The
name of the state capital recognizes the Cheyenne
Indians, who inhabited southeastern Wyoming before
settlement by the white man in the mid-1800s. It was
founded in 1867 when the Union Pacific laid its tracks in
the area. This was the quintessential "Wild West" town,
its residents a mixture of settlers, soldiers, railroad
builders, outlaws and lawmen. Cowboy history is at its
best here and the city was an early home to cattle
barons.
The
State Capitol has a golden dome which can be seen for
many miles across the plains. It resembles the national
capitol in Washington, with high columns and a large
rotunda. Weekday tours are available from the rotunda
which features the stuffed icons of the state: bison and
elk.
What
to See and Do
The
Governor's Mansion, used as a home from 1905 to
1976, is now a historic museum which is open year-round.
The State Museum is close to the capitol building
and offers a bewildering collection of western artifacts
from the cowboy, trapping and pioneer eras. There is an
excellent Native collection which includes costumes and
archeological items. The museum is located in the Barret
Building on Central Avenue. It is open daily, except for
state holidays.
Other
museums in Cheyenne include the Frontier Days
Museum which features rodeo artifacts, including a
large collection of horse-drawn vehicles, more Indian
garments and a saloon re-creation. Philatelists enjoy the
National First Day Cover Museum which not only
contains an authentic 1900 general store but houses the
finest collection of first edition stamp covers in the
country.
Holliday
Park in downtown Cheyenne houses "Big Boy", the
world's largest steam locomotive (Old Number 4004) which
served the Union Pacific until 1956 and was moved to the
park for rail buffs to pore over. The Wyoming Game and
Fish Department operates a visitor center beside
Interstate 25 at Central Avenue. Besides obtaining
information on wildlife and wetlands viewing, you can see
displays of many of the state's 600 wildlife
species.
If
you're traveling between Cheyenne and Laramie, the most
scenic way to go is to take the Happy Jack Road
which leads for 38 miles through the Medicine Bow
National Forest. You'll see high rock towers, eroded into
fascinating shapes. It joins Interstate 80 at the road's
summit (8,400 feet) and from there it's only 12 miles to
Laramie. To start along this route, take 19th Street in
Cheyenne. Curt Gowdy State Park is named after the
sportscaster -- one of the state's favorite sons. It's on
Happy Jack Road and is a great place for fishing and
other water sports. There are mountain trails for summer
hiking and nordic skiing after the snow falls.
Summertime
brings the Friday Night Rodeo series, in Pine
Bluffs, 40 miles east of Cheyenne via Interstate 80. Each
Friday performance starts at 7:00 p.m. and admission is
$5 for adults and $2 for children. Pine Bluffs is just
west of the state line.
The
rodeo has a family oriented, small town atmosphere, and
is an economical way for tourists to see an authentic
rodeo. Events featured are: Pee Wee Barrel Racing (10 and
under), Steer Riding, Novice Bull Riding, Open Bull
Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, Barrel
Racing and Team Roping.
The
Summer Rodeo Series run from June 5th to August 14th
(except July 31st).
Where
to Eat
Poor
Richards, at 2333 East Lincolnway, offers an
early-American ambience and all the standard American
dishes (steaks, prime rib, seafood), with a Saturday
brunch menu.
The
Whipple House (300 E. 17th St.) is a dining room
in a traditional setting, an older building, with outdoor
dining in the summer. This restaurant specializes in
Continental cuisine.
