We ended up at The Historic Plains Hotel on our way back from our trip to the Grand Canyon National Park — and honestly, it was the perfect place to break up the drive.
After days of desert views, canyon overlooks, and long stretches of highway, rolling into downtown Cheyenne felt like stepping into a totally different era.
And when you pull up to The Plains Hotel, you immediately get that old-school, grand hotel vibe.
First Impressions: Old-School Charm in the Best Way
The hotel first opened in 1911, and you can feel that history the second you walk through the doors. The lobby has that classic, early-1900s elegance — tall ceilings, vintage details, and just an overall sense that a lot of stories have happened there.
It’s not a cookie-cutter chain hotel (which is exactly why we loved it). It feels like a place with character — the kind of place where cattle barons, politicians, and travelers once gathered when Cheyenne was booming.
And after a long road trip day? That character hits even better.
The Perfect Road Trip Stop
Driving back from the Grand Canyon is no joke. It’s beautiful, but it’s long. By the time we reached Cheyenne, we were more than ready to stretch our legs and not see the inside of our car for a while.
The Plains Hotel is right in downtown Cheyenne, which makes it super easy to park and then just walk around. We loved being able to explore a bit without getting back in the car.
After so much time on the road, that alone felt like a win.
The Rooms: Comfortable with a Side of History
The hotel has 130+ rooms, and while they’ve been updated with modern touches (yes, there’s Wi-Fi), they still lean into that Western, historic feel. It’s cozy, comfortable, and just different enough from your typical roadside stay to make it memorable.
There’s something kind of fun about knowing you’re sleeping in a building that’s been hosting travelers for over a century.
A Little Bit of History
The Historic Plains Hotel has been part of downtown Cheyenne since 1911, back when the city was really coming into its own as a major railroad and cattle hub in the West.
When it first opened, it was considered one of the most modern and upscale hotels in the region. Think about what that meant in the early 1900s — this wasn’t just a place to sleep, it was a statement.
The hotel featured things that were pretty luxurious for the time like private bathrooms, telephones in rooms, and a grand lobby designed to impress travelers arriving by train.
Cheyenne itself was booming thanks to the railroad and its role in the cattle industry, and The Plains Hotel quickly became the social center of it all.
Business deals were made in the lobby, political conversations were had over meals, and it became the go-to gathering place for both locals and travelers passing through Wyoming.
Over the decades, it’s seen its share of changes — from the rise and fall of rail travel to modern road trip tourism — but it’s managed to hold onto its identity instead of being replaced by something newer and more generic. That’s part of what makes it special today.
It’s also recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, which helps preserve both the building and its story. Walking through it now, you can still pick up on those layers of history — the architecture, the details, and that feeling that this place has hosted over a century of Wyoming life unfolding right inside its walls.
Staying here isn’t just about convenience in downtown Cheyenne — it’s about getting a small glimpse into what travel and hospitality looked like more than 100 years ago, when places like this were the heart of a growing frontier city.
Would We Stay Again?
Absolutely.
If you’re road-tripping through Wyoming — especially if you’re coming from somewhere epic like the Grand Canyon — this is such a cool, character-filled place to recharge. It feels intentional. Memorable. A little different from the norm.
And honestly, that’s what we’re always looking for when we travel.
Sometimes the best part of the road trip isn’t just the big national park destination — it’s the unexpected historic hotel you find along the way.
FAQ
Is The Historic Plains Hotel still open?
Yes, it’s still operating as a hotel in downtown Cheyenne and welcomes guests year-round.
Does the hotel have modern amenities?
Yes — you’ll find basics like Wi-Fi and updated comforts, but the overall feel stays true to its historic character.
Is parking available?
Yes, there is parking nearby in downtown Cheyenne, though it can vary depending on events or time of year.
Is it haunted or just historic?
It’s known for its history and a few local ghost stories, but nothing confirmed — just part of its charm and lore.
How old is The Plains Hotel?
It originally opened in 1911 and has been a landmark in Cheyenne ever since.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re expecting a modern, cookie-cutter hotel, this isn’t it.
But if you want something with personality, history, and a true sense of place, then yes — it’s absolutely worth it.
We stayed here on a road trip back from the Grand Canyon National Park, and it was the perfect reset after a long day of driving. It’s not just a place to sleep — it feels like part of the trip itself.
Location of The Historic Plains Hotel
The Historic Plains Hotel
1600 Central Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States
More Adventures in Wyoming
If you’re exploring Wyoming and enjoyed reading about our stay at The Historic Plains Hotel, here are a few more nearby stops and road trip favorites from our travels that are worth checking out:
Devils Tower, Wyoming
Our visit to Devils Tower National Monument was one of those moments that feels unreal in person. The massive rock formation rises out of the plains and is even more impressive up close than photos can capture. It’s a must-see if you’re road tripping through northeastern Wyoming and want something truly unique.
Ranch & Roost Restaurant
We also stopped at Ranch & Roost, a laid-back spot that’s perfect after a long day of driving and exploring. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a good meal, relax, and just enjoy the small-town Wyoming vibe before getting back on the road.
Big Boots of Cheyenne
While in Cheyenne, we couldn’t miss the fun roadside art installation known as the Big Boots of Cheyenne. They’re exactly what they sound like — giant painted cowboy boots scattered around the city — and they make for a fun little scavenger hunt while exploring downtown.
