Cody

Cody is a city in Northwest Wyoming, located just 50 miles from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Named after Buffalo Bill Cody, who founded the town in 1896, Cody is known for its rodeo, which occurs nightly during the summer, and its proximity to Yellowstone and the surrounding wilderness. Unlike Jackson, with its pet spas and high-end shopping, Cody is more authentically cowboy.

The city is the gateway to Yellowstone's east entrance via the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway (US-14/16/20), one of Wyoming's most beautiful drives. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a world-class museum complex with five museums, is Cody's premier attraction. Cody enjoys a semi-arid climate with warm summers (highs 80–90°F) and cold winters (lows 5–20°F). The best time to visit is June through August, when the nightly rodeo runs and the Beartooth Highway is open.

By Plane

Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) is two miles from downtown Cody. Delta Connection flies from Salt Lake City (SLC) and United Express/Mesa Airlines fly from Denver (DEN). Rental cars are available.

By Train

By Car / Road

From the north, take MT-310 from Billings, MT, connecting to WY-120. From the south, take I-25 to Casper, US-20 to Thermopolis, and WY-120 to Cody. From the east, drive across the Bighorn Scenic Byway on WY-14 from Sheridan through Greybull. From the west, drive through Yellowstone National Park on US-191 to WY-14/16/20, the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway. The Beartooth Scenic Byway (US-212) from Red Lodge, MT, is open summer months only and is one of the top 20 drives in the country.

Cody is a small town best explored on foot for downtown attractions, but a car is essential for accessing Yellowstone, the Beartooth Highway, and surrounding wilderness areas.

• Buffalo Bill Center of the West – 720 Sheridan Ave (+1 307-587-4771). Five full museums in one location: Buffalo Bill Cody Museum, Draper Natural History Museum, Firearms Museum (over 10,000 artifacts), Plains Indian Museum, and Whitney Western Art Museum. $23 adults, discounts for seniors/students. Hours vary, usually daily 10AM–5PM.

• Buffalo Bill Dam and Cody Visitor Center – Six miles from the eastern Yellowstone entrance, offering information about the area and views of the dam.

• Old Trail Town – 1831 Demaris Dr (+1 307-587-5302). A collection of authentic frontier buildings relocated to Cody, including the original Hole-in-the-Wall Gang hideout.

• Heart Mountain Interpretive Center – 1539 Road 19 (+1 307-754-8000). A museum telling the story of the Heart Mountain War Relocation Center, where Japanese Americans were interned during World War II.

• Smith Mansion – 2902 N Fork Hwy. Ruins of an extraordinary wooden structure visible from the road in Wapiti between Cody and Yellowstone. Do not enter the property.

• Historic Cody Mural and Museum (Cody Chapel) – 1719 Wyoming Ave (+1 307-587-3290).

• Cody Nite Rodeo – From June 1 to August 31, nightly rodeo with bull riding, steer wrestling, and more. The Cody Stampede Rodeo occurs around the 4th of July and is the biggest summer event.

• Hiking – Cody is a jumping-off point for Yellowstone and the Shoshone National Forest, with numerous trails for all skill levels.

• Dude Ranches – Several ranches in and around Cody offer horseback riding and ranching experiences, many close to Yellowstone National Park. K3 Guest Ranch is one option.

• Buffalo Bill State Park – 4192 Northfork Hwy (+1 307-587-9227). Located along Buffalo Bill Reservoir with walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views.

• Yellowstone Quake Hockey – 1400 Heart Mountain St (+1 307-587-1681). Ice hockey games at the Victor J. Riley Arena.

• Proud Cut Saloon – 1227 Sheridan Ave (+1 307-527-6905). One of Cody's most famous restaurants. Great steaks on a patio with plastic table coverings — more about good food than fancy surroundings.
• Zapata's – 1362 Sheridan Ave (+1 307-527-7181). Mexican food at the end of Cody's main drag. The margaritas and beer are great after a long hike.
• Shiki Japanese Restaurant – 1420 Sheridan Ave. Amazing Japanese food and a great atmosphere.
• Silver Dollar Bar – 1313 Sheridan Ave (+1 307-527-7666). Best burger in town. Must be 21 to eat inside; great patio for summer dining.
• Granny's – 1550 Sheridan Ave (+1 307-587-4829). An old-school institution for breakfast. Excellent value with cinnamon and caramel rolls, amazing pancakes, and great service.

Wyoming is a 24/7 alcohol sales zone. Libations near Walgreens has a good selection of bottled goods and slushy machines with frosted cocktails. The Silver Dollar Bar and Proud Cut Saloon both serve beer and cocktails.

• Budget: Green Creek Inn & RV Park (2908 Northfork Highway, +1-877-587-5004, from $70/night). Clean and cozy rooms in Wapiti between Cody and Yellowstone, with a prime view of Smith Mansion.
• Mid-range: Comfort Inn (1601 Sheridan Ave, +1 307-587-5556) in the heart of downtown with free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Best Western Sunset Motor Inn (1601 8th St, +1 307-587-4265). Holiday Inn (1701 Sheridan Ave, +1 307-587-5555) is a favorite of tour groups.
• Upscale / heritage: The Cody (232 West Yellowstone Ave, +1 307-587-5915) is the only luxury hotel, a green-friendly resort with upscale amenities. Chamberlin Inn is a boutique option.

Excellent outfitters and merchants line Sheridan Avenue, Cody's main drag. The Yellowstone Gift Shop, Legends Bookstore, and the Chamber of Commerce local artists co-op are worth browsing. Cody has the only Walgreens and Walmart within 90 miles. Albertsons is the local grocery store with a wonderful selection — the daily fresh-made guacamole is excellent. Libations near Walgreens is open every day of the year.

• Yellowstone National Park (50 miles west, ~1 hour) – Via the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway to the east entrance.
• Beartooth Highway (via Red Lodge, MT) – One of America's most spectacular drives, open summer months only.
• Casper, WY (175 miles southeast, ~3 hours) – Via US-20 through Thermopolis.
• Sheridan, WY (115 miles east, ~2 hours) – Via the Bighorn Scenic Byway.
• Grand Teton National Park (130 miles west, ~2.5 hours) – Through Yellowstone via the South Entrance.