Nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Absaroka Range, Cody, Wyoming, beckons travelers to immerse themselves in a tapestry woven with Western heritage, outdoor adventures, and cultural treasures. As you venture into this charming town, immerse yourself in Cody’s rich history, scenic nature, and rural town culture.
Founded in 1896 by Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, Cody, Wyoming, serves as the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Buffalo Bill’s influence is evident in landmarks like the historic Irma Hotel and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a complex of five museums showcasing Western history and culture. The town earned the title “Rodeo Capital of the World” and hosts the long-running Cody Nite Rodeo. Cody’s proximity to Yellowstone, its Old Trail Town outdoor museum, and the Cody Firearms Museum make it a vibrant hub celebrating the Old West spirit and the legacy of Buffalo Bill Cody.
Things to Do in Cody, WY
Cody is home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a cultural sanctuary that transports you through time. Immerse yourself in the artistic expressions of the West, delve into the intricate stories of Plains Indians, and witness the life of the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody. It’s more than a museum; it’s an immersive exploration of the heritage that shaped this corner of the world.
For those seeking outdoor thrills, Cody is a haven of possibilities. The Shoshone National Forest unfolds as a vast playground, offering hiking trails that lead to panoramic vistas, horseback riding through untamed landscapes, and fishing in pristine mountain waters. It’s a symphony of nature’s wonders waiting to be explored. Embark on scenic drives that unfold like masterpieces of nature. The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and the Beartooth Highway guide you through landscapes of breathtaking beauty, where rugged mountains and alpine plateaus stretch to the horizon.
As the sun dips below the horizon, embrace the palpable energy of the Cody Nite Rodeo. The air is charged with anticipation as fearless riders take center stage, demonstrating the skill and courage that define the cowboy way of life. It’s a nightly spectacle that draws you into the heart of the Wild West’s rugged spirit.
As night falls, Cody transforms into a vibrant tapestry of nightlife and dining. Experience Western-themed bars resonating with live music, and indulge in a culinary journey that spans hearty cowboy fare to gourmet delights.
Lodging options seamlessly blend Western charm with modern comforts, offering visitors a diverse range of accommodations to suit every taste. Rustic lodges and resorts, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Absaroka Range, provide a cozy retreat with scenic views. Cozy cabins and cottages offer a more secluded and intimate experience, while hotels and motels cater to various budgets, providing convenient access to the town’s attractions. Vacation rentals, from homes to condos, allow for a personalized stay, while campgrounds and RV parks embrace the adventurous spirit with proximity to outdoor activities. Whether you seek the warmth of a bed & breakfast, the amenities of a hotel, or the tranquility of a cabin, Cody ensures a comfortable and memorable stay, inviting visitors to unwind and immerse themselves in the authentic Western atmosphere.
Embarking on a tour with Yellowstone Safari Company from Cody, Wyoming, is an entrancing journey into the heart of the wild. Knowledgeable guides lead you through the untamed landscapes surrounding Cody, offering a captivating narrative of the region’s natural wonders and wildlife. The tours, thoughtfully crafted, provide an immersive experience, from the iconic Yellowstone National Park to lesser-known gems, like the McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Herd Management Area, that reveal the area’s ecological diversity. As you traverse the rugged terrain, each moment unfolds as an opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and encounter the diverse wildlife that calls this region home. Whether it’s a wildlife safari, a geyser exploration, or a photography-focused excursion, Yellowstone Safari Company ensures an enriching adventure by blending education, exploration, and a deep appreciation for the pristine beauty that defines the Cody, Wyoming wilderness.
Explore Yellowstone National Park with a professional naturalist guide.
Yellowstone National Park is one of America’s great treasures. This full day safari will show off the highlights of this incredible place; volcanic thermal features, giant waterfalls, diverse wildlife, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Yellowstone Lake. Throughout the day we will drive scenic roads, walk historic boardwalks, enjoy the peace of natural landscapes and use our optics to view wildlife. Your guide is your driver, and their goal is to cover as many of Yellowstone’s famous features as they can in a day.
Yellowstone National Park showcases some of the best and most diverse wildlife in North America. Our full day wildlife safari endeavors to highlight the hundreds of species of animals and birds that thrive in this protected ecosystem. We will visit valleys, river systems, and forests throughout central and northern Yellowstone, a region lovingly referred to as America’s Serengeti. Throughout the Northern Range especially, we will search for predators, like wolves and bears, as they hunt through herds of bison and elk. Each eco tour is led by a professional naturalist who will use high powered optics to find and observe wildlife at a distance as well as show you animal tracks and sign right at your feet.
Join us on an eco tour adventure through McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Management Area, located about 25 minutes east of Cody, WY. This landscape is a vast, high-desert environment marked on the edges by rocky badlands and views of the Bighorn and Absaroka Mountain Ranges in the distance. Our journey here will pass through expansive sage fields, wind along small springs and creeks, set up viewing stations at ancient watering holes, and traversing rolling grasslands where wildlife such as pronghorn, coyotes, hawks, eagles and songbirds are all present. Our main goal is to find and observe a unique wild mustang herd, with horses ranging in color, size and personality who form fascinating family units living off the land in their wild and untouched state.
Yellowstone National Park offers opportunities to view a wide diversity of wildlife and landscape unmatched throughout the lower 48 States. This full-day journey from Cody into Northern Yellowstone and over the famed Beartooth Pass endeavors to highlight the hundreds of species of animals and birds that thrive in this protected ecosystem, as well as spectacular mountain vistas. Along the way we will explore the valleys, river systems, and forests where we search for our predators such as bears and wolves, and herds of ungulates such as bison, elk and pronghorn in a region lovingly referred to as America’s Serengeti. We will then climb over 10,000 ft in elevation and view the volcanic behemoths that are the Absaroka Mountains; an area referred to as the Top of the World.
The McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Herd Management Area (HMA) is located 12-27 miles east of Cody and is home to wild mustangs believed to be descendants of Buffalo Bill’s horses. Join us on a day tour to the region to explore outside of Yellowstone National Park.
Cody’s rodeo runs nightly from June 1st through August 31st.
Nestled just 52 miles east of the park’s iconic East Entrance, Cody serves as an ideal gateway for visitors seeking adventure and cultural experiences near Yellowstone National Park. Known for its rich cowboy history, Cody offers a unique blend of outdoor activities, world-class museums, and the famous Cody Nite Rodeo, making it a perfect destination to complement your Yellowstone National Park adventure. Whether you’re interested in exploring the pristine wilderness of Yellowstone or immersing yourself in the Old West, Cody hosts a variety of historical, cultural, and outdoor options for you and your friends and family.
So glad we did the guided tour. We did two tours with Yellowstone Safari Co. during our stay. The first was the highlights of the park and that was worth it - just in the time they saved us by knowing where to go when. The second was the wildlife tour and I never expected to see all that we did - wolf, badger, foxes, bears, mountain goats, coyote, elk, and of course bison. We would never have been able to find them all on our own. The guides were both great, highly recommend.
All photography has been shot by our talented tour guides.
Yellowstone is one of the most popular National Parks, and it’s no wonder why. Between the stunning scenery, unique wildlife, and hot springs, there’s plenty to do and see during your stay, no matter the season.
Yellowstone National Park truly has something for everyone. From wildlife watchers to geyser gazers, and history buffs to the most intrepid of explorers, this iconic wonderland offers endless opportunities for observation, adventure, and inspiration.