If you are a gardener on the road and looking for things to do in Wyoming, one of your most often searched terms is likely to be “botanic gardens near me.” Luckily for you, Cheyenne Botanic Gardens will be a search result worth exploring.
My husband and I are spending a few weeks visiting botanical gardens and national parks in the Mid-West and Western states of the USA.
Seeing different gardens is a nice way to see how the differing climates and vegetation give each garden a chance to shine.
Some botanical gardens are known for their extensive size, differing exhibits and number of plants. Others are small and very specialized to plants of the region. And still others have extensive children’s gardens for those travailing with kids in tow.
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is basically three exhibits – each splendid in its own right. Enjoying all three of them together makes the visit very special.
There are lots of sculptures. Each area of the park makes use of bronze statues in some way.
Shane Smith Grand Conservatory houses lush tropical plants with exquisite water features and a 34 foot tall palm tree.
Paul Smith Children’s Village is a must-see garden designed for children but enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
The outdoor gardens feature 9 acres of pretty walking trails with annuals, and perennials, a community vegetable garden and many specialty exhibits.
Shane Smith Grand Conservatory
This large brick and glass building has three floors, each with themed exhibits.
The ground floor is a tropical paradise. Huge palms and banana plants are inter planted with tropical species of all types.
A koi fish pond and other interesting water features add to the tropical feeling in the conservatory.
Conservatories are always interesting to me, since they allow me to enjoy plants most often grown as houseplants in North Carolina where I live.
Bromeliads in flower, ferns of all types, anthuriums and other exotic plants were lovingly cared for here.
As you go up the levels of the conservatory, you will also find other themed exhibits such as a bonsai house, a desert garden, a fairy garden and more.
Paul Smith’s Children Village
Children’s gardens always appeal to my inner child. They are filled with whimsical touches that compliment the plants nearby so well.
Paul Smith’s Children Village is no exception. The mosaic cowboy boot at the entrance gave us promise of Western things to come!
From a geo-dome gazebo, to bronze statues of adults, children and even Peter Rabbit, each area is a treasure.
There are even child -sized garden benches where the kids can take a break from all the fun and enjoy the flowers.
When we visited, the children’s garden had an incredible display of giant zinnias in full bloom that delighted the senses.
This area of the children’s garden is 3/4 acre and has many interactive landscapes.
Gravity powered water works, a windmill, Archimedes’ screw, Indian teepees and the cutest dog house with a planted roof were some of my favorites.
Your child will be delighted to try their turn at playing the wind pipes which have sounds that seem to go on forever.
The outside gardens
You can wander through herb gardens, sensory gardens and the perennial garden.
Enjoy a twisty stroll through the winding garden labyrinth. The trails are easy to walk and offer shade from tall trees that surround them.
There are lots of obelisks, arbors and arches in the gardens to add visual interest.
The historic Rotary Century Plaza gives visitors an idea of the life of early Wyoming settlers of the 1700s, 1800s and 1900s.
You can even view a large steam train that is on display.
The community vegetable garden was a delight to see. It had the largest rainbow Swiss chard plants if have ever seen!
There is something new around every corner.
Visiting Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
If you are in Wyoming, be sure to add the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and Paul Smith’s Children Village to your itinerary.
Thanks to their generous sponsors and volunteers, admission is free for all ages. It is nice to find an attraction of value without having to pay to enjoy it.
The main grounds of the gardens are open from dawn to dusk. The Conservatory and Children’s Village are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and from noon to 5 PM on Sundays. They are closed on Mondays and also closed on Sundays from September to May.
You can find the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens at 710 S. Lions Park Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming, just a few minutes from downtown Cheyenne and about 90 minutes from Denver, Colorado.
You can find out more about the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens here.
Pin this post about the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Would you like a reminder of these botanic gardens and children’s gardens? Just pin this image to one of your gardening boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.
You can also watch our botanical garden video on YouTube.
Other botanic gardens and children’s gardens
Do you love visiting botanical gardens and children’s gardens as much as I do? You may be interested in these posts, too.