Cody, Wyoming, known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” offers a unique and authentic Western American travel experience. Located at the East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Cody is not only an ideal stopover for exploring the majestic Yellowstone, but also a captivating destination with its distinctive cowboy culture, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes. This article serves as a comprehensive travel guide to Cody, Wyoming, helping you plan a memorable trip to this charming cowboy town.
Discovering Cody, Wyoming – Where Western Legends Meet
Cody was founded in 1896 by Colonel William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody, a legendary figure of the Wild West. The town was named after him and quickly developed due to its strategic location near Yellowstone and Buffalo Bill’s fame. Today, Cody retains the charm of a classic Western town, where visitors can immerse themselves in the cowboy atmosphere, explore the region’s history, and enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty.
Cody is not just a historical destination, but also a vibrant cultural and tourist center. The town boasts the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a world-class museum complex, the renowned Cody Stampede Rodeo, and Old Trail Town, which authentically recreates 19th-century Western life. With its convenient location, Cody is the perfect starting point for exploring Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding wilderness areas.
Immerse Yourself in Cowboy Culture in Cody – An Authentic Western Experience
Visiting Cody provides an unmissable opportunity to experience the distinctive cowboy culture, an integral part of the town’s history and identity.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
The entrance of Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody Wyoming
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a must-visit destination in Cody. This vast museum complex comprises five separate museums under one roof:
- Buffalo Bill Museum: Explore the legendary life and career of Buffalo Bill Cody, from soldier and buffalo hunter to international entertainment star.
- Cody Firearms Museum: Admire an extensive collection of firearms from around the world, including antique and modern guns.
- Whitney Western Art Museum: Enjoy exceptional Western art, from paintings and sculptures to photography.
- Draper Natural History Museum: Learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the Yellowstone region and the Rocky Mountains.
- Plains Indian Museum: Discover the culture and history of the Plains Indian tribes of North America.
The Buffalo Bill Center is not just a museum, but a vibrant cultural center where visitors can gain a deep understanding of American Western history, art, and culture.
Cody Stampede Rodeo
A cowboy riding a bucking bronco at Cody Stampede Rodeo
If you visit Cody in the summer, don’t miss the Cody Stampede Rodeo, an annual event held from July 1st to 4th each year. The Cody Stampede is not just an ordinary rodeo, but also part of the “Cody Western Celebration” that lasts almost the entire summer. Here, you will witness thrilling and exciting rodeo performances, showcasing the chivalrous spirit and skillful techniques of cowboys.
In addition, the festival features parades, concerts, food, and markets, creating a lively and bustling festive atmosphere for the whole family.
Old Trail Town
A street view of Old Trail Town in Cody Wyoming, showcasing historic buildings
Old Trail Town is a living outdoor museum that authentically recreates a Western town from the late 19th century. Here, you can visit over 25 historic buildings relocated from across Wyoming and Montana, including saloons, blacksmith shops, schools, and jails.
Trail Town not only displays old buildings but also recreates the daily life of the people of the Old West. You can stroll down dusty streets, admire horse-drawn carriages, and feel the atmosphere of the Wild West era.
Nature and Outdoor Activities – Land of Adventures
Cody is ideally located for exploring unspoiled nature and engaging in exciting outdoor activities.
East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park
Sign marking the East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park near Cody Wyoming
Cody is only about 52 miles (84 km), or about an hour’s drive, from the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. This is one of the most beautiful entrances to Yellowstone, with majestic mountain scenery and vast pine forests.
From Cody, you can easily explore Yellowstone’s famous attractions such as Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and the Old Faithful geyser area. Yellowstone is a paradise for nature lovers and explorers, with countless activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Shoshone National Forest
Scenic mountain landscape within Shoshone National Forest
Shoshone National Forest is located just west of Cody and is one of the oldest national forests in the United States. Shoshone covers a vast area with diverse terrain, from high mountains and glaciers to dense forests and grasslands.
In Shoshone, you can participate in many outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, camping, fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. This forest is also home to many species of wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, deer, and mountain goats.
Other Outdoor Activities
In addition to Yellowstone and Shoshone, Cody and the surrounding area offer many other outdoor activities to choose from:
- Fishing: The Shoshone River and area lakes are ideal fishing spots, with many types of fish such as trout and cutthroat trout.
- Hiking and Mountaineering: There are many hiking and climbing trails with varying levels of difficulty, suitable for both beginners and experienced adventurers.
- Horseback Riding: Experience the feeling of a Western cowboy by horseback riding and exploring the trails and landscapes around Cody.
- Kayaking and Rafting: The Shoshone River offers exciting kayaking and rafting opportunities, especially in the summer when the river water is high.
Dining and Shopping in Cody – Western Flavors and Souvenirs
Local Cuisine
A hearty plate of Western cuisine with steak, potatoes and vegetables in Cody Wyoming
Cody offers a quintessential Western dining experience, with specialties such as beef steak, BBQ ribs, buffalo meat, and venison dishes. You can enjoy a cowboy dinner at local restaurants or experience the cozy and friendly atmosphere at historic saloons.
Some famous restaurants in Cody you should try:
- The Irma Hotel Restaurant: Historic restaurant located in the Irma Hotel, founded by Buffalo Bill Cody.
- Cody Cattle Company: Enjoy dinner and a live Western music show.
- Proud Cut Saloon: Historic saloon with a cozy atmosphere and diverse menu.
Souvenir Shopping
Cody is a great destination for shopping for Western-style souvenirs. You can find stores selling leather goods, cowboy hats, leather boots, Native American jewelry, and unique handicrafts.
Some popular souvenir shopping locations in Cody:
- Cody Country Art League: Art gallery showcasing and selling works by local artists.
- Wyoming Buffalo Company: Store selling buffalo leather products, buffalo meat, and Western souvenirs.
- Legends Bookstore: Bookstore specializing in Western history books, cowboy culture, and books about Yellowstone.
Accommodation Options in Cody – From Luxury Hotels to Wilderness Camping
Cody offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference.
Hotels and Motels
Cody has many hotels and motels ranging from budget-friendly to luxury, mainly concentrated in the town center and near major attractions. Some popular hotels include The Irma Hotel, Cody Cowboy Village, and Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites.
Ranches & Lodges
If you want to experience a quiet space and get closer to nature, ranches and lodges are ideal choices. These resorts are often located in the suburbs or rural areas around Cody, offering a relaxing space and outdoor activities such as horseback riding, fishing, and hiking.
Campgrounds
For adventurous and budget-conscious travelers, camping is a great option. There are many campgrounds in and around Cody, including campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park and Shoshone National Forest.
Cody, Wyoming Travel Tips – Plan Your Perfect Trip
- Ideal Time to Visit: Summer (June – August) is the best time to visit Cody, with warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities. However, this is also the peak tourist season, prices may be higher, and attractions are more crowded. Spring and autumn are also good options, with cooler weather and fewer tourists.
- Transportation: The best way to get to Cody is by car. Yellowstone Regional Airport is about 3 miles (5 km) from Cody, serving domestic flights from some major cities.
- Preparation: If you plan to participate in outdoor activities, prepare appropriate clothing, hiking shoes, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. You should bring a warm jacket even in summer, as mountain weather can change quickly.
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak tourist season, it is advisable to book hotel rooms, tours, and recreational activities in advance to ensure availability and get the best prices.
Conclusion
Cody, Wyoming, is a gem of the American West, offering a perfect blend of distinctive cowboy culture, rich history, and stunning unspoiled nature. Whether you are a lover of history, culture, nature, or outdoor activities, Cody has something to offer and will provide unforgettable experiences. We hope this travel guide to Cody, Wyoming helps you have a fulfilling and memorable trip to this charming cowboy country.