Cody Wyoming
Cody, Wyoming: The 'Rodeo Capital of the World' and gateway to Yellowstone, offering a deep dive into Wild West history and authentic cowboy culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Rodeo thrills and cooler temps
Cody Wyoming
Best Time
Rodeo thrills and cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cody, Wyoming: The 'Rodeo Capital of the World' and gateway to Yellowstone, offering a deep dive into Wild West history and authentic cowboy culture.
"Loved my time in Cody Yellowstone! Friendly people, unbelievable sights, and lots of cool history."
Book Yellowstone Early
Cody is a popular gateway to Yellowstone. Book hotels & rental cars months ahead, especially for summer!
Don't Miss the Rodeo!
The Cody Nite Rodeo is a nightly spectacle. Grab tickets early for a true taste of the Wild West!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Multiple Museums
Five world-class museums under one roof, celebrating the American West, firearms, and natural history. A must-visit for history buffs!
Cody Nite Rodeo
Cody Rodeo Grounds
Experience authentic cowboy action with nightly rodeo performances showcasing thrilling events and skilled riders. Pure Western entertainment!
Old Trail Town
Cody, Wyoming
Step back in time at this meticulously preserved frontier town, featuring historic buildings and artifacts from the Old West.
Irma Hotel
Downtown Cody
A historic landmark built by Buffalo Bill himself, offering a glimpse into the past with its charming architecture and Western ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gateway to Yellowstone
Embrace the Western Spirit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Any Cody redditors have any advice on what to do while I'm here for the next few days?
Book Yellowstone Early
Cody is a popular gateway to Yellowstone. Book hotels & rental cars months ahead, especially for summer!
Don't Miss the Rodeo!
The Cody Nite Rodeo is a nightly spectacle. Grab tickets early for a true taste of the Wild West!
Getting to Cody? Best way in your opinion?
Cody, WY vs West Yellowstone
Explore the Museums
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is huge! Allocate ample time to explore its five museums.
Dine Like a Cowboy
Enjoy hearty Western fare. Some find food pricey, but the experience is worth it!
Two and a half days mid July, coming in from Cody and staying in West Yellowstone.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Yellowstone Early
Cody is a popular gateway to Yellowstone. Book hotels & rental cars months ahead, especially for summer!
Don't Miss the Rodeo!
The Cody Nite Rodeo is a nightly spectacle. Grab tickets early for a true taste of the Wild West!
Explore the Museums
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is huge! Allocate ample time to explore its five museums.
Dine Like a Cowboy
Enjoy hearty Western fare. Some find food pricey, but the experience is worth it!
Wildlife Sightings
Keep an eye out for bison and other wildlife! A truly unforgettable experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cody, Wyoming, for its rich Western heritage, friendly atmosphere, and stunning natural surroundings, especially its role as a gateway to Yellowstone. While many find the town's historical attractions and the nightly rodeo exhilarating, some note that food prices can be high and express concerns about inclusivity.
"Loved my time in Cody Yellowstone! Friendly people, unbelievable sights, and lots of cool history."
Mayo
"Loved my time in Cody Yellowstone! Friendly people, unbelievable sights, and lots of cool history. Plus, this was the first (and, as of now, only) place I've ever seen a bison — a moment worthy of five stars on its own!
Can't wait to get back here soon!"
Adam Barrett
"Great spot just stay away from the wildlife"
Brenn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most travelers fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) and connect to Cody (COD) via United Airlines. Be prepared for potential layovers. Alternatively, you can fly into Billings, Montana (BIL), which is about a 2.5-hour drive to Cody. Driving is also a popular option, especially if you're coming from nearby national parks.
Yes, Cody is accessible by car. Major highways lead into the town, making it a convenient stop for road trips. The scenic drives through Wyoming are part of the adventure!
Cody is located about 50 miles from the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The drive itself is scenic and takes approximately 1 hour.
While direct shuttle services are not widely advertised, many tour operators offer guided trips from Cody to Yellowstone. It's best to check with local tour companies for current offerings.
US Highway 14, 16, and 20 all converge and lead into Cody, Wyoming, making it easily accessible from various directions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to purchase tickets for the Cody Nite Rodeo in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West typically opens daily around 9 AM and closes at 5 PM, with extended hours in the summer. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Admission to Old Trail Town is usually a modest fee, which helps maintain the historic site. Check their website or inquire locally for current pricing.
While there aren't typically combined passes for all attractions, purchasing tickets for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Cody Nite Rodeo separately is common. Look for any package deals offered by hotels.
Yes, many attractions, including the Cody Nite Rodeo and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, offer online ticket purchasing for convenience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the Cody Nite Rodeo, Old Trail Town, and the historic Irma Hotel are considered essential experiences in Cody.
Absolutely! Families love Cody for its engaging museums, the exciting rodeo, and its proximity to Yellowstone. Old Trail Town also offers a fun historical adventure for kids.
Beyond Yellowstone, enjoy the Cody Nite Rodeo, explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, visit Old Trail Town, and experience the historic Irma Hotel. There are also opportunities for scenic drives and outdoor recreation.
The downtown area of Cody is quite walkable, with many shops, restaurants, and the Irma Hotel concentrated in a few blocks. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a bit further out but still accessible on foot for many.
Attending the Cody Nite Rodeo is a quintessential Wild West experience. Visiting Old Trail Town and learning about Buffalo Bill at the Center of the West also immerses you in the era.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Cody offers classic American fare with a Western flair. Expect steakhouses, burgers, and hearty meals. The Irma Hotel is known for its dining.
Yes, Cody has a variety of dining options, from casual diners to more upscale restaurants. Many establishments offer a taste of local flavor and Western hospitality.
Some visitors find food prices in Cody to be on the higher side, especially in tourist-centric areas. Budgeting for meals is advisable.
Several local cafes and diners serve breakfast in Cody. The Irma Hotel and various independent eateries are good places to start your day.
Dining at the historic Irma Hotel offers a unique experience, stepping back in time. Many restaurants also feature Western-themed decor and menus.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic Irma Hotel, the Western architecture downtown, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and the scenic drives leading to and from Cody offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the Cody Nite Rodeo, but be mindful of the action and avoid obstructing others' views.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful light for capturing the Western landscapes and town architecture.
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a prime location for photos related to Buffalo Bill. His statue in the town center is also a popular spot.
A versatile zoom lens is useful for capturing both landscapes and rodeo action. A wide-angle lens can be great for townscapes and historic buildings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Old Trail Town provides a hands-on historical experience, allowing kids to explore a real frontier town. Many hotels in Cody are family-friendly and offer amenities to make your stay comfortable. Consider booking accommodations with pools for extra fun. The proximity to Yellowstone also means easy access to wildlife viewing opportunities, a major highlight for young travelers.
🤠 History Buffs & Western Enthusiasts
Beyond the Center, Old Trail Town offers a tangible connection to the frontier era, with meticulously preserved buildings and artifacts. The Irma Hotel provides a glimpse into the early 20th-century West, a place where Buffalo Bill himself entertained. Experiencing the Cody Nite Rodeo connects you to the enduring traditions of cowboy culture.
🚗 Road Trippers & Yellowstone Explorers
When planning your trip, remember that accommodations in Cody can book up quickly, especially during the summer months. It's wise to secure your lodging and any desired activities, like the Cody Nite Rodeo, well in advance. The town itself offers plenty to see and do, making it a worthwhile stop even beyond its role as a Yellowstone gateway.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West: A Western Mecca
Many visitors recommend allocating at least half a day, if not a full day, to fully appreciate the depth and breadth of exhibits. The sheer volume of artifacts and information can be overwhelming, so planning which museums to prioritize based on your interests is a good strategy. Look for special exhibits that might be running during your visit.
Travelers often highlight the interactive elements within the museums, making them engaging for all ages. The detailed historical context provided by the exhibits offers a profound understanding of the West's development and its enduring legacy. It's a cornerstone of any visit to Cody, Wyoming.
Experiencing the Cody Nite Rodeo
It's advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially during the busy summer months, as performances can sell out. Arriving a bit early allows you to soak in the pre-rodeo buzz and find good seats. The rodeo grounds are easily accessible from most accommodations in Cody.
Beyond the main events, the Cody Nite Rodeo offers a genuine taste of Western culture and entertainment. It’s a family-friendly event that provides a memorable evening and a true sense of the cowboy spirit that defines Cody, Wyoming.
Cody's Historic Charm: The Irma Hotel
Visitors can choose to stay overnight in the historic rooms, offering a unique opportunity to sleep in a piece of Western lore. Even if you're not staying, the Irma Hotel is a must-visit for its ambiance, its dining room which serves classic American cuisine, and its saloon. It’s a place where you can truly feel the spirit of the Old West.
Experiencing the Irma Hotel is like stepping back in time. It’s a central part of Cody's identity and a perfect place to absorb the town's historical narrative. Don't miss the chance to admire its preserved beauty and perhaps enjoy a meal or a drink.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit