Cody, Wyoming is a town proud of its western heritage and has a lot of activities to enjoy. Most people find themselves in Cody, because of its proximity to Yellowstone. Cody, Wyoming sits east of Yellowstone National Park, the first national park and northeast of Shoshone National Forest, the first national forest. Additionally, Cody is the home to Buffalo Bill and all of the history associated with his legacy.
Why Visit Cody
Cody’s location close to Yellowstone makes it a frequent stop for many. Additionally, for those adding in the Black Hills on a trip, it makes for a great stop. Our road trip encompassed Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and the Black Hills. We chose Cody for a stop because of its location and also to intersperse some history and culture in with the National Parks. There are many things to do that could easily fill a weekend, but we chose to spend one day on the way to the Black Hills. For us, one day was plenty. This guide will give you samples of activities to do while staying in Cody.
Things to Do in Cody, Wyoming
Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Museums
The Buffalo Bill Center is a museum on steroids comprising 5 different museums under the same roof. If that is not overwhelming enough, wait until you see the size of the building. It encompasses almost a city block. Fortunately, tickets for the museum will get you entrance for 2 days if you want to see it all. The museums are the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Plains Indian Museum, the Cody Firearms Museum, Draper Natural History Museum, Whitney Western Art Museum. Each museum is great in its own rights, but you may choose to focus on one unless you have a full day or two.
Buffalo Bill Museum
The Buffalo Bill Museum that focuses on the biggest characters in the western culture like Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley, Sitting Bull and others. You can experience the days of the American West and all of the stories that came during that time
Plains Indian Museum
The Plains Indian museum is an excellent museum that features the Plains Indian culture and traditions. It shows the trials and challenges that the Indians faced during the Old West period. They also have an amazing collection of timeless artifacts and features native American artwork
Cody Firearms Museum
The Cody Firearm Museum may be of interest to firearm enthusiasts and features thousands of artifacts and hundreds of displays
Draper Natural History Museum
Draper Natural History Museum features a look at Yellowstone and its ecosystem. A great stop for kids to learn the story of Yellowstone National Park over the years.
Whitney Western Art Museum
Whitney Wester Art Museum features art work from western artists and displays the time through art and sculpture
Other features of the Buffalo Bill Center
You can participate in a chuckwagon dinner with advance registration. There are also special exhibits and a live raptor experience that is free with admission. These take place in the Braun Garden
Old Trail Town
Old Trail Town is a great stop and much less overwhelming that the Buffalo Bill Center. A collection of historical buildings have been brought to one site to create a town that is a slice of history. You can walk into the buildings and read about what they were used for and where they came from. There are authentic wagons, weapons, and other items interspersed. You can tour this area in 1-2 hours.
Cody Trolly
The Cody Trolly provides a 60 minute tour of Cody and points out many of the interesting sites of Cody. For those staying more than one day, it is a great overview to get you started.
Buffalo Bill Reservoir and Dam
Driving from Yellowstone National Park to Cody you will pass the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. You can stop in the visitor center and learn the history of dam and get up close views. This is a short stop with great views.
Cody Stamped Rodeo
No way to better immerse yourself in the western culture than to go to the Cody Stampede Rodeo. They have nightly rodeos and some special events that can be found on their website.
