Cheyenne Depot Museum's Audio Tour
Expiration: 365 days after purchase
Hello and welcome to the Cheyenne Depot Museum—where the iron rails of history meet the spirit of the American West!
This historic depot has been proudly standing since 1886, serving as a gateway for dreamers, travelers, and pioneers heading west. Today, it remains a living reminder of Cheyenne’s rich railroad legacy and the incredible people who built it—piece by piece, rail by rail.
As you make your way through the museum, this audio tour will guide you behind the scenes and beyond the exhibits. You’ll hear the fascinating stories of the locomotives that conquered mountains, the workers who kept the trains running through wind and snow, and the passengers who journeyed across vast frontiers chasing new beginnings.
Along the way, keep an eye out for hidden surprises tucked into the exhibits—there’s always more to discover!
So, take your time, explore at your own pace, and enjoy stepping back into a time when steam and steel helped shape the nation.
Let’s get rollin’!
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Welcome to the Historic Union Pacific Depot!
Built in 1886, this is Cheyenne’s last grand railroad station on the original transcontinental route. Explore its rich history, from dramatic 1929 renovations to the original ceiling tiles left untouched as a reminder of its past. Today, it proudly stands as a symbol of Cheyenne's railroad legacy.
The Depot’s lobby once featured separate waiting areas and a grand fireplace. During WWI, it served as a canteen for soldiers. A restaurant was added in 1922, changing the interior layout you see today.
Installed in 2008, this inlaid map marks the path of the original transcontinental railroad. It honors the journey that shaped the American West and highlights the immense obstacles—like the Continental Divide—that pioneers overcame to unite the nation.
Before the railroad, the American West was untamed and wide open. Led by General Grenville M. Dodge, surveyors braved the wild to chart a path for the transcontinental railroad using simple tools like the surveyor’s level. Their work laid the foundation for one of America’s greatest engineering feats.
Before the tracks arrived in 1867, Cheyenne was already set to become a major stop on the transcontinental railroad. As workers braved harsh winters, “Hell on Wheels” towns sprang up—bringing saloons, brothels, and a wild nightlife. Cheyenne stood out with extra grit, thanks to off-duty soldiers from nearby Fort D.A. Russell joining the revelry.
The Dale Creek Bridge, completed in 1868, was the longest and most daunting bridge on the transcontinental railroad. Spanning 707 feet over a deep Wyoming gorge, it tested the nerves of every passenger. Fierce winds often rocked the trains, and empty boxcars were blown right off the tracks. Though eventually abandoned, it remains one of the most unforgettable feats of the journey west.
In 1889, Cheyenne struck a major deal with Union Pacific to build a massive rail facility—complete with machine shops, a boiler house, and more. The city watched as the new complex rose from the plains, and on April 16, 1890, the machine shop roared to life before a cheering crowd.
The railroad transformed travel across America, offering luxury to some and hardship to others. First-class passengers enjoyed fine dining and plush accommodations, while immigrants and people of color endured rough, crowded cars near the engine. The railroad united the nation, but also revealed deep social divides—stories still reflected in the exhibits you’ll see today.
This massive wheel is a replica from Steam Engine Number 844, the “Livin’ Legend” and last steam locomotive built for Union Pacific. Designed for power and speed, it ran tough routes between Cheyenne and Salt Lake City. Saved from the scrapyard in 1960, it still runs special excursions today—and if you listen close, you might just hear her across the tracks.
The main floor of the Cheyenne Depot once held separate rooms for baggage, express mail, and a restaurant. Look up at the columns to spot where walls once stood, and see if you can find the original tin ceiling from the depot’s first restaurant still overhead.
Hobos rode the rails through hard times, especially during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. Though they caught free rides, most worked along the way, following the harvest seasons across the country. It was a dangerous life, but for many—men and women alike—it was a journey chasing the hope of something better and that old American Dream.
By the 1960s, diesel locomotives had replaced steam for good. They were cheaper, cleaner, and more powerful—hauling heavier loads over longer distances. While folks might call them diesels, they actually run on electricity made by onboard generators. That’s the power still keeping railroads rolling strong today.
Innovation wasn’t just out on the tracks—it was in the offices too. Tools like the telegraph, switchboards, and even the Yellow Pages got their start helping railroad operations stay organized. From 1887 to 1985, Cheyenne was the hub for Union Pacific’s Wyoming Division, and the Superintendent’s office kept it all running on schedule.
This six-foot wooden Big Boy locomotive was handcrafted by Wilbur Craig—without glue, nails, or even measurements. Every piece works just like the real thing. Nearby, you’ll also find a 3D-printed Big Boy model by Caleb Leach and custom-built train cars by Harry Brunk. From early wind-up toys to WiFi-controlled models, trains like these keep the railroad spirit alive.
This old scale once weighed baggage before it was loaded onto trains or hoisted into the attic above. Amazingly, it’s still accurate within four pounds. Behind it stands the only original interior wall from 1886—a silent witness to the depot’s long and storied past.
Learn about the history of the Union Pacific Steam Shop and Roundhouse narrated by Ed Dickens Senior Manager of the Union Pacific Heritage Operations.
The Union Central and Northern Railroad is a hand-built masterpiece by artist Harry Brunk, honoring Colorado’s narrow-gauge railroads. Moved here in 2011 from his mobile home, “Little Colorado,” it took a year and a dedicated team to reassemble. As you explore, keep an eye out for fun surprises—there’s always more than meets the eye!
Look down and you’ll see the old hatchway used to hoist crates and baggage up to this floor. A pulley on the beam overhead made the heavy lifting easier for baggage agents. Don’t miss the trunk still hanging from the pulley near the scale when you head downstairs!