Live the Legend!

Cheyenne, Wyoming — Live the Legend!
Yesterday’s colorful legends come to life in this vibrant Western city

2006, Cheyenne, Wyoming … Home of the historic Plains Hotel, Cheyenne, Wyo., offers a wealth of contrasts as history and progress stand side by side. In Cheyenne, you can enjoy the world’s largest rodeo or a magnificent symphony concert; shop in one of the region’s finest malls and breathe some of the nation’s cleanest air.

Like many early western towns, Cheyenne sprang up in the path of the transcontinental railroad as it crossed the high plains on its way west. The knee-high prairie grass was discovered to be excellent forage for cattle, and soon the booming livestock industry was attracting significant investment by eastern and foreign cattle barons, bringing wealth and elegance to Cheyenne. They built huge mansions and established fine hotels, restaurants, private clubs, theaters, and the first opera house west of the Mississippi River.

Today, Cheyenne’s historic past and dynamic future are uniquely blended in a city that is alive with activity. While Victorian mansions still dot the downtown residential district and local artisans carry on the legacy of culture and entertainment, Cheyenne continues to prosper as a center of government, transportation, retail trade, health care, service industries and light manufacturing.

Tourism also plays an important role in Cheyenne, with attractions and special events drawing visitors from near and far. The biggest event in town is Cheyenne Frontier Days, the granddaddy of all rodeos. This 10-day event, running July 21-30, 2006, includes a Western Art Show and Sale, daily rodeos, Indian dancing, parades, melodramas, carnivals, concerts and more, all served up with Cheyenne’s famous Western hospitality. Other events such as the Greek Festival, Western Art Shows, Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Independence Day, arts and crafts festivals, and concerts keep guests coming back again and again.

There’s so much to do and see in Cheyenne — truly something for everyone. From old-fashioned Western entertainment at the Terry Bison Ranch and enactments of gunfights by the Cheyenne Gunslingers, to the beautifully diverse Botanic Gardens and historic Wyoming State Capitol and Museum, there’s always something fun on the agenda. Take a tour on the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley, or spend a day shopping at the city’s many Western and specialty shops. Museums and historic sites bring the colorful legends to life, offering a taste of the rich heritage and a chance to relive the Old West spirit.

Outdoor recreation adds four-season, breathtaking activities to the mix, rounding out the area’s offerings. Cheyenne’s dry, temperate climate provides rich fall colors, snow-capped winters, vibrant summer flowers, and spring blue skies. It’s even been named one of Golf Digest’s “Top Ten Golf Towns.” Just west of town, you’ll find an outdoor enthusiast’s dream: hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, fishing, mountain climbing, waters skiing, camping and river rafting, all just a short drive away.

For vacationers searching for a legendary trip, combine the Western spirit of Cheyenne with the natural splendor of Yellowstone, the nation’s first national park. In one memorable journey, visitors can experience the awe-inspiring beauty of geothermal wonders such as Old Faithful, mudpots and Mammoth Hot Springs, plus the romantic lure of a Western city, carved by an indomitable pioneer spirit.

And if all of this isn’t enough, the Cheyenne Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is giving away a three-day, two-night vacation every month, from April to December 2006, including $250 in shopping coupons. Visit www.cheyenne.org to enter or for more information.