Skip to main content
Cheyenne Depot Museum tourist attraction in Cheyenne, WY
Photo: Rick White
View of Cheyenne Depot Museum in Cheyenne, WY
Photo: jean noel pessey
View of Cheyenne Depot Museum in Cheyenne, WY
Photo: Reme GdBlas

Cheyenne Depot Museum

4.6(1,254 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1.5-2 hours👶 Best for ages 3-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love seeing and climbing on the real trains, while elementary-aged kids enjoy learning about the historic railroad's role in building the West through engaging exhibits and artifacts.

About

All aboard at the Cheyenne Depot Museum, where train-obsessed kids can explore a beautifully restored 1887 railroad station filled with authentic locomotives, vintage railcars, and fascinating transportation artifacts. This hands-on museum brings Cheyenne's Wild West railroad history to life with interactive exhibits and real trains that kids can climb aboard, making it a must-visit for little conductors and history buffs alike.

Highlights

  • Climbing aboard authentic vintage locomotives and railcars
  • Exploring the beautifully restored 1887 Union Pacific depot building
  • Interactive exhibits about the Transcontinental Railroad and Cheyenne's railroad heritage
  • Outdoor display of massive historic trains and equipment
  • Scale model train layouts and railroad artifacts throughout the museum

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Visit on weekday mornings for the quietest experience with plenty of room for kids to explore the trains without crowds
  2. 2.Don't miss the outdoor train displays behind the depot,kids can get up close to massive locomotives and explore vintage railcars
  3. 3.Combine your visit with a walk through nearby Downtown Cheyenne, just blocks away, for lunch and additional sightseeing
  4. 4.Bring a camera for photo ops,the historic depot building and vintage trains make spectacular backdrops for family pictures
  5. 5.Check their website for special events and seasonal programs that often include hands-on activities for young railroad enthusiasts

Best Time to Visit

Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM) for the most peaceful experience with minimal crowds. Summer months offer the best weather for exploring the outdoor train exhibits, though the museum is comfortable year-round.

What to Know

Admission is affordable (typically under $10 for adults, children often free or discounted). Free street parking is available nearby, and the historic depot building is wheelchair accessible with family restrooms on-site.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round with slightly reduced hours on Sundays. Note Saturday hours end at 3:00 PM. Summer offers the best experience for outdoor train exploration, while winter visits focus more on indoor exhibits. Check for special holiday events and programs during peak tourist seasons.

Nearby Eats

The Albany Restaurant (3 blocks away) offers classic American diner fare in a family-friendly atmosphere, or try Accomplice Beer Company for casual pub food with a kids' menu, located in downtown Cheyenne just a short walk from the depot.

More Activities Near Cheyenne

Museum

Warren ICBM & Heritage Museum

4.5$

Located on Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, this fascinating military museum offers kids an up-close look at real aircraft, missile systems, and aerospace technology that shaped American defense history. With interactive displays and impressive hardware including ICBMs and military vehicles, it's an educational adventure that brings textbook history to life, especially for children interested in military history, science, and aviation.

Museum

Cheyenne Children's Museum

4.5$

The Cheyenne Children's Museum is a hands-on wonderland designed specifically for young learners, with interactive exhibits and play areas that spark curiosity and imagination. With a focus on preschool through elementary-age visitors, this museum transforms learning into an adventure with nature exhibits, creative play stations, and activities that keep little hands busy and minds engaged.

Ice Cream

Whippy Dip

$

Whippy Dip is a beloved Cheyenne ice cream parlor that delivers nostalgic charm alongside delicious soft serve and hard-packed ice cream flavors. The classic atmosphere makes it a perfect destination for cooling down after a day of exploring Wyoming's capital city, and kids love picking out their favorite flavors and toppings in this friendly, family-focused environment.

Amusement Park

Cheyenne Frontier Days

$$$

Cheyenne Frontier Days is the world's largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration, transforming Cheyenne into a thrilling Old West wonderland every July. Families can experience authentic cowboy culture through professional rodeo competitions, carnival rides, daily parades, pancake breakfasts, Native American village demonstrations, and nightly concerts, creating an unforgettable Western adventure for kids of all ages.