It's no surprise that Cody, Wyoming sees many visitors since it offers museums and attractions, family-friendly activities, food, and nightlife.
One of the most popular attractions of Cody, by far, is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which houses five museums in a unique modern space. The Whitney Gallery of Western Art, Plains Indian Museum, Buffalo Bill Museum, Cody Firearms Museum, and Draper Museum of Natural History all present large and fascinating collections of local history, art, and culture. If you want to get the full experience you can even book a trolley tour which includes tickets to all five museums plus a 22-mile guided tour aboard the trolley.
Another main attraction, just on the outskirts of town, is Old Trail Town. Located just off of Yellowstone Highway, the site includes a restoration of more than twenty-five historic Western buildings and artifacts. Take a step into the past walking through an old schoolhouse or general store, past horse-drawn wagons, and through a cemetery where some local and national folk heroes lay at rest.
As far as activities go, the daily Cody Gunfight as well as the evening rodeo are novelties of the area. Both are held during the summer season, June through August. The Gunfight reenactment begins at 6pm every evening Monday through Saturday, leaving visitors just enough time to hustle to Stampede Stadium for Cody Night Rodeo. See cowboys tackle bucking broncos, and jump into bull riding, calf roping, and barrel racing all in a night of true Wild West entertainment.
The environment of Cody, surrounded by plains and mountains also offers opportunities for outdoor adventures like rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, fly-fishing, horseback riding, or river rafting. Three scenic byways also offer opportunities to view wildlife and enjoy the changing landscape scenery up close. Yellowstone National Park as well as Grand Teton National Forest and the Buffalo Bill Reservoir are just a short drive away for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the Wyoming wilderness.
Cody, and Wyoming in general, is a great place to visit for families with kids. Check out this great overview and itinerary for visiting Wyoming with kids.
Museums and Attractions:
Cody, Wyoming is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.
Shopping:
Experiencing the shopping here is an opportunity you shouldn't pass by. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in town.
A nice way to explore destinations in Cody, Wyoming is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Yellowstone Nat'l Park Full Day Tour From Cody, WY for $275 details
- Yellowstone For Kids All-inclusive”Family Fun” Tours PU Cody Wy for $199 details
- All-inclusive YNP Lower Loop Specialty Tours 55+Adults PU Cody Wy for $269 details