The Historic Plains Hotel in Cheyenne: A 1911 Frontier-Era Landmark

A Century of Cheyenne Character

Step into the Historic Plains Hotel and the romance of the American West is impossible to miss. Built in 1911 to host celebrities and the business titans of the era, the property has watchedCheyennetransform from a windy outpost on Wyoming's plains into a charming, cosmopolitan town. With more than a century of hospitality woven into its walls, the hotel carries over 110 years of historical significance — a turn-of-the-century staple of historic downtown Cheyenne.

Where the Plains Meet Downtown

📍 Address: The Historic Plains Hotel, 1600 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States of America.

Set in the heart of downtown Cheyenne, the hotel stands across the street from the historic Union Pacific Depot and adjacent to the Cheyenne Depot Plaza & Museum, a venue that hosts events throughout the year. Shopping, dining and museums await within the surrounding downtown blocks, and the Wyoming State Capitol, Historic Governors' Mansion and several museums sit less than a mile from the property. The location on the historic "Lincoln-way" makes it easy to explore the local area, while Cheyenne Regional Airport lies roughly 6 miles away for arriving travelers.

An Ambiance Rooted in the Frontier

The building itself is a love letter to the Wyoming Plains — celebrating the legacy of the American frontier through color, texture and the natural materials of the region. Visitors often describe the ambiance as museum-like and historical, with a fireplace setting the mood for cozy evenings. Its historic designation is frequently cited as a reason the property retains such an unmistakable period character, even as it shapes the challenges of large-scale renovations. The Cheyenne Gunslingers bring extra western folklore to the surrounding streets with reenactments of famous shootouts from June to July.

Rooms and Interior Touches

Inside, each of the 131 guest rooms and suites offers a unique alternative to chain hotels, with interiors that feel distinctly tied to Cheyenne rather than interchangeable with another American city. Photographed details from across the property include the exterior, the lobby, bedrooms (including twin configurations), an in-house cafe and a striking cupola mosaic — all part of the building's blend of historic character and everyday hospitality.

A Glimpse Into the Hotel's Origins

The story of the hotel is woven into Cheyenne's own rise. During a club meeting in the early 1900s, club President Thomas Heaney interrupted the discussion to argue that Cheyenne badly needed a new, modern hotel. By February of the following year, the Cheyenne Securities Company was organized to build that hotel, setting the stage for the 1911 opening that would define the city's skyline and its reputation as a stop on the American frontier.

Practical Considerations

The hotel sits amid downtown's bars, restaurants, historical buildings and local boutiques, with the train depot museum within easy reach. Some policies, facilities and on-site details may change over time, so it is wise to confirm current arrangements directly with the property before finalizing any plans.