The Wyoming Aviation Heritage League held a reception at the Governor's mansion in Cheyenne, Wyoming, for a couple of reasons. One was to meet up before their third annual air show, and the other was to discuss the future of the old terminal at Cheyenne Regional Airport.

There has been talk among the airport board of tearing down the old terminal in favor of new general aviation hangars.  Members of the league raised their objections to this idea with Governor Gordon during the event. Governor Gordon promised he would look into preserving the old building for historic use such as a museum, among other things.

Below, Governor Mark Gordon, Wyoming aviator Dean McClain and Wyoming radio talk show host Glenn Woods discuss the issue of saving the old terminal. 

Wyoming Aviation Heritage League Photo By Tim Mandese Focus West Photography
Wyoming Aviation Heritage League Photo By Tim Mandese Focus West Photography

The 1960 airport terminal was closed in 2018 when the Cheyenne Airport opened a new modern terminal to handle the air service needs of the community.

This building is an incredible representative of mid-century modern architecture, displaying a hyperbolic paraboloid roof.

Also of note are the canopy peaks running along the front of the building, echoing the roof design.

Old Cheyenne Terminal Building Photo By Tim Mandese Focus West Photography
Old Cheyenne Terminal Building Photo By Tim Mandese Focus West Photography

Their first fundraising effort is the Cheyenne Arts & Aviation Center.

The plan is to revive the restaurant (retro aviation theme?) and create an aviation history museum corridor, an arts center and creative spaces, a fixed base operator for large charter flights, a venue space for events, and small boutique shops.

Wyoming has a rich and varied aviation history. The Wyoming Aviation Heritage League is an education and fundraising organization. They do not yet have an aviation museum representing Wyoming as a whole; they hope to change that!

Wyoming Aviation Heritage League Photo By Tim Mandese, Focus West Photography
Wyoming Aviation Heritage League Photo By Tim Mandese, Focus West Photography

For the past couple of years, Cheyenne, Wyoming, has had some AMAZING air shows that featured both vintage and state-of-the-art planes, as well as air acrobatics that wowed the audience. This was all brought to you by the Wyoming Aviation Heritage League.

The Wyoming Aviation Heritage League (WAHL) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. While we have been working towards our mission since 2019, we became official in 2023. You can find out more on their website or by emailing them. info@wyomingaviationheritage.org

Make sure to go and see the next Wyoming Aviation Festival & Air Show 2026 August 15 & 16. This is their 3rd year! The Wyoming Festival and Air Show will be held August 15th and 16th at 300 E. 8th Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming. The old Cheyenne terminal. The show starts at 10 am both Saturday & Sunday.

Photo By Tim Mandese, Focus West Photography Focus West Photography
Photo By Tim Mandese, Focus West Photography Focus West Photography

On Sunday, the event goes until 5 pm with music by the Poudre Valley Playboys from 2 - 5 pm.

This is the location of the former 1960 airport terminal and the proposed renovation for the Arts & Aviation Center. Learn more about it at this link.

Please note that the admission fee of $10 per adult will include entry to all events and respective areas this year. Close-in parking available for $15 at the BC/BS parking lot.

Photo By Tim Mandese, Focus West Photography Focus West Photography
Photo By Tim Mandese, Focus West Photography Focus West Photography

Annual General Fund Campaign
To accomplish their goals, they need partners and donations.

Help them to continue their mission through outreach and various events and activities. We are gaining ground thanks to the generosity of people like you!

Their annual aviation festival has been a tremendous success. They also participate in community events and are planning aviation history preservation projects. Donate and find out more at this link.

Scroll down to see the amazing air show they put on last year.

2nd Annual Cheyenne Air Show Was AMAIZING!

The event aimed to spark interest in aviation and highlight the need for pilots, featuring aerial performances and aviation displays. 

WOW, what a show it was.

The point of these airshows is to help bring Cheyenne's old terminal back as something new. It might take about $10 million to do it.

Imagine it having a restaurant, retail stores, and a place for private pilots to visit from around the country.

Gallery Credit: Glenn Woods

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