A tipi is part of the history and art exhibited at the Wyoming State Museum.
These boots are created for art? Cheyenne, Wyoming, is home to over 35 decorative boots positioned throughout the city, each standing eight feet tall and showcasing the work of regional artists. This public art initiative vividly reflects the area’s rich history and culture.
The project, titled “If This Boot Could Talk, What Story Would It Tell?” originated in 2004 as a collaboration between the Cheyenne Depot Museum Foundation and the Downtown Development Authority. It began as a fundraiser aimed at transforming the depot vicinity from a mere parking lot into an inviting plaza.
While exploring Cheyenne, we noticed many visitors delighting in photo opportunities with the boots as they enjoyed the plaza atmosphere.
Cowboy boot featuring the Union Pacific Railroad design.
Among the boots we encountered were artistic representations highlighting the Union Pacific Railroad’s significance to the region, as well as the adventures of cowboys that define the state. The artwork also celebrates Wyoming’s allure for outdoor enthusiasts and reflects on the history of state automobile license plates and governors.
Unlike many temporary art projects, new cowboy boot sculptures have continued to be added over the past two decades.
Cowboy boot showcasing Wyoming’s diverse wildlife.
The Depot Plaza also narrates the city’s story through various sculptures.
“A New Beginning,” located near the depot’s entrance, pays tribute to the significant role women have played in Wyoming’s history. Not only was Wyoming the first state to grant women the right to vote, but it also produced the nation’s first female governor, Nellie Tayloe Ross, who served from 1925 to 1927. This statue, crafted by Veryl Goodnight in 2011, embodies that spirit.
Sculpture that highlights women’s contributions in Wyoming.
“Iron Horse,” made with scrap metal sourced from Union Pacific railroads, celebrates the influence of the rail industry on the state.
The Iron Horse sculpture crafted from scrap metal collected at the Union Pacific yard and along the tracks.
Statues and Murals
The artistic journey doesn’t end with the boots; numerous sculptures and murals adorn the downtown area as well.
Across from Depot Plaza, “Rarin’ to Ride” captures a young boy excitedly preparing to saddle a horse. The sculpture, created by western artist George Lundeen, embodies the pioneering spirit unique to Wyoming.
A young boy lifts his saddle, eagerly anticipating a ride on the Wyoming plains.
“Dakota Wind,” sculpted by Martha Pettigrew, represents a Native American adorned in a bison hide blanket. This 2021 piece honors all those who have called Wyoming home.
Statue of a Native American woman donning a buffalo hide blanket in the winter.
A visit to the state capitol offers insight into Wyoming’s historical journey through its artwork.
The struggles faced by Wyomingites against the harsh elements of nature are acknowledged in “Spirit of Wyoming,” a sculpture depicting a cowboy with his horse created by Edward J. Fraughton.
The “Spirit of Wyoming” honors the elemental challenges early residents faced as the state developed.
The Capitol’s east lawn features a solitary bison statue created by Dan Ostermiller nearly four decades ago.
A bison statue graces the east lawn of the capitol.
In recent years, murals have gained popularity as a means for communities to convey their history, cultural points of interest, and even aspects of pop culture. Cheyenne is no exception.
With an extensive array of wall art to discover, picking a favorite mural can be a delightful challenge. Our favorite was a large mural welcoming visitors to the state.
A vibrant mural at a downtown tavern welcomes visitors to Wyoming.
Another favorite was a mural that celebrated nature, featuring a pronghorn antelope on one side and a blackbird perched in tall grass on the other.
A pronghorn antelope captured beautifully in a downtown mural.
“Live the Legend” similarly celebrates Wyoming’s western heritage.
This mural captures Cheyenne’s vibrant western spirit.
Another mural presents a playful pop culture perspective on all things Wyoming.
A colorful interpretation of Wyoming’s natural treasures and wildlife.
We thoroughly enjoyed our art tour in Wyoming’s capital city. Along with a self-guided exploration of the Capitol and a delightful lunch at the Albany Restaurant located within a historic hotel, we merely scratched the surface of what Cheyenne has to offer. A return visit is certainly on our agenda.
