Solo Day Trips: The Great Escape to Cheyenne, Wyoming

I've made it my mission to visit all 50 states in America (I'm currently sitting at 33), and Wyoming had always been one of those states I've yet to explore as of the summer of 2020. I know I want to check out the National Parks on the western side, like Yellowstone and Grand Teton, but I haven't pinned down when I'll actually go. So, when the chance came up to swing by Cheyenne during my trip to Colorado, I jumped on it. As I was planning my trip to Colorado, I figured I'd carve out a day to see if I could explore more of the area, maybe even hit up Colorado Springs. But Cheyenne was just a two-hour drive straight up Interstate 25. I kept checking my state's travel restrictions because of quarantine rules, and both Colorado and Wyoming were in the clear. Since I didn't know when I’d get to visit Wyoming again, I decided to seize the moment. But with Covid still a concern, I wondered how Wyoming was handling things. Are they more open or still cautious? Where could I go? I was eager to find out.

Walking in Cheyenne

It's kind of surprising, but Wyoming is a huge state yet has a population under 1 million. Cheyenne, which is also the capital, is the largest city there. Coming from New England, where we have tons of small towns and cities, I find that many have just a bit of downtown, maybe a mall nearby, and that's pretty much it. That's a lot like Cheyenne. Even though it's the biggest city in the state, it feels more like a small town. It’s relaxed and not too flashy—there’s really no skyline to speak of. It acts as a key stop for both passenger and freight trains, and there's a decent-sized Air Force base nearby. Still, it has its own charm and a great neighborly vibe. It's also very walk-able, which is of high value to me when I visit cities. When I visited during Covid, it didn’t seem like many restrictions were a factor. Honestly, it felt pretty much... normal. People seemed to be going about their lives like nothing was happening. It was a nice change of pace, even for a short period of time, but I couldn't help but play it safe.

Wyoming State Capitol and Museum

After walking around a few blocks in town, I made my way to the State Capitol to snap some photos. I didn’t have a lot of time to check out the interior, but I managed to capture some great shots of the grounds and the building.

The museum itself is located about a block from the Capitol, fairly close according to this trusty Google Map as noted below:

The museum features a wide range of permanent exhibits, showcasing the state's natural history with its diverse wildlife that reflects the rural essence of Wyoming. You'll also find displays dedicated to thousands of years of Native American heritage, the industries that attracted settlers to the region, and the role of the National Park Service in establishing Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. If you enjoy the acclaimed TV series "Yellowstone" and its prequel "1883", this area is a must-visit, as it provides deeper insights into Wyoming's past and the daring journeys of those who came here. Best of all, entry to the museum is completely free, making it a fantastic opportunity to explore and learn.

Black Tooth Brewing Company

After my visit to the museum and the state capitol, I was looking forward to checking out this brewery upon some high recommendations from people I spoke with in Colorado, and it didn't disappoint. As this was during Covid, i'll never forget walking into the brewery, mask in hand and putting it on as if I was walking in to every other brewery and restaurant in the country at the time, and....not seeing anyone else do the same thing. In fact, there was no signs to wear a mask, or put a mask on. It felt incredibly freeing, and weird at the same time, but a good weird! It felt good to feel normal for a change. I walked in, went to the bar, grabbed a seat and ordered a flight of beers

The selection of beers was a bit of a mixed bag; some were decent while others stood out as really enjoyable. However, my top pick was definitely the "1314 Barrel Aged English Strong Ale." It was so impressive that I decided to grab a 4-pack to take home in my checked luggage! I remember it having a robust flavor, yet it was surprisingly light and easy to drink, leaving you feeling refreshed rather than weighed down. The beer is still available, and I highly recommend it!

Wrapping Up

My day in Cheyenne was brief, but it was definitely a worthwhile experience. I see it as a little glimpse of Wyoming, and it has sparked my desire to return someday, likely to explore both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. I was charmed by the small-town vibe of the largest city in the state, enjoyed a nice walk through the Wyoming State Museum, and savored a few delicious beers at Black Tooth. It’s a laid-back spot, not flashy or widely known, but it’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you're in the Denver or Fort Collins area of Colorado. The drive itself is also a treat for the eyes with plenty of lush scenery. Finally, it was refreshing to enjoy some fresh air and a sense of freedom during the Covid pandemic in a state with fewer restrictions. I get the sense that not much has changed, and the people of that state like it that way.