Cody Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Experience the authentic spirit of the American West in the town built by Buffalo Bill, serving as the adventurous eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park. From world-class museums and nightly rodeos to rugged outdoor landscapes, Cody offers a legendary Wyoming escape.
Cody is more than just a stopover on the way to Yellowstone; it is a destination that captures the romantic and rugged spirit of the American West. Founded by the legendary showman William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the town retains an authentic cowboy charm that is increasingly rare. Wide streets, historic sandstone buildings, and the backdrop of jagged mountains create an atmosphere that feels like stepping onto a movie set, yet the hospitality here is genuinely warm and grounded.
Visitors are often surprised by the depth of culture and history available in this high-desert town. Whether you are marveling at the sheer scale of the Buffalo Bill Dam or walking the wooden boardwalks of Old Trail Town, the connection to the frontier era is palpable. It is a place where the rodeo is still the main event, the local saloon is the town meeting place, and the wilderness is always just a few minutes away.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The Town That Buffalo Bill Built
Unlike many western towns that boomed and busted with mining, Cody was deliberately planned as a tourism and agricultural hub. Buffalo Bill leveraged his international fame to bring investors and infrastructure to this corner of Wyoming in the late 1890s. The result is a community that honors its founder at every turn, from the sprawling historical center to the iconic hotel that bears his daughter’s name, Irma. This deep respect for heritage makes Cody a living museum of the frontier era.
Beyond the history, Cody serves as the “Rodeo Capital of the World.” For over 80 years, the Cody Nite Rodeo has been a summer staple, providing nightly action that allows visitors to witness the grit and skill of cowboy competition. This tradition ensures that the western lifestyle isn’t just a performance for tourists, but an active, breathing part of the local community’s daily life.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Often called the 'Smithsonian of the West,' this massive facility houses five distinct world-class museums covering firearms, natural history, western art, and the life of Buffalo Bill.
Cody Nite Rodeo
Known as the longest-running nightly rodeo in the world, this high-energy event offers a genuine taste of cowboy culture with bronc riding, calf roping, and barrel racing.
Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tour
Take a guided van tour through the McCullough Peaks to view wild mustangs roaming freely against a backdrop of colorful badlands and high desert scenery.
Old Trail Town
Walk through a collection of authentic 1890s frontier buildings moved to the site, including the hideout cabin used by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Buffalo Bill Center of the West - This is a massive Smithsonian-affiliate complex housing five museums under one roof. You can easily spend two days here exploring the Draper Natural History Museum, the Plains Indian Museum, and more. Tickets are $23 USD for adults and grant entry for two consecutive days.
Cody Nite Rodeo - Running nightly from June 1 through August 31, this is the premier summer event. Gates open at 7:00 PM with action starting at 8:00 PM. Tickets are generally around $25 USD, and it’s located at Stampede Park on the west edge of town.
Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center - Located 6 miles west of Cody, this concrete arch dam was the tallest in the world when completed in 1910. The visitor center is free to enter, though a small fee may apply for guided tours, and the walk across the top offers vertigo-inducing views of the canyon.
Old Trail Town - Just off the Yellowstone Highway, this site features 26 authentic frontier buildings from the 1890s, dismantled and reassembled here. Admission is roughly $12 USD. It includes the grave of Jeremiah Johnson and an original hideout cabin used by the Wild Bunch.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Cody usually involves flying into Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD), which offers connections from major hubs like Denver and Salt Lake City. Alternatively, many travelers drive the scenic loop from Billings, Montana, or Jackson Hole. Once in town, a rental car is essential, as attractions like the Dam and the rodeo grounds are spread out, and public transportation is limited. However, downtown Sheridan Avenue is very walkable.
When packing, always prepare for changing weather. Even in July, evening temperatures can dip into the 50s, so a fleece or light jacket is necessary. If you plan to visit Yellowstone, buy your park pass online in advance to save time at the gate. Finally, hydration is key; the combination of high altitude and dry desert air can dehydrate you quickly, so keep a water bottle handy at all times.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (June - August)
Pros
- The Cody Nite Rodeo runs every night
- All museums and seasonal attractions are fully open
- Warm weather perfect for rafting and hiking
- East Entrance to Yellowstone is open
Cons
- Highest hotel rates of the year
- Crowds at popular attractions and restaurants
- Traffic congestion heading into Yellowstone
- Need to book accommodations months in advance
Shoulder Season: Fall (September - October)
Pros
- Beautiful fall foliage along scenic byways
- Active wildlife (elk rut season)
- Pleasant daytime temperatures
- Lower accommodation prices than summer
Cons
- Nightly rodeo season ends late August/early September
- Possibility of early snowstorms closing roads
- Some seasonal businesses begin to close
- Days get shorter rapidly
Off-Peak: Winter (November - April)
Pros
- Very low accommodation rates
- No crowds at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- Access to Sleeping Giant Ski Area
- Authentic small-town feel without tourists
Cons
- East Entrance to Yellowstone is closed to vehicles
- Many restaurants and shops operate on reduced hours
- Bitterly cold temperatures and icy roads
- Outdoor activities require serious cold-weather gear
Cody offers a quintessential American road trip experience that blends education, adventure, and nostalgia. Whether you are watching a bronc rider hold on for eight seconds or watching the sun set over the Absaroka Range, you will leave with a deeper appreciation for the Wild West.
Sample Itineraries
The Classic Cody Experience
A three-day immersion into the history, culture, and cowboy spirit of the town, perfect for first-time visitors.
Day 1: Legends of the West
- Morning: Start your trip at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, dedicating at least 3 hours to explore the five museums, with tickets costing roughly $23 per adult.
- Afternoon: Head to Old Trail Town to walk among authentic frontier buildings and grave sites of famous mountain men, located just down the road.
- Evening: Enjoy a prime rib dinner at the historic Irma Hotel, followed by a drink at the Silver Dollar Bar to soak in the atmosphere.
Day 2: Canyons and Cowboys
- Morning: Drive 6 miles west to the Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center to walk across the dam top and learn about its construction.
- Afternoon: Take a stroll down Sheridan Avenue for shopping, stopping at the Dug Up Gun Museum, which is free to enter and full of rusted relics.
- Evening: Head to the Stampede Park for the Cody Nite Rodeo, where tickets are about $25, and try your hand at spotting the rodeo clowns.
Day 3: Wild Landscapes
- Morning: Embark on a guided wild mustang tour to the McCullough Peaks, which usually costs around $130 per person and lasts 2-3 hours.
- Afternoon: Drive part of the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway for incredible photos, packing a picnic lunch to eat at the Dead Indian Summit Overlook.
- Evening: Wrap up your trip with a casual dinner at Millstone Pizza Company and Brewery, enjoying local Wyoming craft beers.
Gateway to Nature & Adventure
An action-packed itinerary focusing on the outdoor beauty surrounding Cody before heading into Yellowstone.
Day 1: River and Rails
- Morning: Book a whitewater rafting trip on the Shoshone River, which typically runs about $75 per person for a 2-hour exhilarating ride through the canyon.
- Afternoon: Visit the Cody Firearms Museum to see the most comprehensive collection of American firearms in the world.
- Evening: Attend the Cody Cattle Company dinner show, an all-you-can-eat buffet with live western music, costing approximately $45 per adult.
Day 2: The Scenic Route
- Morning: Rent a side-by-side (UTV) or go horseback riding in the Shoshone National Forest to experience the rugged terrain firsthand.
- Afternoon: Visit the Buffalo Bill Reservoir for paddleboarding or kayaking, renting gear from local outfitters in town.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet, upscale dinner at The Local on Sheridan Avenue, featuring bison burgers and seasonal sides.
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