that might obstruct other people's views in theatres and amusement parks?
From its humble beginnings as a frontier outpost to its current role as the capital of Wyoming, the bustling city of Cheyenne emerges as a beacon of fortitude from the sweeping plains of the American West. With its rich military heritage, vibrant rodeo culture, and stunning natural beauty, Cheyenne is a city steeped in tradition and adventure. Here, the echoes of history resonate through the towering buildings and wide-open spaces, telling the story of a town where cowboys still roam, legends are made, and the pioneering spirit of the Wild West lives on.
Cheyenne History and Heritage
Cheyenne is a city brimming with unique and exciting attractions that celebrate the city's Western heritage and natural surroundings. History lovers should explore the Wyoming State Capitol building, a stunning architectural landmark showcasing the state's development and culture. For those interested in the history of rail travel, a visit to the Cheyenne Depot Museum is a must-see. Visitors can take a tour of a steam locomotive and dining car, as well as rare exhibits that highlight the legacy of the railroad in the West.
To fully appreciate Cheyenne’s legacy of cowboy culture, saddle up and head out to the Terry Bison Ranch, a working bison ranch where visitors can get up close and personal with these majestic creatures, take a train ride through the ranch, and enjoy a variety of Western-themed activities. For those seeking an even more exhilarating experience, Cheyenne Frontier Days is the world's largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration, where history comes alive with reenactments of colonial-era living. The event features rodeo competitions, concerts, parades, and a carnival, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Wyoming plains.
Ghosts of the Magic City
As the day comes to a close in Cheyenne, the skyline illuminates against the backdrop of the colorful evening sky, giving the city a magical glow. The downtown avenues resonate with live music, while the mouth-watering aroma of the legendary steak dishes Cheyenne is known for fills the air.
Eerie tales and restless spirits come to life with the onset of the night during the captivating Cheyenne Ghost Tour. Explore the darkest corners of the city where haunted buildings and otherworldly beings reveal their long-held secrets and invite you to:
- Discover the ghostly woman of the Tivoli Building
- Unearth the unexplainable activity at Ernie November
- Reveal the shadowy figures of the Cheyenne Depot Museum
- Uncover the phantom voices of the Historic Atlas Theatre
- And so much more…
There’s a Junket for everyone – Pick yours.
Cheyenne Today
The Past Is Present in Cheyenne
Today, Cheyenne still celebrates its frontier heritage. Its museums and historic sites offer visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the fascinating history of this incredible city, while its festivals and events continue to honor the spirit of the American West.
Soak up the history and culture of this iconic state at the Wyoming State Museum, home to a wide range of exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Wyoming's past and present, its Native American history, and the role of the cowboy in Wyoming’s culture.
“Here in Cheyenne, the spirit of the West has not been conquered by the rigors of life, but has rather been nurtured and strengthened by them.”
– President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Wild, Wild West
An immersive cowboy experience, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum is part of the larger Cheyenne Frontier Days complex and is dedicated to preserving the culture and heritage of the Old West. With an impressive collection of artifacts and memorabilia, the museum exhibits provide a comprehensive look at cowboy and cowgirl culture, rodeo history, and the role of the railroad in the settlement of the West.
One of the museum's most popular exhibits is Frontier Town, a recreated Old West town that features a saloon, a general store, and other buildings from the era. Visitors can step back in time and experience what life was like in the Old West, complete with period-accurate costumes and interactive exhibits.
Cheyenne Frontier Days, held annually in late July, is a spectacle unlike any other, a celebration of the city's Western heritage that draws visitors from across the globe. The world's largest outdoor rodeo takes center stage, with cowboys and cowgirls competing in events that showcase their skills and courage. The thundering hooves of galloping horses, the crack of whips, and the cheers of the crowd fill the air as spectators revel in the excitement of the rodeo.
As the sun sets over the plains, the sky comes alive with a stunning firework display that illuminates the night sky, a fitting finale to an event that celebrates the rugged spirit of the American West.
Get to Know Cheyenne
Apart from the Junket Cheyenne Experience, the city presents a diverse array of entertainment options such as captivating museums, outdoor activities, art galleries, and historic architecture. Among the most renowned attractions in Cheyenne are:
- Cheyenne Botanic Gardens: Relax in a sanctuary of gorgeous greenery at this collection of botanical gardens spanning nine acres.
- Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum: Celebrate the rich legacy of cowboy culture at this exciting living history museum.
- Cheyenne Depot Museum: Experience an intriguing collection of exhibits spanning the heritage of the railroad in America at his historic landmark.
- Terry Bison Ranch Resort: Enjoy a unique insight into the ranching lifestyle of years gone by at this historic ranch.
- Wyoming Historic Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site: Step back in time at this stately Colonial Revival mansion, with each room reflecting a particular historic period.
Cheyenne History
Magic City of the Plains
In the vast expanse of the American West lies a city with a history as dramatic and captivating as the landscape that surrounds it. The land that is now Cheyenne was once inhabited by the Cheyenne Native American tribe, who lived as nomadic hunters on the Plains.
In 1867, the Union Pacific Railroad established by General Grenville Dodge reached the area, and a tent city was established to serve as a construction camp. The city was named after the Cheyenne tribe and quickly grew into a major center for the railroad industry. In just a few short years, Cheyenne had become a bustling city with a population of over 4,000 people. It was known as “The Magic City of the Plains” due to its massive growth in a short period.
“Cheyenne is situated amid a barren plain, surrounded by high mountains and watered by the swift, clear waters of the Cheyenne Creek. It is a wild, rough place, full of the spirit of the West, and has all the charm of a frontier town.” – General Grenville Dodge (1867)
From Cattle to Capital
During the late 1800s, Cheyenne was also a major center for the cattle industry. Cowboys from across the West would drive their herds to Cheyenne, where they could be loaded onto trains and shipped to markets across the country. This led to the development of the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days, a celebration of the city's cowboy heritage that continues to this day.
Cheyenne also played a significant part in the development and defense of the American West. It served as a hub for the military, with Fort D.A. Russell being established nearby in 1867. The fort played a crucial role in the Indian Wars of the late 1800s, and it was also used as a training center during World War I and World War II.
In 1890, the state capital was moved to Cheyenne from the nearby city of Laramie, further solidifying the city's position as an important political and economic center in the region.
After the turn of the 20th century, Cheyenne continued to thrive as an major Western hub for manufacturing and trade. The city's population continued to grow, and new industries emerged, including oil and gas production.
Cheyenne Takes Flight
As technology advanced, transportation maintained an important role in Cheyenne’s growth and development. In the 1930s, the city became a major hub for transcontinental aviation, with United Airlines scheduling a dozen arrivals and departures daily. This allowed for increased mobility and commerce throughout the region.
With flying restricted on the West Coast due to World War II, United Airlines relocated its pilot training school to the city, which also served as a factory for modifying military bombers. After the war, the city experienced a population and economic boom as soldiers returned home and new industries emerged, further solidifying Cheyenne's position as an important center for the American West.
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