By Land and SeaWhen you think of Wyoming, tropical plants might not be your first thought. Yet, nestled in the capitol city of Cheyenne is a fun spot where exotic greenery thrives—the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. This oasis is a must-see for travelers and plant enthusiasts alike, offering a unique blend of tropical beauty and high plains horticulture.
Wyoming is filled with sagebrush, mountains and cowboys. Not tropical plants like banana and papaya trees. Believe it or not, there is an opportunity to see this type of plant, as well as many other wonderful features, right in Wyoming! Better yet a visit to the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is free!
Getting There
Cheyenne is located in the southwest corner of Wyoming. While in the total opposite corner of super-popular tourist spots like Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks, there are still plenty of reasons you might be in the area.
Cheyenne is merely 100 miles north of Denver. It is also a crossroads city by major interstates I-25 and I-80. There are plenty of reasons you might be in the area, and we found the Cheyenne Botanical Garden to be a nice stop from the ordinary.
The Cheyenne Botanic Garden is located in Lions Park, which is right in the heart of Cheyenne. This area is most well-known for the nearby grandstands that host “The Daddy of Them All” – a.k.a. Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo.
If you’re like us and rodeo isn’t your thing, there’s still lots to do in this vicinity. The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is one thing you won’t want to miss whether you’re visiting the city or just passing through.
A Tropical Escape in Wyoming
At the center of the experience is the Shane Smith Grand Conservatory, a stunning structure housing a variety of tropical plants, including an impressive 34-foot palm tree. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world as you wander through the lush greenery and breathe in the fragrant air of the orchid collection.
The Conservatory is perfect for relaxing while enjoying the surrounding beauty. The peaceful ambiance is enhanced by the sounds of flowing water from the water garden, with its tranquil pools, fountains, and water features.
The koi fish and turtles, Yertle and Squirtle, are also fun to watch as they enjoy their habitats.
Diverse Gardens and Landscapes
Beyond its tropical heart, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens feature a range of landscapes that highlight both local and exotic flora. Explore the Kabeiseman Succulent and Cactus Conservatory, a perfect spot for those who appreciate desert plants and xeriscaping.
The exterior grounds consist of many fun gardens and plazas which allow plenty of opportunity to explore and enjoy the outdoors. The adjacent children’s village area is also a beautiful spot filled with beautiful flowers, wading pools, and lots of great biodiversity.
More Than Just a Garden
The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is also a symbol of innovation and sustainability. The gardens are renowned for their use of renewable energy and commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Over the years, they’ve been recognized with awards from U.S. presidents for their unique volunteer programs and dedication to sustainability. They grow everything in their onsite greenhouse.
The space is also filled with incredible art by Wyoming artists, sculptures, water features, and even a labyrinth! This is also one of the spots in town to see one of Cheyenne’s Big Boots!
Whether you’re exploring the tropical conservatory, walking through the peaceful gardens, or learning about the gardens’ eco-friendly efforts, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens offer something for every traveler looking to connect with nature.
Plan Your Visit
With free admission and year-round access, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is a destination not to miss while in Wyoming. Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by greenery or dive into the world of tropical plants, this is a must-see stop on any trip through Cheyenne.
Hours: The gardens are open daily from dawn to dusk, with specific hours for the Conservatory.
Admission is free and the grounds are pet friendly too!
Get your Cheyenne Hotel recommendations here!
Make the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens part of your next adventure and discover a tropical paradise in the heart of Wyoming!
Want to explore more botanic gardens? Check this post to learn more about the Desert Botanical Garden outside of Phoenix, AZ!
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Thanks for visiting By Land and Sea!
Cheyenne’s botanic garden is such a hidden gem. It was a great stop on a solo road trip in May from Chicago to Denver, and the outdoor flowers were in full bloom.
This looks so great. We love visiting botanical gardens while traveling. Thanks for adding one to our list.
We’ve stopped at Cheyenne Botanic Gardens on a road trip from Chicago to Denver. It’s so convenient to the highway and free. It was great to spend an hour or so wandering the gardens indoors and out.
I love botanic gardens and want to visit them wherever I go. I’ll be sure to see this one if I visit the area. It looks fabulous, especially with all the incredible artwork. The bear sculpture is so endearing!