is one of the best places in the USA to start. Nestled in
, just east of Yellowstone, Cody is packed with cowboy history, big mountain views, and classic small-town charm.
Whether you’re planning a family road trip, a couple’s getaway, or you’re just passing through on your way to Yellowstone, here are
that you won’t want to miss.
1. Step Back in Time at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
If you only have time for one thing in Cody, make it the
Buffalo Bill Center of the West. It’s more than just a museum—think of it as
five museums under one roof.
You’ll find:
Plan at least half a day. Honestly, you could spend a full day here and still feel like you missed something.
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what to do in Cody, Wyoming or looking for
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2. Watch a Real Rodeo at the Cody Nite Rodeo
Cody calls itself the
“Rodeo Capital of the World”, and it’s not just a slogan. From early June through August, the
Cody Nite Rodeo runs every evening.
Expect:
- Bull riding and bronc riding
- Barrel racing
- Rodeo clowns and crowd-pleasing commentary
- Kids’ events like calf “scrambles” some nights
The rodeo grounds are just a short drive from downtown, and the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. Even if you’ve never seen a rodeo before, you’ll pick it up quickly. Grab some kettle corn, bundle up if it’s cool, and settle in for a classic Western night.
3. Cruise the Scenic Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway
Heading west from Cody toward Yellowstone, you’ll drive the
Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14/16/20). This stretch of road is one of the most beautiful drives in Wyoming.
Along this route you’ll see:
- Steep canyon walls along the Shoshone River
- Towering rock formations that look like castle walls
- Chances to spot bighorn sheep, deer, or even a bear
- Pullouts with picnic areas and photo spots
It’s only about an hour to Yellowstone’s
East Entrance, but you’ll want to stop often. If you’re road-tripping, this scenic drive alone makes Cody worth a detour.
4. Explore Old Trail Town & the Old West Cemetery
On the west side of Cody, just before you hit the rodeo grounds, you’ll find
Old Trail Town. It’s a collection of authentic frontier buildings moved from around Wyoming and carefully preserved in one spot.
You can:
- Walk through original 1800s cabins and saloons
- See Butch Cassidy’s “Hole-in-the-Wall” cabin
- Visit graves of famous and infamous Western figures
- Get a feel for what life was really like in a frontier town
If you grew up watching Westerns or you’re just curious about cowboy history, this place feels like stepping onto a movie set—except it’s real.
5. Take a Day Trip Into Yellowstone National Park (East Entrance)
One of the biggest reasons people stay in Cody is its easy access to
Yellowstone National Park. The
East Entrance is about 50 miles west of town, and the drive itself is part of the experience.
From Cody, it makes a great day trip. You can:
- Drive along Yellowstone Lake
- Spot bison, elk, and maybe a grizzly from a safe distance
- Visit thermal areas like Mud Volcano and Hayden Valley if you push farther in
If you want fewer crowds than the busier entrances, the East Entrance is a solid choice. Just start early—summer days fill up fast, and wildlife often moves more at dawn and dusk.
6. Hike and Play Around Buffalo Bill Reservoir & State Park
Just west of Cody sits
Buffalo Bill Reservoir and
Buffalo Bill State Park, backed by the rugged
Absaroka Mountains. This is a great spot when you want some fresh air without a full-on backcountry adventure.
Here you can:
- Walk easy trails with big mountain views
- Have a picnic by the water
- Fish for trout (check local regulations)
- Camp in designated campgrounds
On a clear day, the blue water against the rocky peaks is stunning. It’s also a quieter alternative to the busier areas inside Yellowstone.
7. Learn at the Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center
Right by the reservoir is the
Buffalo Bill Dam, once one of the tallest concrete dams in the world when it was completed in the early 1900s. It’s a quick but worthwhile stop.
At the visitor center you can:
- Walk out on the dam and look straight down into the canyon
- Read about how the dam changed farming and life in Park County
- See old photos and equipment from the construction days
If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who loves history and engineering, this is a fun, easy side trip from Cody—just a short drive west along the highway.
8. Go Wildlife Watching in the North Fork Shoshone Area
As you drive between Cody and Yellowstone along the
North Fork of the Shoshone River, you’re traveling through prime wildlife country. This stretch of Park County is sometimes called the “wildlife corridor” into Yellowstone.
What might you see?
- Bighorn sheep on the rocky cliffs
- Elk and deer in the meadows
- Bald eagles along the river
- Occasional black bears or grizzlies (keep your distance and stay in your vehicle)
Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens if you can. And remember: these animals are wild. Stay back, follow posted signs, and never feed wildlife.
9. Stroll Historic Downtown Cody
Don’t rush past downtown. Cody’s main streets are full of Western character and are easy to explore on foot.
You’ll find:
- Locally owned shops with handmade Western gear, art, and souvenirs
- Cafés and diners serving hearty comfort food
- Classic Western bars with live music some nights
- Seasonal events, parades, and festivals
If you like to “people-watch,” grab a coffee or an ice cream cone and sit outside for a while. You’ll see a mix of locals in boots and hats, touring motorcyclists, families in hiking gear, and international visitors heading to Yellowstone.
10. Saddle Up for a Horseback Ride in Park County
It’s hard to beat seeing Wyoming from the back of a horse. Several outfitters around Cody and throughout Park County offer
guided horseback rides, from one-hour strolls to full-day adventures.
On a typical ride you might:
- Follow forest trails with mountain views
- Cross small creeks and open meadows
- Hear stories about local history and ranch life from your guide
You don’t need experience; most rides are beginner-friendly, and the horses are used to new riders. If you’ve ever wanted that “ride into the sunset” moment, this is your chance.
Final Tips for Visiting Cody, Wyoming
To make the most of your trip to Cody and Park County:
- Best time to visit: Late May through September for warm weather, open mountain roads, and the full summer rodeo and event schedule.
- Altitude: Cody sits around 5,000 feet above sea level. Take it easy your first day, drink plenty of water, and don’t overdo it.
- Layers are your friend: Mornings can be cool, afternoons warm, and evenings chilly—even in July.
- Drive times: Distances in Wyoming can be deceiving. Roads are often two-lane, and wildlife or weather can slow you down. Build in extra time.
Cody makes a great base for exploring
Yellowstone National Park, the
Absaroka Mountains, and the wide-open spaces of
northwest Wyoming. But it’s also worth a visit on its own, especially if you love the idea of mixing outdoor adventure with real Western history.
Have You Been to Cody?
Have you visited Cody or Park County, Wyoming?
Which of these
10 things to do near Cody would you put at the top of your list?
Share your experiences, hidden gems, or questions in the comments below—your tips can help other travelers planning their own Western road trip.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s dreaming about visiting Yellowstone or exploring the American West.
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