This summer, head to Western Wyoming for a trip to remember. Along the eastern entrances of Yellowstone National Park, Cody offers a top destination for travelers headed into or out of the Park. With museums, trail rides, a ghost town and the nightly rodeo, Cody has been a favorite for generations. Here are the top things to do in Cody, Wyoming, this summer.
13 Top Things to Do in Cody Wyoming This Summer
Explore Yellowstone National Park
Take a Scenic Drive
Hop a Cody Trolley Tour
Explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Take a Trail Ride
Visit the Old Trail Town
Learn about Bill Cody
See the Buffalo Bill Dam
Attend the Cody Nite Rodeo
Visit Kirwin Ghost Town
Tour the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center
Shoot a Relic at Cody Firearms Experience
Eat a Wyoming Steak
Why Visit Cody
Chances are, if you are in northwestern Wyoming, you are headed to Yellowstone National Park. I totally recommend that. It is stunning, and it is my favorite national park. I visited over 100 different sites across the U.S.
Cody offers true Western hospitality, from the lodging to the dining and outdoor activities. In my opinion, entering Yellowstone National Park from the Northeastern and Eastern entrances is easier, with fewer cars at the entrance gates. The scenic road into Yellowstone is breathtaking as you cross the Absorbka Mountains.
Cody offers all the conveniences of the other gateway communities, like an airport, lodging and dining. However, visitors will find unique things to do in Cody, like the Cody Nite Rodeo and the Kirwin Ghost Town.
Explore Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park embodies the spirit of the West. More than a park, Yellowstone is a truly American experience.
Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the world. Created in 1872, it’s an American icon worthy of a park pilgrimage. It’s so irreplaceable that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors from around the world. Since it’s in the northwest corner of Wyoming, nearly everyone you meet is from somewhere else.
I have visited it several times, and it is my favorite park. It offers many activities and appeals to many people’s interests. From hiking or scenic driving to wildlife viewing or fishing to architectural tours or even painting in the park, visitors can enjoy the landscape.
With lodging and camping clustered in villages, extended families can choose to camp or stay in historic luxury suites within walking distance of each other. Meet your family for a tour or dinner; even the nicest restaurant within Yellowstone National Park is hiking boot-friendly.
Yellowstone is the ideal national park to explore as a family or even as a multi-generational trip. Since it offers so many activities, from hiking to rafting to animal spotting to guided tours, extended groups can enjoy different activities on the same trip.
Top Things to Do in Yellowstone
Top Places to Explore in Yellowstone National Park
- Old Faithful Geyser and Old Faithful Inn
- Yellowstone Lake
- Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
- Lamar or Hayden Valley
- Mammoth Hot Springs
Getting Around Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is open 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. You can purchase a 7-day pass for $35 per vehicle or use an America the Beautiful annual pass ($80). If you are also visiting Grand Teton National Park to the south, it requires a separate 7-day pass.
Yellowstone National Park offers five entrances.
- West Entrance—Closest entrance to Idaho.
- North Entrance—Closest entrance for Bozeman, Montana and open year-round
- Northeast Entrance—Scenic highway to Billings, Montana
- East Entrance—Scenic highway to Cody, Wyoming
- South Entrance—The busiest entrance and gateway to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming.
Seasonal closures affect Yellowstone National Park. July and August are the only months that all roads and facilities are open. Yellowstone doesn’t require timed entry entrance permits.
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Take a Scenic Drive Around Cody
One of the best ways to see the rugged beauty of western Wyoming is to drive its scenic byways. With Yellowstone in the northwest corner of the state, the Absaroka Range (part of the Rocky Mountains) offers an epic backdrop with craggy peaks touching the clouds.
Big Horn Basin Loop
Another top scenic byway is the Big Horn Basin Loop. It travels down to the speck of the town, Meeteetse. This is also the gateway to explore the Ghost Town Kirwin, accessible via UTV or 4WD trucks. The entire loop is 257 miles.
The Big Horn Basin Loop takes Wyoming Highway 120 south through the high desert scenery. After Meeteetse, the route continues to Thermopolis. To make a loop, US 20 heads north to Worland and continues to Basin. Drivers can also check out Ten Sleep with US 16 and Wyoming 31 before turning back west at Basin. Wyoming Highway 30 will join Wyoming Highway 120 south of Cody.
The mountain roads are well-maintained and easy to drive. Cell service is weak outside of Cody so a paper map or downloaded maps are recommended.
East Yellowstone Loop
This is the best route for those heading into the park. It can be driven in any direction and uses two Yellowstone National Park gates.
It is 224 miles just for the loop, which includes the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway and the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.
US Highway 14-16-20 will follow the North Fork of the Shoshone River. Travelers will travel through the Shoshone National Forest, set aside in 1891, before entering Yellowstone’s Eastern Entrance.
From the Grand Loop, travelers head for the Northeastern Entrance at Tower Junction. US Highway 212 is the Beartooth All-American Road and passes through Cooke City and Silver Gate before heading through the pristine mountains (last services for over 50 miles). At the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway or Wyoming Highway 296, roadtrippers head back into Cody.
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Hop On the Cody Trolley Tour
For those visiting Cody for the first time (or with just one day in Cody), hop on a Cody Trolley Tour. With a playful guide and driver, tour-goers will experience all the history and sights in just over an hour. During my visit, I learned a lot about the history and characters of Cody.
Departs from 1192 Sheridan Ave, Cody. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the season. Adults are $28, and youth 6 to 17 are $16. The trolleys run from mid-May until early October.
Explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
This facility is much larger than it appears from the parking lot. In fact, it is five museums in one. The museum traces its roots to 1917 when Buffalo Bill passed away.
Buffalo Bill Museum
Dedicated to the life of William F. Cody and the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show
Plains Indian Museum
Preserves the artifacts of the Arapaho, Lakota, Crow, Cheyenne, Blackfeet and Pawnee people from 1880 to 1930.
Whitney Western Art Museum
Named after sculptor and benefactor Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, and features works from Thomas Moran and Fredric Remington. It is one of the best museums for Western Art.
Draper Natural History Museum
Decided to be in the Greater Yellowstone region, interpretive areas cover the geology and wildlife, including many specimens of Yellowstone wildlife.
Cody Firearms Museum
With a collection of over 7,000 firearms, it features weapons from the 16th century until modern.
The seven-acre building could take two days to explore. It is considered the most extensive museum in the West, and its collection includes more than 50,000 artifacts.
On its grounds, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West hosts a raptor show from March until Labor Day. During the summer, its PowWow grounds offer an authentic Chuckwagon cookout.
The facility includes one of the boyhood homes of Buffalo Bill, along with a playground. Visitors will find a gift shop and cafe.
Located at 720 Sheridan Ave. Open daily from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. during the summer season (May 1 to September 15), from September 16 until October 31 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. In November, March and April, it is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Winter hours are Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Adult admission is $23, and kids (6 to 17) get in for $16 with discounts for seniors and students with those 5 and younger enter for free.
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Take a Trail Ride
Cody and the surrounding area offer 14 guest and dude ranches. Most are located along US Highway 14-16-20 or the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway. For my trail ride, we used Blackwater Creek Ranch.
Its location is nestled in the pristine forest west of Cody. After saddling up, we rode our horses on one of its trails. First, forded a shallow stream, the horses enjoyed the ride as much as I did.
A storm was brewing in the late summer afternoon, and the horses were unaffected. It passed on without more than a sprinkle. Our ride continued through the forest, past late-season wildflowers. During my ride, I focused on the sounds of the forest, from the birds calling to the rustle of the wind.
Located at 1516 N Fork Hwy, Cody. Blackwater Creek Ranch is open from May until September.
Ideal for those up for riding, one-hour to all-day rides are available.
Visit the Old Trail Town
The spirit of the Old West is alive in Cody. To learn more about the early days, I recommend visiting Old Trail Town. With a collection of relocated log cabins, visitors stroll the wood boardwalk between the buildings.
In 1895, Buffalo Bill laid out the town of Cody. The Old Trail Town honors that past with a Wyoming saloon frequented by Cassidy’s “Hole-in-the-Wall Gang.” Visitors will find an additional 28 cabins sourced within 125 miles of Cody. The grave of Jeremiah Johnson is located at the Old Trail Town, a local character featured in a 1972 movie starring Robert Redford.
Located at 1831 Demaris Dr. Open daily during the season (mid-May to September 30) from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Adult admission is $12, and kids (6 to 12) enter for $6, with those 5 and younger entering for free.
Learn About Buffalo Bill
William Cody is an American soldier, bison hunter, and showman. Known professionally as Buffalo Bill, he was one of the most famous and well-known figures of the American Old West. His Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show started in 1887 and toured the U.S. and Europe.
In 1895, Bill Cody helped develop this area. In 1902, he opened the Irma Hotel to accommodate guests visiting the Yellowstone Hotel. He went on to open TE Ranch and operate a dude ranch.
While in Cody, see the Buffalo Bill—The Scout sculpture. Heiress and sculptor Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney sculpted Buffalo Bill after his death and WWI.
At the time, Cody had about 1,000 residents. The monument to the town’s namesake stands on a stack of boulders, and he is riding a horse with his rifle overhead. After meeting Buffalo Bill in 1908, she funded most of the costs, which exceeded $50,000 at the time.
Later, her son, Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, funded the Western Art Museum in Cody.
Located at 720 Sheridan Ave. Free to visit.
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See the Buffalo Bill Dam
Built in 1910 (before Hoover Dam), Buffalo Bill Dam was the tallest dam at the time. Keeping the Shoshone River in check, visitors can walk out on the dam and learn more about the animal species of the area along with the dam’s construction inside its visitor center.
Located at 4808 N Fork Hwy, Cody. It is open daily from May 1 to September 30. Monday through Friday, the hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The center is free to enter.
Attend the Cody Nite Rodeo
For a true taste of Cody, Wyoming, I recommend the Cody Nite Rodeo. Packed with Wyoming cowboys and cowgirls, the Cody Nite Rodeo is an authentic rodeo experience.
As the sun sets, the dust gets kicked up as the contestants get geared up for their event. A summertime ritual since 1938, visitors will see events like barrel racing, bareback riding and breakaway roping. Don’t forget the most exhilarating event of the night, bull riding and its colorful rodeo clown.
Located at 519 W. Yellowstone Ave., Cody. Cody Night Rodeo is held nightly from June 1 to August 31. Adult admission is $24, kids (7 to 12) are $12.50, and those 6 and younger enter for free.
Visit Kirwin Ghost Town
About 30 miles south of Cody, Meeteetse is a speck of a town. For an exhilarating day of off-grid exploring, I rented a UTV and ventured out to a ghost town.
Long lost to the elements, Kirwin is deep up in the mountains where prospectors build a camp for mining gold and silver. High up in the Absaroka Mountains, it is located about 38 miles southwest of Meeteetse and the journey is more than half the fun.
Located at 1902 State St., Meeteetsie, the park offers all-day rides for $389 for up to six people. Drivers must be 25 years old. Bring water, lunch and snacks for the day. Layers are also recommended, as the temperatures are cooler in the mountains. Kirwin Ghost Town Adventures operates from mid-May to the end of October, depending on the weather.
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My Experience with Kirwin Ghost Town Adventures
To get to Kirwin, I rented a Polaris UTV from the Kirwin Ghost Town Adventures in Meeteetse. We got driving instructions, a map (there was no cell service), a full tank of gas, and a Garmin InReach Satellite Communicator.
Taking Hwy 290 (a paved road) out of town, we turned off the highway onto Wood River Road (Hwy 220). At the end of that road, the adventure began. Entering the Shoshone National Forest, the 4×4 road passed several creeks as it climbed up to 9,000 feet to the Kirwin Ghost Town.
The Absaroka Mountains towered above me as I navigated the well-defined road. The ride was smile-wide fun with its turns, bumpy terrain and splashy creek crossings. My trip had a hard-packed road and never felt sketchy to me.
The 4×4 road ended 26 miles later, and to get to Kirwin, I crossed the Wood River via a footbridge. Discovered in the late 1800s, the Wood River Mining District was declared in 1891 and included Kirwin.
One of several mines, Kirwin was once home to 200 miners and their families, though it never produced enough gold and silver ore to become profitable. The railroad never arrived, and wintertime avalanches destroyed buildings. The miners abandoned the area when funding became scarce in the early 1900s, leaving cabins and mine shaft buildings intact.
The remains of Kirwin are free to enter in the shadow of Bald Mountain and Mount Sniffel. I peeked inside several of the buildings, including the Shaft House of the Wolf Mine. It includes its original mining equipment and offers an interesting look into the past.
The area offers several areas for picnicking, though no tables. Find seasonal vault toilets close by.
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Tour the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center
After Pearl Harbor was attacked, President Roosevelt ordered all Japanese immigrants to be moved and detained for the war. On February 19, 1942, Executive Order 9066 forced Japanese immigrants and first-generation American citizens of Japanese ancestry into assembly centers.
Those detained, many in family groups, moved from their homes in days with what they could carry. From the assembly centers, people boarded trains to highly guarded camps until further notice.
The U.S. government built the camps mainly across the western U.S. One of the ten relocation camps was in Park County, Wyoming.
Eventually home to over 10,000 people, Heart Mountain, named after the nearby butte of the same name, included 46,000 acres, 740 acres were used for housing detainees. The 650 buildings were put up quickly and resembled military housing.
During their time at Heart Mountain, detainees were expected to work and earn a small salary. Life inside the camp included a hospital, schools, a garment factory, and other shops.
Visitors can walk through the interpretive center to learn about the Japanese immigrants. Displays include examples of the barracks and the living conditions they provided. The exhibits also include recorded commentary from former residents, many of whom were children at the time of their incarceration.
Located at 1539 Rd 19, Powell. Open daily from mid-Mary to early October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open from early October to mid-May from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $14, students are $10, and kids 9 and younger are free.
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Shoot a Relic at Cody Firearms Experience
For those with a hankering to shoot a relic of the Old West, the Cody Firearms Experience is your destination. During my visit, I was a bit overwhelmed with the selection of firearms.
Hunting isn’t one of my hobbies, though I learned to shoot guns (mainly BB guns and small rifles) as a kid. The staff at the Cody Firearms Experience helped me find something memorable since I am a female history buff.
Located at 142 W Yellowstone Ave., Cody. Open daily year-round from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Age restrictions to shoot though kids 8 to 12 can shoot a .22 caliber and the Gatling Gun. Those 12 and older can shoot all calibers except full automatic weapons. Prices start at $49 per person, depending on weapon.
My Experience at Cody Firearms Experience
I chose the Winchester 1873, a factory-made 44-40 caliber rifle favored by Annie Oakley. The original is a museum piece, and Buffalo Bill gave her the gun.
My range officer reviewed the safety rules as we secured our ear and eye protection. Then we went to the indoor range for a lesson.
My range officer made me feel comfortable with the antique weapon, and he shot off a plank first. I followed then he added a bullet for me to get the feel of its feel.
When I was ready, he added the rest of the ammunition, and I unloaded on my target. He even mentioned that these weapons weren’t as accurate, so my target was pretty good.
After shooting the Winchester 1873, he escorted me to the Model 1862 Gatling Gun. After setting the sight, my range officer loaded it up with a round of 20.
I stood behind the antique weapon on two large wheels and then cranked it once. It almost felt like an old crank corn husker. With a few turns of the handles, I had shot my ammunition at my target. It was surprisingly smooth.
Note: Under no circumstances will visitors be allowed to shoot if they have been drinking or using recreational drugs. The staff is former law enforcement and military.
Where to Eat in Cody
Breakfast, To Go and Treats
Sitti’s Table
This market offers breakfast, salads and sandwiches to-go. I went with the Mediterranean Grain Salad.
Located at 1034 13th St., Cody. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. for food and open until 4 p.m. for the market.
The Bigg Chill
For the ice cream lovers, the Big Chill hand-dips cones with inventive flavors like White Chocolate Huckleberry and Strawberry Honey Balsamic. Traditionalists will find the Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Brownie along with kids favorite Birthday Cake.
Located at 1321 Sheridan Ave., Cody. Open daily from Noon – 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).
Lunch
Trailhead Bar Grill Wood-Fired Pizza
Its wood-fired pizzas are not to be missed. The crust is perfectly baked, and the toppings are fresh. I also had its Grilled Caesar Salad, with a heart of romaine grilled and served with fried capers, crispy prosciutto, shaved parmesan, Caesar dressing and croutons. It was delish, and I recommend this twist on the classic.
Located at 1326 Beck Ave., Cody. Open from Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (closed Monday).
Dinner
Wyoming is beef country, so I had five filets in five days. I ate salad when I got home.
Chuckwagon Dinner at the PowWow Grounds by 2 Mules Chuckwagon
Sharing a meal outdoors is hard to beat. For an authentic Chuckwagon meal, I highly recommend reserving a dinner with 2 Mules Chuckwagon.
I learned how the cowboys cooked before the days of gas grills. With their 1902 chuckwagon, 2 Mules Chuckwagon sets up on the PowWow Grounds for an authentic chuckwagon cookout.
With a blend of Dutch and open-fire cooking, diners enjoy Mile-High Sourdough Biscuits, Trail Beans and cooked-to-order NY Strips. As the sun dips towards the mountains, diners can watch the magic happen, from preparing the fire to mixing the biscuit dough to seasoning the steaks.
Sitting in the shade of trees, I saddled up to the picnic table with a plate with my steak, a scoop of beans and the most perfect biscuit. The biscuit got a slap of butter, and I let that melt for a minute before I grabbed my steak knife. After the first bite, I wanted to know 2 Mules Chuckwagon’s seasoning mix. It was perfect.
The biscuits were light and fluffy, so I had two. The beans were spicy and smokey. Not to be outdone, dinner followed with a Dutch oven-baked fruit cobbler with vanilla ice cream.
Located at 720 Sheridan Ave., Cody. Adult dinner is $50, and kids (10 and younger) are $20. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Dinner is served on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Reservations are made through the Center of the West.
Cody Cattle Company
For a buffet dinner with a show, then the Cody Cattle Company is the way to go. Ryan Martin and the Triple C Cowboys offer an evening of originals plus sign-along classics. The all-you-can-eat dinner includes Beef Brisket, BBQ Chicken, Baked Beans, Potatoes, Cole Slaw and more. Just save room for brownies for dessert. Beer and wine are available.
Located at 1910 Demaris Dr., Cody. Dinner is served from Memorial Day weekend until mid-September. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show starts at 6:30 p.m. Adults are $48 for dinner, and the show with kids (6 – 12) eating for $21.50.
Cody Steakhouse
For fine dining in Cody, the Cody Steakhouse is the destination. Its menu blends the best of the West, like its beef, with regional favorites from across the U.S. During my visit, I sampled the fried green tomatoes with lump crab meat, bleu cheese and a balsamic reduction. Then, I grabbed a (or two) Steak Crostini with Angus Beef on a baguette with bleu cheese and Onion Jam.
I went with a 6-ounce Filet, just always the right size for me and cooked medium rare. I had a baked potato all the way. Additionally, the Cody Steakhouse served a trio of vegetables on the side.
In addition to beef, the Cody Steakhouse served Bison Filets, chicken fried steak and pork. fish, sandwiches, and chicken dishes also fill out the menu. A kids’ menu is available, as are beer, wine and cocktails.
Located at 1367 Sheridan Ave., Cody. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
The Irma Hotel
The historic Irma Hotel is the place to go for a buffet meal with prime rib. Named after his daughter, Buffalo Bill opened this hotel in 1902.
With a breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet, The Irma Hotel is popular with groups. During the summer season, there’s a gun show out front.
Be sure to check out its gift shop, which offers spectacular boots in an array of colors and leathers. The Irma Hotel Gift Shop also offers lots of Western wear.
Located at 1192 Sheridan Ave., Cody. Open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where to Stay in Cody
Best Western Sunset Inn
Welcoming everyone with Western Hospitality, the Best Western Sunset Inn in Cody, Wyoming, offers 120 rooms in a motor court-style property. Located near top Cody attractions, guests can spot deer walking through the property.
Rooms range from one King Bed to multi-bed suites perfect for large families. Most rooms are on the ground floor and several offer patios for lounging.
The property offers an indoor and outdoor pool, outdoor playscape, fitness center, business center and a large guest laundry. The Best Western Sunset Inn offers a complimentary hot breakfast, Wifi and free parking. The complimentary breakfast, which includes all-American breakfast classics, is available daily in the lobby. Outside, the Best Western Sunset Inn features a covered patio for a pancake station. Cooks label batter onto the flattop and add a guest’s favorite toppings, like berries, bananas and chocolate chips.
Located at 1601 8th St, Cody.
This article was produced after a media trip to Cody, Wyoming.
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