Canada Goose
ParkWyoming, US
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens offers a unique and inspiring escape, transforming the high-altitude prairie into a diverse horticultural haven.
About
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens offers a unique and inspiring escape, transforming the high-altitude prairie into a diverse horticultural haven. This nine-acre treasure in Lions Park cultivates community through breathtaking plant collections, innovative sustainable practices, and enriching educational opportunities, all while offering free admission. It stands as a testament to what thoughtful design and community spirit can achieve in a challenging climate, providing both beauty and a living classroom for visitors.
The gardens are home to several key attractions, including the magnificent Shane Smith Grand Conservatory, a three-story marvel housing lush tropical plants, elegant citrus trees in its Baroque-style orangerie, a diverse bonsai collection, and a captivating succulent and cactus conservatory. Visitors can also discover the interactive Paul Smith Children's Village, which features wetlands, a secret garden, teepees, a working windmill, and gravity-powered water features designed to educate and entertain. Beyond these, the outdoor landscapes boast specialty gardens such as the Bedont Rose Garden, Reckling Herb Garden, a tranquil Peace Garden, an intricate Garden Labyrinth, and vibrant Habitat Hero Pollinator Gardens.
A visit to the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is a memorable experience that inspires, educates, and enriches. It's a place where you can wander through exotic tropical ecosystems, explore engaging children's exhibits, or find quiet contemplation amidst beautifully curated outdoor spaces. The venue’s commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through its solar and wind energy systems, further enhances its value as a beacon of environmental stewardship, making it a truly exceptional destination in the American West. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.
The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens began in 1977 as the Cheyenne Community Solar Greenhouse, a pioneering non-profit initiative focused on providing food for seniors and low-income residents through a solar-heated greenhouse. This early project was an innovative response to local needs, and by 1978, it established Wyoming's first community garden since World War II. The gardens relocated to their current nine-acre site in Lions Park in 1987 and were officially rebranded as the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. Significant expansion followed, supported by the formation of the "Friends of the Gardens" non-profit organization in 1993, which enabled development without taxpayer money. The Paul Smith Children's Village opened in 2009, followed by the impressive Shane Smith Grand Conservatory in 2017, further cementing the gardens as a regional attraction. The gardens have also received presidential recognition for their exemplary volunteer programs and community impact. An associated site, the High Plains Arboretum, has historical roots as a USDA horticulture research station dating back to 1928.
What to do here
Wander through lush tropical environments, marvel at desert plants, find serenity in the Peace Garden, let children play and learn in the Children's Village, observe local pollinators in dedicated gardens, and learn about sustainable living practices.
Seasonal info
Outdoor displays vary greatly by season, with peak blooms in spring and summer. The Conservatory offers a consistent environment year-round. Check the gardens' event calendar for seasonal workshops, story times, and special events like "Día de los Muertos" celebrations in the fall.
Accessibility
The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens are highly accessible, featuring wheelchair access, paved trails, accessible bathrooms, designated parking, elevators, and ramps. The Sensory Garden and Discovery Pond are also designed with accessibility in mind.
Don't miss
1
Shane Smith Grand Conservatory
A three-story indoor paradise featuring diverse climate zones from tropical to desert, including a vibrant koi pond and a tranquil bonsai collection.
2
Paul Smith Children's Village
An interactive and educational space with engaging features like a secret garden, wetlands, and renewable energy demonstrations.
3
Outdoor Themed Gardens
Explore the Bedont Rose Garden, Reckling Herb Garden, Peace Garden, Garden Labyrinth, and the unique Crevice Garden showcasing drought-tolerant species.
4
Engine 1242
Discover Wyoming's oldest locomotive engine on display outdoors.
Wildlife you might spot
12Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Snap map for this place
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
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Good to know before you go
Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the extensive outdoor grounds and indoor conservatories.
Bring water, especially during warmer months, as you'll be spending time outdoors.
Check the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens' website for current events, workshops, or seasonal exhibits before your visit.
If you plan professional or posed photography, be aware that sessions inside the Grand Conservatory require advance booking and a fee, and are not permitted during public hours.
Don't miss the interactive exhibits and play areas in the Paul Smith Children's Village if you're visiting with kids.
Consider a visit to the High Plains Arboretum, located a few miles northwest, for a deeper dive into woody plant collections, if time permits.
Frequently asked questions
- Yes, thanks to generous sponsors and volunteers, admission to the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, including the Shane Smith Grand Conservatory and Paul Smith Children's Village, is entirely free to the public.
- Key attractions include the Shane Smith Grand Conservatory with its tropical, desert, and bonsai collections, the interactive Paul Smith Children's Village, and numerous outdoor themed gardens such as the Rose Garden, Peace Garden, and Garden Labyrinth. You can also see Engine 1242, Wyoming's oldest locomotive.
- Only certified service animals are permitted inside the Grand Conservatory and other buildings. Gentle and well-trained dogs are welcome in the outdoor garden spaces but must be kept on a 6-foot leash or shorter at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
Recent snaps at this place
Jun 4, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Harry Podschwit, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 3, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Harry Podschwit, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 28, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Austin Saunders, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 24, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Harry Podschwit, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 20, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Austin Saunders, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
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