WSM may look small upon entry, but then exhibitions provide layers of artifacts from geological history, the age of dinosaurs, western expansion, indigenous tribal garments and customs AND wildlife. So come in and spend an hour or two. Enjoy the dad joke the fine gentleman greeting you provides. God bless the 307! read more

I am not a history, buff, or one to walk around museums for a lengthy timeframe. We went to Cheyenne frontier days, we've never been. And I was actually really impressed with the entire experience. The museum was calm. Had a lot of history in it that you could stand and read and not feel like you were shuffled through like cattle. All of the rodeo history. It was just breathtaking. read more

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I like collecting magnets and stuff when I'm out of town. Was struggling to find one in Wyoming until I found this place. Also looks very cool from a history standpoint. Just didn't have time to check it out. Looks awesome though read more

Now this museum is definitely worth checking out! I have to admit, I think my favorite part of this museum was the kids area. Two floors of SO much different information. From hunting, to pioneering, to state forests, to some dinosaurs and more! This museum got a little bit of everything! I don't want to post too much because I don't want to spoil the magic that this museum has to offer. You'll just have to see for yourself! read more

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FREE museum located in Cheyenne, Wyoming. We The Wyoming State Museum is a state government agency established in 1895 . The museum features a vast collection of objects from past to present, including art, history and anthropology. It took us about 2 hours to tour the museum. There are a variety of different types of exhibits located on two stories of the building. The staff were very kind, and thanked us for coming. Photos are allowed amd I have attached quite a few. Parking is free. This is a must while visiting Cheyenne! read more

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My fiancé was so excited to visit this museum from the moment we first stepped foot into Wyoming soil. I didn't expect the museum to be free, and I didn't expect it to be so huge! It definitely kept us entertained for a good couple of hours. Lovely place to learn about all there is to know about Wyoming! Also, the lady at the front desk was so excited about the museum for us, it was infectious! :) read more

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Nice medium sized museum going through the history of Wyoming and local wildlife. You'll read about the mountain men, hunters, explorers, local celebrities, politicians, real estate developers and native Americans...all of which seems a little "white washed" as the winners write the history, not the losers. Some cool artifacts are displayed throughout, lots of photo ops, but I do feel a bit sad for all the local animals hunted. Best part...the museum is free to visit! read more

This Museum was an unexpected pleasure. Just chock full of history, both of humans all the way back to the dinosaurs. Very informative about Wyoming wildlife. Indigenous art and dance, also. A must-see attraction and its FREE! read more

Decided to stop in while driving through Cheyenne. Interesting place and free! Can't beat that. The gift shop had items made by locals. Staff in the gift shop was super friendly as well. read more

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Free museums are the best kind! I learned that there's more to Wyoming than dinosaurs, although primarily dinos are all I'm interested in. Displays include the broadest range of Wyoming history, from T Rex to Matthew Shepherd, always interesting. During non pandemics, the museum also provides a lot of hands on, ease touch type exhibits, adding to the appeal of this history packed little gem! I had no idea green jade was found anywhere besides China, I cant wait to hit the gift shop! The dinosaur exhibit is large and pretty complete, amazing considering the cost of entry was $0. A great feature is that WSM will tell you where to go for more resources, like exactly where bones are found, or other museums in the area to continue your research. A really helpful addition, since this is a pretty small museum. read more

Wyoming State Museum - Museums Near Me - Cheyenne, Wyoming

One of the sightseeing stops here in WY was the complimentary Wyoming state museum here in Cheyenne. It was on TripAdvisor's top things to do in the city. As soon as I got into Cheyenne from Denver via I-25 north, I decided to come here on a brisk Tuesday morning. I arrived at the museum around mid day. It felt like a library more than a museum, but thats probably me. The ambiance was very legit and quiet, almost certainly like a library setting. It was a casual scene and the museum vibe was in full force. This museum primarily focuses on the history of the state of Wyoming and the cultural historical significance of native Americans that played a role in shaping how we see things today. The museum is split on two levels, the more exciting stuff is on the 2nd floor, but all of the museum's exhibits and artifacts provide a glimpse back into the past of a state that was just a part of the Louisiana purchase back in the 1800's. This museum will give the visitor an idea what it was like back then and the dinosaurs were cool too. The overall experience here at the Wyoming state museum was pretty cool, positive, mind expanding, and very much educational. This visit made me smile and helped me appreciate the area much more. Often enough, the stuff you learned in school pretty much manifests itself here with actual artifacts and exhibits to remind yourself how challenging life was like back then. Without cars, internet, airplanes, and mobile phones, yes, definitely more challenging and harsh. I actually enjoyed the Native American exhibit on the 2nd floor and the few dinosaur exhibits that was scattered throughout the museum, especially the mock/fossilized dinosaur dung. Thought that was pretty funny and you get to touch it. A few exhibits allow you to touch, but be mindful that most of them aren't. The Wyoming state museum is located at 777 Central Avenue in the heart of Cheyenne. Since there is no admission fee accessed, you are only required to sign a guestbook that tells the museum who you are and where you are from. I thought that was a fair trade, given that we were in southeast Wyoming! As we are in downtown Cheyenne, parking options are somewhat limited to only street parking. Since I was there middle of the day on a weekday, I got lucky with the street parking and found a spot where I didn't have to feed the meter. Yay me. For the most part though, you might need to come during the slow periods during the weekday to secure a good spot without having to walk too far to get to the museum. Then again, you're in Cheyenne, WY. ;) Such a treat to come and be enlightened here in WY. Helps me remember the past while keeping the future in our sights. 5.0 stars for the overall experience. Support local! A+ read more

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I like free museums and the Wyoming State Museum is definitely free. I like that. Neatly organized to tell the story of Wyoming and how it began, the Native Americans here, the settlers, the Wyoming Territory and becoming the 44th State to join the Union. Quite a lot of artifacts on display. I particularly liked the restored Yellowstone Touring Wagon, which was used to move tourists through the park between 1893 and 1916. Not a very comfortable ride, no doubt. Many pistols and rifles behind glass. And I relearned/learned a few things, including Wyoming being one of the few places to find jade. Also, the Lincoln Highway passes through Cheyenne. I was on parts of it in Pennsylvania! Of course, Devils Tower is in Wyoming (300 miles from Cheyenne) and some good history on the discovery of it, the agreements with the local Native Americans and the attempts to unwind its geologic source. Definitely a good visit. Free street parking, too! read more

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Sweet Museum. Great way to start our trip We just returned from an awesome family vacation in and around Wyoming. We started with an overnight in Cheyenne. We did look around a bit before bed, and also saved a couple hours for exploring before we left. I wanted to check out the state Capitol, and we saw it, but with the $300M in renovations underway, you cannot get in. We did see the Supreme Court, and then, as we walked, we saw the Wyoming State Museum, so we went in. We learned a lot about the state, including: - More on its being the first place in the world where women earned the right to vote - awesome! - How they built the Capitol - Insights into Native Americans and some awesome, modern, Native American art - Introductions to the state's awesome National Parks - What it was like to be a pioneer - The state's dinosaurs - A stuffed bison at the entrance - An awesome cowboy / cowgirl boot outside the front door The docent and gift shop lady were both friendly and helpful. We picked up some postcards, and a compass and magnifying lens for our daughter and some kitchen spices for our son - he used them to help make dinner on the trip, and they made for awesome dinners! We definitely recommend a visit! Wyoming - like no place on earth! Thank you, museum staff, for a welcomed visit! read more

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We thought we would stop in again to see the traveling trout high school art show. The trout are fantastic and quite impressive. Too bad people kept touching the exhibits though - do not touch the art!! I was a little surprised to see a new case showcasing donations from around Wyoming that had poor grammar. Several of the descriptions were run on sentences, poor punctuation and art teacher was spelled with a capital "A." I would expect museums to be on their game with this sort of thing. read more

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Nice local resource! Fun activities for families and kids especially on snowy days! Interactive displays and knowledgeable staff!

The Wyoming State Museum is an interesting place to visit, I was there when they were showcasing their collection of photographs and other memorabilia throughout the states first 125 years of being a state. Its a great place to stop in and look at all the things that Wyoming is known for, plus learn a thing or two about its history, its people, its land and its landmark sights and attractions. The best part is you get all this for free, just sign the guest book and you're free to roam around this two level building all day long. read more

Wyoming State Museum - Boot - Museums Near Me - Cheyenne, Wyoming

Great museum, everyone who is traveling should stop here. Amazing free attraction in downtown of Cheyenne. I never realized there are so many kinds of mammals, birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians living there. What an alive ecosystem it is! I also very much enjoyed learning about the human history of the region. I highly recommended this place for a visit. read more

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Since I last came here (on a field trip in -- fourth grade?) so much has changed. Or perhaps what I value in a museum has changed. Whether you're in town for a visit or are a Cheyenne resident, I recommend you visit this place for two reasons: 1. Unlike the Old West Museum and just about every other museum I've ever been to, the Wyoming State Museum is absolutely free. Who doesn't love free? 2. It's a good survey of the historical and social trends that have shaped (and continue to shape) life for people and wildlife in Wyoming. To an extent the exhibits seem shallow (for example, the millennia in which Wyoming was swamp-land inhabited by dinosaurs is condensed to a small "gallery" with a handful of fossils), but even so you'll learn plenty and probably won't suffer so-called "museum exhaustion". If you find you're particularly interested in one of the topics addressed, you'll surely find resources about it in the book- and giftshop at the entrance. (By the way, if you're in the market for Wyoming postcards, you probably won't find a broader or less expensive selection than that available here -- only 25 cents apiece!) One of my favorite displays is the last one -- a collection of recent donations, including a license plate personalized with the owner's HAM radio handle, a metal leg worn by a Wyoming-born solider whose own leg had been amputated in WW2, and (of all things) a "Bratz" doll. The Wyoming State Museum offers a splendid overview of what's happened in the state's past but here we see what happens in the present, too. After I visited the museum I cast a scrutinizing eye on the contents of my parents' house -- What seemingly mundane items on their shelves, in their closets and pantries could conceivably wind up under plastic at a state museum? That we all contribute to what will someday become "history" is obvious, I suppose, but I've never felt it as keenly as I did here. Highly recommended. read more

I've been here many times over tbe years. This visit was extra special due to the 125th anniversary display of Wyoming being a state. Great place for all ages to come exore and learn more about the state of Wyoming. I always seem to learn something new every time i visit. Which keeps me coming back to see new exibits.Bonus its free to visit the museum. read more

Wyoming State Museum - Museums Near Me - Cheyenne, Wyoming

This museum has lots of Wyoming history that you can pour through. Seems like I spent a lot of time here when I was young. Either on a school trip or with my family. Lots of replicated scenes as to how people lived back in the 'old west'. Personally when you are raised around that all of the time and live with people who are trying to mimic the lifestyle it get a bit dull. However this museum is just that a museum and embraces history as to tourism and explains the hardships of how life was back then. Now it seems like people only look for the bells and whistles so they can relive the 'wild west'. The state capitol is right nearby. Personally I like the capitol just a bit better. I would write a review about the capitol too but there doesn't seem to be an entry for it. When I started adding entries I will add one for the capitol too! read more

Very comfortable environment. A lot of artifacts to read up on. 2 story building and very inviting.

Neat, no-so-little free museum that we visited when traveling through Cheyenne. I'd recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about the history of Wyoming and bonus: it's nice and cool inside if you're looking to escape the heat! :) read more

I find it hard to believe this museum represents an entire state. I was expecting large displays packed with info about the tribes of native Americans in the region. There was a room being redone. Was that it? One lone case had articles of clothing from native peoples but each piece said tribe unknown. Seemed like Wyoming state views those people as a footnote to the white settlers history. Sad. read more

Wyoming State Museum - Me being disappointed to see a huge portion of the museum was being redone. - Museums Near Me - Cheyenne, Wyoming

My boyfriend and I were on vacation in Colorado from Las Vegas and decided to take a day trip to Wyoming. We came into Cheyenne to see the capital building however it was under construction, so we decided to go step inside the state museum. Mike immediately greeted us and was very informative, friendly help. We loved learning the what all Wyoming has to offer. We had no idea all of the rich history Wyoming has had through its time as a US state. There was so much to learn and see. The set up of the whole museum is very easy to follow and it was far from underwhelming nor overwhelming. We both want to thank Mike for his hospitality and helpful tips about Cheyenne and the rest of southern Wyoming. He is a kind man who clearly loves his job and helping others. read more

I am so glad we stopped here on a whim when passing through Cheyenne. The museum is free and have a lot of interactive exhibits for children. The museum is well done. We learned a lot about the history of Wyoming. read more

Neat museum with a lot of cool displays. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Great way to spend an hour or so. Came here as a tourist to Wyoming and am so glad I did! read more

It has something for everyone. Interactive areas for the kids, history, dinosaurs, and so much more. It is not so big that it takes a long time to see everything. It's definitely doable in 2-3 hours if you don't have much time. read more

The Wyoming State Museum is truly a local treasure. It is free, first of all, but also really well constructed and maintained. This museum details the history of Wyoming over the course of hundreds of millions of years. It's definitely a great museum for kids, but also a great museum for adults. I learned a good number of things (the mark of a great museum, right?) as I strolled through the exhibits. The (volunteer) staff that I encountered were incredibly friendly, helpful, and kind. read more

I've never lived in Wyoming, but while on holiday we spent a day in Cheyenne. The museum has some interesting items on display that I've never seen anywhere. It is well worth a visit if you're in town. Heck just to able to park on the street for free was a bonus. We really enjoyed our visit. Local folks are lucky to have this & should be very proud. read more

Wow. .. such a great time. Free admission to a lovely museum . Great things to see and friendly staff. A must see .

A wonderful place to stop and learn a bit of local history!

Highly, highly recommended. We were there in February, 2010, and arrived late enough in the afternoon to get kicked out by closing time but could have spent several hours - and it's free! Good mix of geography, natural history, and cultural exhibits. The special exhibit, which was on the history of baseball in Wyoming, was great (of course, I'm partial to that sort of thing). Plenty of life-size dioramas, domestic scenes that were clearly constructed with care, and things to touch. Typically friendly old-lady volunteers at the entrance, and a well-stocked gift shop where we picked up a map and a book on Yellowstone. Just a short walk from the Capitol - see 'em both! read more

I am glad we visited the Wyoming State Museum during our short time in Cheyenne recently. It was enjoyable and informative. My children, ages 7, 9, and 11, found it enjoyable also, although they would have liked a greater proportion of interactive exhibits. The displays covered quite a range of topics-- including local animals, dinosaur bones, mining, Native American culture, the USS Wyoming, and more. There is a nice room geared toward younger children with dress up clothes from different time periods in Wyoming history, toy dishes, a saddle to sit on, and such. Unfortunately, the gift shop was closed already when we arrived late on a Saturday afternoon. All in all, it's a great place to check out and a delightful way to learn more about Wyoming's history. read more

Beth in the gift shop is awesome! We bought a one of a kind horse as a surprise for my mother's birthday. Great price and great packaging!

This is a small but interesting museum. There are dinosaur fossils, native American relics and so much more about the history of the state. There is also a very nice gift shop where you can get a Wyoming souvenir. read more

Great place to learn about the history of Wyoming. Very neat and orderly museum. Not crowded at all. Free with great guiding materials at the front desk. Watch out for the very deep dip as you enter/exit the side parking lot. It scraped my car! Located right across from the capitol building and hospital. read more