Lions Park is a roughly 100-acre public recreation park at 789–829 S Lions Park Drive in north-central Cheyenne, Wyoming, beside the Frontier Park district. Its identity combines Sloan’s Lake, established shade trees, sports facilities, and the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, founded in 1977. Travelers come for an easy lakeside walk, a family picnic, and an introduction to the high-plains landscape without leaving the city. Admission to the park is free.
What to Expect at Lions Park
Sloan’s Lake gives the park its center of gravity. A paved circuit follows the water, with open views across the lake contrasting with sheltered lawns beneath mature trees. Walking, jogging, fishing, and watching waterfowl are the principal lakeside activities; anglers should check Wyoming fishing-license requirements before casting. Beyond the shoreline, playground equipment, picnic shelters, tennis courts, and disc golf make this a working neighborhood recreation space rather than a formal ornamental park. Allow time to wander away from the busiest play areas.
The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens add a distinct horticultural stop within the park. The three-story Shane Smith Grand Conservatory, opened in 2017, brings tropical planting into a city known for wind, frost, and a short growing season. Outside, the Paul Smith Children’s Village uses interactive garden features to connect children with water, plants, and sustainable design. Garden facilities keep their own schedules, so plan an indoor visit separately from a dawn or evening park walk. Seasonal beds, autumn foliage, and winter views across the lake give repeat visits different rhythms.
- Sloan’s Lake circuit: Follow the paved shoreline for an easy walk with frequent opportunities to watch ducks and geese.
- Shane Smith Grand Conservatory: Explore the Botanic Gardens’ multilevel indoor planting displays during its separate opening hours.
- Paul Smith Children’s Village: Add a family-focused garden visit with hands-on environmental learning and outdoor discovery.
- Picnic lawns and shelters: Bring lunch for the tree-shaded grounds; reserve a shelter through the city for organized gatherings.
- Active recreation: Combine the lake walk with playground time, tennis, or disc golf, bringing your own sporting equipment.
Lions Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 789–829 S Lions Park Drive, Cheyenne, WY 82001 |
| Neighborhood / Area | North-central Cheyenne, beside Frontier Park |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 5 a.m.–midnight; garden buildings and seasonal facilities have separate schedules |
| Admission / Price Range | Free park admission; $; shelter reservations and special activities may carry fees |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours; longer with the Botanic Gardens |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Cheyenne Transit Program; check current service and stops with the city. Parking areas are reached from the Lions Park drives. |
| Official Website & Phone | City of Cheyenne; +1 307-637-6433 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive in the morning for cooler walking conditions and usually lighter winds than later in the day. Cheyenne’s elevation makes sunscreen and drinking water useful even when temperatures feel mild; carry a layer for sudden weather changes. Use the parking areas around the park rather than treating the address as a single entrance. During July’s Cheyenne Frontier Days, nearby event traffic can substantially change access and parking availability. For public transport, check the city’s current transit information before choosing a stop; Cheyenne has no urban passenger-rail network.
The paved lakeside route is the practical choice for wheelchairs and strollers, although reaching lawns and some picnic spots involves grass or uneven ground. Benches provide stopping places, while wind exposure varies around the lake. Restroom availability can be seasonal, so identify an open facility on arrival. Keep dogs leashed and away from planted beds and wildlife. Pair the park with the Botanic Gardens on site, or walk from its western side toward Frontier Park and the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, generally about 5–15 minutes depending on your starting point. The museum requires a separate visit and admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lions Park open, and when should I visit?
Park hours are 5 a.m. to midnight daily. Morning is a good choice for walking; check separate opening times before including the conservatory or Children’s Village.
Does Lions Park charge admission or require reservations?
General park admission is free, and ordinary walks need no reservation. Book city picnic shelters ahead for group gatherings, and check fees for special activities separately.
How much time should I allow?
Allow one to two hours for a lakeside walk and a relaxed stop. Add another hour or more for garden displays, playground time, or a picnic.
Is Lions Park suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Yes: paved paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas support a flexible family outing. Wheelchair users should prioritize paved routes, since lawn access and shoreline edges are less even.
When planning your Cheyenne travel guide or browsing verified parks in Cheyenne, pair this stop with standout local spots including Durbar Nepalese and Indian Bistro, Big Boy Steam Engine 4004, Cheyenne Depot Plaza, and Paul Smith Children's Village at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens (0.1 km away).
