Cody

In Cody, Wyoming, you can watch professional cowboys compete at nightly summer rodeos, explore five connected museums at the Buffalo Bill Center, or paddle through Class I-V rapids on the Shoshone River. Located at the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park, this city of 10,000 residents was founded by Buffalo Bill Cody in 1896. You'll find wild buffalo grazing in nearby meadows, over 300 rock climbing routes in Shoshone Canyon, and authentic frontier buildings at Old Trail Town.

Getting to Cody

United Airlines runs flights between Cody's Yellowstone Regional Airport and Denver. Four local transportation companies operate shuttles and taxis within the city. The airport is a 10-minute drive from downtown, and Yellowstone National Park's east entrance is 55 miles west of Cody.

Museums at Buffalo Bill Center

The Buffalo Bill Center covers seven acres with five connected museums. Walk through the Draper Natural History Museum to learn about the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem through interactive displays. Test replica rifles at the indoor shooting range of the Cody Firearms Museum, which displays over 7,000 historic weapons. The Plains Indian Museum contains Native American artifacts and contemporary art, while the Whitney Western Art Museum exhibits paintings and sculptures depicting life in the American West.

Rodeo Culture

Watch bull riding, barrel racing, and calf roping at the Cody Nite Rodeo, running every evening from June through August since 1938. The Cody Stampede Rodeo, a century-old tradition, draws larger crowds during Independence Day weekend with its multi-day professional competition and parade.

Outdoor Recreation

Paddle the Shoshone River's rapids, ranging from beginner-friendly Class I sections to challenging Class V waters. Climb any of the 300 established routes in Shoshone Canyon or try the nearly 600 boulder problems on Cedar Mountain. Ride 50 miles of single-track mountain biking trails accessible from town. In winter, head to Sleeping Giant for skiing and snowboarding.

Historical Sites

Walk through 27 authentic frontier buildings at Old Trail Town, dating from 1879-1900, including Butch Cassidy's cabin. Each building contains original furnishings and tools from the late 1800s. Drive 17 miles east to the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center to learn about the 14,000 Japanese Americans detained there during World War II. The site includes original buildings, a war memorial, and walking trails.

Arts and Entertainment

Visit local woodworking shops to see craftsmen creating western-style furniture. Listen to live music at the summer Concert in the Park series. Browse western art from new and established artists at the annual Rendezvous Royale festival. Throughout the year, local theater groups perform musicals at venues around town.