10 Fun Things To Do Near Ranchettes, Wyoming (Laramie County)
If you’re staying in or near
Ranchettes, Wyoming, you’re in a sweet spot. You get the quiet, open country feel, but you’re just a short drive from plenty of things to see and do around
Cheyenne and the rest of
Laramie County.
Whether you’re road-tripping through Wyoming, visiting family at nearby F.E. Warren Air Force Base, or just looking for a peaceful weekend getaway, this guide will help you make the most of your time near Ranchettes.
Below are
10 fun things to do near Ranchettes, WY—from wild mustangs and old frontier forts to local breweries and wide-open hiking trails.
1. Step Back in Time at the Wyoming State Capitol
Just a short drive south from Ranchettes, the restored
Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne is worth a stop, even if you’re not a “history person.”
You can wander the building on your own and usually join a free tour on weekdays. The bright, open rotunda, old wooden staircases, and colorful stained glass make the whole place feel like a living museum.
- Drive time from Ranchettes: About 15–20 minutes
- Best for: History buffs, families, architecture lovers
- Tip: Check hours before you go; they can vary on holidays and weekends.
If you’ve never been inside a state capitol before, this one is a great first. It’s grand, but not overwhelming, and still feels very “Wyoming”—open, friendly, and unpretentious.
2. Meet Wild Horses at the BLM Wild Horse & Burro Facility
One of the most unique things to do near Ranchettes is visiting the
BLM Wild Horse and Burro Facility, just outside Cheyenne. Here, you’ll see real
American mustangs and burros up close, many of them rounded up from public lands across the West.
You can walk around, watch the horses interact, and learn how the adoption program works.
- Drive time: Around 20–25 minutes from Ranchettes
- Best for: Animal lovers, kids, photographers
- Cost: Typically free
Standing at the fence and watching a band of mustangs run across the pen is one of those “you’re really in the West now” moments. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll remember this stop.
3. Stroll the Cheyenne Depot Plaza & Historic Downtown
Looking for a laid-back afternoon? Head to
Historic Downtown Cheyenne and the
Cheyenne Depot Plaza.
The old
Union Pacific Depot is a beautiful sandstone building that now houses a small museum and visitors center. Outside, you’ll find:
- Open plazas for stretching your legs
- Fun “big boot” art sculptures painted by local artists
- Cafés, breweries, and local shops nearby
On a sunny day, it’s easy to grab a coffee, sit on a bench, and watch trains roll by. If you like taking photos, the old depot mixed with modern murals and public art makes a great backdrop.
4. Tour the Wyoming State Museum
If you want to understand Wyoming beyond the postcards—dinosaurs, Native culture, pioneer life, and ranching—the
Wyoming State Museum is where to go.
This free museum near downtown Cheyenne is surprisingly rich for its size. Exhibits cover:
It’s one of the best things to do near Ranchettes on a windy or snowy day. You can browse at your own pace and easily spend an hour or two here without feeling rushed.
5. Experience the Old West at Terry Bison Ranch
If you drive just south of Cheyenne, you’ll find
Terry Bison Ranch, a working ranch turned family attraction. It’s especially fun if you’ve never been this close to a bison herd before.
Here you can:
- Ride a little train right out into the bison pasture
- Feed bison (safely) and other animals from the train
- Go horseback riding or take pony rides
- Grab a bite at the on-site restaurant
Kids usually love the bison train—it feels half like a zoo, half like a safari, but on a real Wyoming ranch.
Tip: The wind on the open plains can be strong, even in summer. Bring a light jacket or hoodie, just in case.
6. Explore Frontier Life at the Wyoming Territorial Prison (Day Trip)
If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, head west on I-80 to
Laramie, Wyoming (about 45–60 minutes from Ranchettes) and visit the
Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site.
This old prison once held the outlaw
Butch Cassidy. Today it’s a museum and historic complex where you can:
- Walk through original cell blocks
- See old photos and prisoner stories
- Explore surrounding historic buildings and grounds
It’s one of those places where you can actually feel the history as you walk the halls. If you enjoy old Western movies or true-crime stories, you’ll probably find this stop fascinating.
7. Get Outside: Curt Gowdy State Park
Looking for hiking, biking, or fishing near Ranchettes? Put
Curt Gowdy State Park on your list.
This park sits between Cheyenne and Laramie and offers:
- Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails
- Several lakes for fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding
- Picnic areas with big views of Wyoming hills and rock formations
It’s an easy day trip from Ranchettes, and you can make it as relaxed or as active as you want. Pack a picnic, a cooler with drinks, and you’re set.
Tip: At around 7,000 feet of elevation, the sun is strong. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, even on cooler days.
8. Sip Local Flavor at Cheyenne’s Breweries & Coffee Shops
After a dusty day of exploring, sometimes the best thing to do near Ranchettes is just…sit and relax.
Cheyenne has a growing scene of local
breweries and
coffee shops where you can unwind:
- Try a flight of craft beers at a downtown brewery
- Warm up with a latte or cold brew at a local café
- Grab a table outside on a nice day and people-watch
If you’re road-tripping, these spots are also great places to ask locals for ideas on hikes, scenic drives, or lesser-known attractions near Ranchettes and around Laramie County.
Reminder: If you’re enjoying the breweries, make sure someone in your group is the designated driver, especially with those wide-open Wyoming highways.
9. Discover Military History at F.E. Warren Air Force Base (and Museums)
Right next to Cheyenne sits
F.E. Warren Air Force Base, one of the oldest continuously active military posts in the U.S.
Depending on current security rules and your status, base access can vary, but the area around it and related museums are rich in history:
- Old brick officer homes and historic district (visible from public roads)
- Missile and Air Force history displays at local museums
- Occasional public events and tours (check ahead online)
If you’re interested in how the modern military blends with old frontier forts, this is an interesting part of the Cheyenne–Ranchettes story.
10. Time Your Visit with Cheyenne Frontier Days
If you’re anywhere near Ranchettes in late July, you’ve probably heard about
Cheyenne Frontier Days—often called the “World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration.”
This huge event turns the whole area into a Western festival:
- Professional rodeos and bull riding
- Parades with horses, bands, and floats
- Concerts featuring big-name country and rock artists
- Carnival rides, food vendors, and Western wear shops
You’ll need to plan early—hotel prices and crowds jump during this week—but if you want the full Wyoming cowboy experience, this is it.
Many people staying in or near Ranchettes use it as a quiet “home base” and then head into Cheyenne each day for Frontier Days events.
Bonus: Enjoy the Peace & Sky Right in Ranchettes
One of the best
simple things to do in
Ranchettes, Wyoming doesn’t cost a thing: just step outside.
Because Ranchettes is more rural and spread out, you often get:
- Big, wide-open sunsets that light up the whole sky
- Clear, starry nights far from city lights
- Quiet mornings with nothing but wind and birds
If you’re coming from a big city, this calm can feel almost like a vacation all by itself. Bring a camp chair, a blanket, maybe a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate, and just enjoy being under that endless Wyoming sky.
Final Tips for Visiting Ranchettes & Laramie County
To make your trip smoother, here are a few quick pointers:
- Weather changes fast: You can get sun, wind, and a quick storm in the same day. Pack layers and a light jacket.
- Distances are bigger than they look: Towns may be 30–60 minutes apart. Keep your gas tank from dropping too low.
- Altitude is real: You’re roughly 6,000 feet or higher. Drink water, and take it easy your first day if you’re from sea level.
- Plan ahead in winter: Check road conditions before long drives—snow and ice can roll in quickly.
Share Your Ranchettes, Wyoming Experience
Have you spent time in or around
Ranchettes, WY? Did you find a great local diner, a quiet backroad for sunset photos, or a hidden hiking spot?
- What was your favorite thing to do near Ranchettes?
- Which place from this list are you most excited to try?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help other travelers discover new things to do in Laramie County.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a trip to Wyoming. The more we share real, on-the-ground tips, the easier it is for everyone to enjoy this beautiful corner of the West.
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