It is known by many names: The Largest Outdoor Rodeo in the World, the Daddy of ‘Em All, CFD, Frontier Days, but none of them can accurately describe how much fun this event is. Frontier Days can be a great place to make some memories but it is easy to miss events if you haven’t been before.
Luckily, I happen to know Frontier Days very well being a Cheyenne native so I ranked everything to do in Frontier Days from the must-sees to the could-miss-’ems.
What is Frontier Days?
For everyone who wants to live the experience as a modern cowboy this event is for you. What began as a rodeo event has turned into ten days of jam packed western experience. Taking place the last full week of July but lasting ten days in its entirety, Frontier Days has everything from family friendly pancake breakfasts, to crazy night show performances, to the largest outdoor rodeo in the world.
This map is interactive! Click on some of the pins to give it a try.
Frontier Park
This is the most important location on the map because of the high volume of events that takes place here. The grandstands are home to the rodeo and night shows where people come from all over to participate/perform. Cowboys come from all over to compete in the rodeo and a chance of fame and fortune.
The Old Frontier town, which is right behind the grandstands, is within walking distance. Take a stroll down and look at a replica of a town straight from the wild west and check out all the vendors.
Right in front of the grandstands is the carnival which is home to all sorts of games and rides! Make sure you get a funnel cake as you browse around. Also on Cheyenne day, the Wednesday of the week, all Cheyenne residents get into the park for free!
Finally, stop by the Indian Village to hear the flute players, see traditional Native American dances and to browse all of the vendors selling everything from fur pelts to jewelry.
I would say that you couldn’t say you went to Frontier Days unless you when to Frontier Park at least once. It’s a must see!
The Thunderbirds
Why are they called Thunderbirds? You see them and then you hear them.
This is my personal favorite part of Frontier Days, the elite Air Force Thunderbirds stop by every year on Wednesday at 10:00 am, weather permitting, to give an incredible show. Made up of the best pilots in the Air Force, this stunning show is sure to not disappoint as well as amaze.
“It’s my favorite event. They’re scary, talented, awesome, unbelievable, and their show’s amazing!” Said Cheyenne local, Kim Hein.
The Depot
No, not the Home Depot! The Cheyenne Depot!
Next to Frontier Park, the Depot is the biggest hot spot. The Pancake Breakfast, where local Wyoming figures come and serve thousands of pancakes for free, happens right outside. If you need a break from the sweltering July heat, take a step inside to walk around the craft fair!
“My second favorite thing to do it walk around the vendors both at the Depot and the Old Frontier Town,” said Hein.
The Atlas Theater
Home to the Old Fashion Melodrama! Take a peak inside to see the hero take down the villain in the classic tale of good vs. evil. Audience participation is a must so make sure to boo the villain and cheer the hero when they come on stage.
Wyoming State Capitol
The newly renovated State Capitol is more than just the beginning of the parade route. One of only ten states in the U.S. to have gold leaf covering the dome on the top of the building a free tour through the building is sure to excite.
Go early in the morning on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday to catch the parade which begins with the firing of a cannon.
The Old West Museum
Housing some of the most intriguing artifacts in the west, the Old West Museum brings Wyoming history to life. Can’t get enough of CFD? The museum has you covered showcasing how Frontier Days really became the ‘Daddy of ‘Em All!’
F.E. Warren Air Force Base
Known for being the first operational intercontinental Ballistic Missile base in the United States, even just a drive past the front gate is exciting. It is the oldest continually active military installation in the Air Force.
The Cattle Drive
Putting on The Daddy of ‘Em All takes a lot of livestock that is stored out of town. So how do you get them to Frontier Park? Walk them straight through town! Sections of the road are closed off during this event to allow the livestock to walk freely…with the help of some cowboys.
Some final advice from Mrs. Hein would be to go early to all the events and take the shuttle if you’re going to Frontier Park otherwise parking is hard to find or expensive.
Cheyenne Frontier Days is one of the biggest draws of tourism to the state of Wyoming and the most fun ten days of the year. For anyone yearning for a piece of western culture, Frontier Days can deliver.
For more about Frontier Days visit cfdrodeo.com.
Bird Thoughts 