The Buffalo Bill Historical Center should always be on the list of “must dos” when visiting Cody.  This world class facility has five western museums under one roof! The various museums feature Yellowstone’s natural history, Buffalo Bill, Plains Indian arts and culture, western art and a renown firearms museum.  The Buffalo Bill museum had been recently redesigned and is reopening on May 19^th. The Center has its own eatery and coffee bar so you can spend all day exploring!

There is a little extra going on Memorial Weekend this year.  The Cody Wild West Show Concert series presents Grammy-award winning singer, Kathy Mattea, on Saturday, May 26^th.  Kathy will be performing hits like “18 Wheels and A Dozen Roses,” “Where Have You Been” in addition to new songs from her upcoming album.  Kathy, along with her band, will perform concerts at 5:00 and 8:00 p.m in the Wynona Thompson Auditorium.  Contact the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce at 800-393-2639 for ticket and lodging package information.

Plan another evening of music with Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue in downtown Cody.  This award- winning variety show features Americana, bluegrass, songs of the American West and cowboy poetry.  Located in the historic Cody Theatre, this Branson-style show is great for the entire family. The theatre is across the street from Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel and offers a Dinner and Show package. The Irma is famous for their prime rib buffet that you won’t want to miss either!

Old Trail Town and Museum of the Old West are located on the original town site of Cody City.  The town is a collection of 26 area frontier buildings. Thousands of artifacts are displayed throughout the buildings. A small cemetery contains the gravesite of Jeremiah Johnson and other notorious characters of the area.  My favorite building is the saloon.  It is a quaint building with red wallpaper and bullet holes in the walls. Hollywood depicts western saloons as large halls full of people when in reality most saloons were quite small.

You might not realize there is a wild horse herd that roams on BLM land just outside of Cody. Take a 2 ½ hour tour with Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tours and get up close to the horses. Your guide will share the history and information about the behavior of wild horses.  You may also see pronghorn antelope, golden eagles, coyotes and black-tailed prairie dogs.

Located between the towns of Cody and Powell, Heart Mountain Interpretive Center is the historical site where 14,000 Japanese Americans were confined during World War II. The relocation center was open from August 1942 to November 10, 1945 and at one point was the third largest city in Wyoming.  The Center shares the experiences of the internees through a museum, exhibits and a walking trail. The Center preserves a very important part of American history.

Complete your weekend with a trip into Yellowstone!  All roads within the Park will be open by Memorial Day weekend and it should not be too busy. Wildlife viewing is good as many animals are still hanging out in the lower areas because of snow and temperatures in the high country. It is also a great time to get a glimpse of bear cubs, bison calves, and many other animal babies. I like visiting early in the season because everything is so green and the wildflowers are popping up all over.

There are lots of things to do in Cody/Yellowstone Country over Memorial Day weekend. Take in all of my recommendations or just a few on this visit. Whatever you decide, you won’t be disappointed!

Until next time, I’ll be lovin’ the beginning of summer here in Cody/Yellowstone Country!

One of the most photographed places in the world is Yellowstone National Park. Once you have visited the Park, you understand. You will want to capture the beauty to take home with you.  The Park landscapes and geological features will be on your photo list. There are also great spots to take a family photo that would be great for your Christmas card!  Don’t forget the wildlife. You will want to photograph every animal you see. Be sure you do so safely, most of the time from your car. Remember there are regulations on how close you can be to wildlife.

A drive from Cody to the East entrance of Yellowstone is also a great opportunity to take some wildlife and scenic shots. The drive will take you past the Buffalo Bill Reservoir, into the Wapiti Valley and along the North Fork of the Shoshone River. Expect to see bison, big horn sheep, moose, elk, deer, grizzly bears, a variety of birds and maybe even some otters. The Wapiti Valley is surrounded by volcanic rock outcroppings and mountains.

If ghost towns are your thing, you might want to take a drive just outside of Meeteetse up the Wood River.  This is a scenic 4×4 drive that is only accessible from July to September. The ghost town of Kirwin is located up this road. Gold was discovered in Kirwin in 1885. By 1887, the town had a population of 200 and 38 buildings. Unfortunately, the quality of the gold was low. Due to extreme snows, the town became a ghost town by 1908. People left the town abruptly and left many of their belongings there. Today there are several buildings still standing and remnants of the mine. A photographic visit to Kirwin provides a great glimpse into our mining past.

You probably are not aware that a significant piece of WWII history is located between Cody and Powell. Heart Mountain Interpretive Center is the site where more than 14,000 Japanese Americans were confined during the war. The Center captures this tragic yet important part of American history with photographs, artifacts and interactive exhibits. There is a memorial walking trail around the site that takes visitors around the remaining buildings. There are great opportunities for historical photographs on the walk in addition to the views of the Heart Mountain peak and the surrounding valley.

Do you want your Yellowstone vacation photos to be different? Take a scenic flight tour of the area from the Cody Airport. On these flights, you will see Yellowstone National Park, Sunlight Basin and the Big Horn Mountains.  Why not get photographs of your vacation from a larger perspective!

Whatever the reason you are visiting Cody/Yellowstone Country, be sure to bring your camera! You will not run out of things to photograph.

Until next time, I’m snapping pictures in Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country!

The Man – He was born William F. Cody in 1846 and raised on the prairies of Iowa and Kansas. At the age of 14, he joined the Pony Express. He became one of their most fearless and daring riders. During the Civil War, he served as a Union scout against the Kiowa and Commanche. After the war, he married and was hired to hunt buffalo to feed the crews building the Kansas Pacific railroad. This occupation earned him the nickname, “Buffalo Bill.” He returned to scouting for the Army in 1868 and was earning a reputation for skill and bravery. His fame began to take shape when he became a character in Ned Buntline’s dime novels that mixed his real life stories with fiction. Buntline convinced Buffalo Bill to star as himself in a stage play. This is where Buffalo Bill fell in love with the spotlight. He spent eleven seasons on stage but returned to the West between theater seasons to guide hunting parties.

The Wild West Show  - In 1883, Cody organized Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. It was an outdoor show that dramatized elements of frontier life from buffalo hunts to Indian attacks. The show mixed elements of rodeo, circus, pageant and theater and emphasized Cody’s showmanship and charisma. The show also featured sharpshooter, Annie Oakley, Chief Sitting Bull for one season and a “Congress of Rough Riders of the World.”  Needless to say, the show was incredibly popular and toured the country for 30 years and traveled to Europe for about 10 of those years.  The Wild West Show made Cody a wealthy man. Unfortunately, he was not a good businessman and fell prey to many bad investments. It is said that he made a million dollars twice in his lifetime to only lose it all. At the time of his death in 1917, he was broke.

The Town – Cody fell in love with the Big Horn Basin and in 1896 helped found the city of Cody.  He had many visions for the town.  The original town site was situated, at what is now the West end of town, near a hot springs. Cody had visions of making the town the next Glenwood Springs. Unfortunately, there was not an easy way to navigate the canyon below town to access the springs. The town site was moved a mile down the river where the railroad set up a station and Cody opened his “Hotel in the Rockies,” The Irma. Cody had visions of making the Big Horn Basin an agricultural center.  Cody spent large sums of money on irrigation to the basin.  He convinced his friend, President Teddy Roosevelt, to start the Bureau of Reclamation and finance projects like the Buffalo Bill Dam. When completed in 1910, the dam was the tallest concrete dam in the world. Today, you can visit the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center to learn more on the history of the dam and Cody’s influence on the areas agriculture.

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center – The five museums of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center share the history of the west that Cody was so proud of.  The Buffalo Bill Museum is dedicated to the life and times of William F. Cody. He was more than an actor and showman. Cody was a noted hunting guide, scout, frontiersman, entrepreneur, town founder and American Icon.  Authentic artifacts, exhibits and interactive displays tell the story of the multifaceted Buffalo Bill. This winter, the museum has been undergoing a renovation and is scheduled to re-open on May 19^th.

William F. Cody was definitely a renaissance man. One of the most impressive things about Cody was his rise to international stardom as a showman, historian and proponent of the American West in a time without the mass media of our day.  Next time you are in Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country, be sure to explore more about The Man, The Show and The Town!

Until next time, I’ll be lovin’ life in Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country!

1.  Amazing Scenery – We have everything from the most remote wilderness in the lower 48, sage brush deserts, rivers, lush valleys and Yellowstone National Park. There are two spectacular scenic drives outside of Cody, the Beartooth All-American Road and the North Fork Highway. Both are considered to be some of the most scenic drives in America.

2. History - Be sure to jump on the Cody Trolley to learn more about Buffalo Bill and a tour of the area’s historical sites, geology, wildlife and old and new west attractions. In an hour, you will get a hundred years of history! Visit the Cody Mural Visitors Center to learn about the Mormon pioneer’s life in the Big Horn Basin. Tecumseh’s Old West Miniature Village and Museum is a great treasure with a huge diorama of Wyoming and western history.

3. Yellowstone - America’s first National Park is one of the most unique places on earth. From your car, visitors can view wild animals in their natural setting. Not unlike an African safari, you can drive through the vast herds of bison in the Lamar Valley and spot a pack of wolves, coyotes or a grizzly bear.

4. Rodeo - Cody is rodeo! The Cody Nite Rodeo is the longest running nightly rodeo in the country. Contestants compete every night from June 1 to August 31^st at Stampede Park. You can watch cowboys compete in roping, bareback and saddle bronc riding and the exciting event of bull riding. This is truly a night of western entertainment.

5. Western Art - There are several wonderful art galleries in Cody. You will find about every type of art from bronzes, oil paintings, watercolors, wildlife photography and furniture. The Whitney Gallery inside the Buffalo Bill Historical Center features the work of Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell and Thomas Moran to name a few.

6. Dude Ranch Roots - Dude ranching got its start in the Cody area with the Valley Ranch. Today there are still several dude and guest ranches in the area catering to guests that want to experience the cowboy lifestyle. Most guests stay a couple of days to a week and are able to choose from a variety of activities.

7.  Wildlife Viewing - The drive from Cody to the East gate of Yellowstone is beautiful and full of wildlife.  Big Horn sheep and bison are known to hang out right on the road. Deer and elk can be spotted in the hayfields in the evenings and on the mountain ridges during the day. If you are looking carefully, you may spot a grizzly bear on the river or a moose!  You may even see a fox, coyote or wolf hanging out near Pahaska Tepee, Buffalo Bill’s historic hunting lodge.

8.  Buffalo Bill - No one symbolizes the American West better than Buffalo Bill. He was a man of many talents – showman, businessman, hunter and scout. He had great visions for Cody and the surrounding area. The Buffalo Bill Historical Center pays tribute to this legend with a museum solely dedicated to him.

9.  Adventure - Outdoor experiences are abundant in Cody/Yellowstone Country. The area is home to tons of trails for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking.  To help plan your excursion, check out Sunlight Sports Outdoor Concierge.

10.  Western Hospitality - This is cowboy country and with that comes a hospitality you may not have experienced in a while. Don’t be surprised by the relaxed and uncomplicated lifestyle of the folks you meet while visiting.

11.  Music - Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue is a Branson-style family variety show. This special evening of music features Americana, bluegrass, songs of the American West and cowboy poetry in the historic Cody Theatre. You can also take in a dinner and live Western music show at the Cody Cattle Company each evening before the rodeo.   

There you have it – Corrie N. Cody’s Top 11 reasons to visit Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country! Now you know why you need to plan your next vacation here! 

 Until next time, I’ll be lovin’ life in Buffalo Bill’s Country!

 Corrie N. Cody

Cody is home to Yellowstone Regional Airport (YRA) which is serviced by Delta Airlines through Salt Lake City and United Airlines through Denver.  The airport offers competitive fares and is very convenient. I love that it is a small airport but modern. Not to worry about long lines for check in, security or getting your luggage. Renting a car is also very convenient at YRA. There are 5 major rental car agencies at YRA. There is also a great little restaurant, The Landing, in the airport, a local favorite! Since the airport offers free parking, you will always find a variety of folks eating at the airport!

Cody is the “Rodeo Capital of the World” with a rodeo every night from June 1^st to August 31^st. It is said that every major rodeo champion has spent time at the Cody Nite Rodeo honing their skills. You never know who will be competing at the rodeo!  The rodeo is also proud to have one of the best bull fighters in the country, Dusty Tuckness. If you have never experienced a rodeo, you have to go to the Cody Nite Rodeo. If you have experienced a hundred rodeos, you still should experience the Cody Nite Rodeo! It will be a wild, western night you won’t forget!

There are several “wild” outdoor activities to do while in Cody. River trips and kayaking are popular on the Shoshone River that runs right through Cody. The rafting is just “wild” enough for everyone in the family! You can also get on the water and learn to fly fish. The local fishing outfitters offer guided fishing excursions on the river or area lakes.  No need to worry about packing gear. Your fishing guide will have everything you need to hook a nice fish! Cody is horse country and what better way to immerse yourself in the culture than to take a horseback ride in the mountains. There are several guest ranches (just east of town) that offer riding.

Did you know that there is a wild Mustang herd just outside of Cody?   You can drive out to the McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Management area to view the horses on your own or take a guided van tour from Red Canyon Wild Mustang Trips. This colorful herd of horses is fascinating to observe. Your guide will even let you do a little hiking to get closer to the herd to observe and take photos. You may also see antelope, coyotes or a golden eagle on your tour.

The drive from Cody to the East gate of Yellowstone is 52 incredibly scenic miles full of wildlife.  The road takes you past the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor’s Center and reservoir. The tour at the Dam Visitor Center is free and worth the stop. There are also several great picnic spots along the reservoir.  In early summer, you might even see a pelican or two on the reservoir. The wildlife viewing is great on this route. Be sure to watch for deer and elk in the valley. Big horn sheep, bison and moose are often seen as the road follows the river. I have even seen river otters.

These are just a few of the “wild” activities you can do on your way to Yellowstone. Cody/Yellowstone country has much more to offer. 

So until next time, I will be lovin’ life in the wild country!

There is something to be said for traveling in the “off-season.”  No crowds, travel deals and experiencing a destination as it wakes up from winter!  We often try to take a major vacation in the spring. I loved being able to take my kids to an attraction and they could get up close and personal without fighting throngs of people. My kids have the same great vacation memories, it was just cooler. We have also returned to many destinations during the peak season because we went in the off season.

Before our family moved to Cody, we visited in January and in April. Many of the “major” attractions were not open but there was plenty to do and see. I remember how friendly the shop keepers were. All asked where we were from and what brought us to Cody. As a traveler, I love visiting with the local’s. You can often learn a lot more about the area and find hidden treasures! There are also great sales going on in Cody in the Spring as merchants prepare for the summer season.

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is a major highlight in Cody and is open year round. The five museums within the center offer everything from a western art gallery, a Plains Indian section, the Bill Cody museum, a Yellowstone ecosystem section and the largest firearms collection in the country. You can easily spend a full day at the Center exploring each of these museums. The Draper Museum is my kid’s favorite part of the center! There are lots of hands-on exhibits on the animals of Yellowstone.

Cody is home to Sleeping Giant Ski Area.  Located in the Northfork area outside of Cody, you will be amazed at the scenic views as you ski your way down the mountain. In addition to the main runs, the area offers a great terrain park as well as the bunny hill with a Magic Carpet. The ski area’s lessons, equipment and lift tickets are very well priced.  Sleeping Giant is open through Easter.

Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center is located just outside of Cody and is open Wednesday to Saturday. The Center is an important site of American history where 14,000 Japanese-Americans were interned during WWII. The Center houses exhibits and artifacts that capture a sense of life for the internees.  The Center is a great place for all ages to experience a part of history that they may not have learned in school. It is definitely a must-see.

If you have not experienced springtime in the mountains, it should be on your “bucket list!” I love watching the mountains come to life with vibrant colors. Spring also means wildlife and babies! There is nothing cuter than a newborn bison! The East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park opens on May 4^th and there are usually a lot of newborn bison roaming in the herds. We always go into the Park on that weekend. It is cool and crisp and amazing wildlife viewing. We have definitely seen the most wildlife on our May trips. We pack a picnic lunch and make sure to hit Old Faithful, the Upper Geyser Basin and the Hayden Valley. It is beautiful! There are only a few lodging options that are open in May but they have great deals.

Think spring and make plans to visit Cody/Yellowstone Country!

Until next time, I’ll be lovin’ life in Buffalo Bill’s Country!

 Corrie N. Cody

You may not know that there are still wild horses roaming the free range in Wyoming and Cody is lucky enough to have one of the largest herds just outside of town. Take a guided tour of the McCullough Peaks herd or venture out on your own. This colorful herd spreads out over vast open range but tends to hang out in small groups. If you take a guided tour, your chances of spotting the horses are high. It is not unusual to also see pronghorn antelope, rabbit, sage grouse and other species of birds in the area. You also get a great 360 view of the basin from the rangeland.

When exploring the western lifestyle, you have to sample the food. With many cattle ranches surrounding the Cody area, you are sure to get great beef. A local favorite is prime rib and you can find it on the menu at most of the western restaurants in town. Don’t miss the Irma Hotel’s prime rib buffet. This is Buffalo Bill’s famous hotel. The dining room exudes western charm with a spectacular bar that was given to Buffalo Bill by Queen Elizabeth. Cassie’s Supper Club is a great steakhouse known for its Porterhouse steak and dancing. Opened in 1922 by Cassie Waters, a local madam, this historic restaurant was Voted “One of the Top 20 Steakhouses in the West” by Cowboys and Indians magazine. You are sure to have a memorable meal!

Cowboys and music have always gone together.  Many wonderful songs of the cowboy life were written by campfires out on the trail. Today, those songs can still be enjoyed when you spend an evening at Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue. This Branson-style, family show offers Americana, bluegrass, songs of the American West and cowboy poetry in the comfort of the historic Cody Theatre. The theatre is located in the heart of downtown Cody across from the Irma Hotel. Special dinner at the Irma/theatre packages are available all summer long.  Both get rave reviews from folks of all ages.

When you think “Cowboy,” you think rodeo. Cody is the Rodeo Capital of the World. It is the only place with a rodeo every night all summer long. I have heard it said that most rodeo champions have spent time in Cody perfecting their skills. Spend two exciting hours watching cowboys and cowgirls display their amazing skills. All ages are sure to love the thrills and spills of the rodeo. Don’t be surprised to meet some of the contestants downtown during the day signing autographs or hanging out with visitors.

If the rodeo inspires you to rope and ride, you might want to explore some of the local ranches.  There are dude ranches where you stay for a week and really find your inner cowboy. You can work on your riding and roping skills. Some ranches even let you help with the chores! If you just want a taste of the cowboy experience, you can visit one of Cody/Yellowstone Country’s guest ranches. These ranches offer day packages.   You may just want to take a drive to the cattle ranches in the Meeteetse area and fantasize about being a cowboy.

Make Cody/Yellowstone Country part of your Yellowstone vacation or just do Cody. Either way, you’ll have a wonderful western vacation!

Until next time, I’ll be lovin’ life in Buffalo Bill’s country!

Corrie N. Cody

This year’s event includes a slide presentation by Pete Tapley, professional guide, writer, photographer and videographer on Friday evening. A silent auction and presentation by Ralph Tingery, “The Grand Rescue: A True Story of 1967 Teton Rangers” will round out the day on Saturday. Sunday evening will conclude the event with a pizza party, slide show and music. These events are open to the public.

Event organizer, Don Foote, says that this year’s event has the most participants the festival has ever seen. Foote says that the festival has “some of the best instructors, guides, professional athletes and gear reps supporting us and helping the clinics be safe, successful and fun for all ice climbers.” Local company, Jackson Hole Mountain Guides will be helping in the clinics as well as Montana Alpine Guides from Bozeman, MT. Foote reports that the Southfork ice is in its prime right now and has seen little activity this winter.

Sunlight Sports in downtown Cody is the spot to get outfitted for your climbing adventure. They have a full line of ice climbing gear to rent, including ice tools, crampons and boots. Owner Wes Allen says they will have a 40% off sale on ice-specific gear that weekend. He also says they are the only place in town with the Joe Josephson guide to the South Fork and the classic Todd Cozzens map. Sunlight Sports also carries a wide variety of quality outdoor clothing and gear. Be sure to stop in!

For those not climbing, it is worth the beautiful ride up the Southfork to watch.  In the winter, big horn sheep are all over the valley. You may even spot a moose, elk or a bald eagle on your drive.  There are several spots along the road to watch the climber’s progress. Back in town, be sure to hit the downtown shops, restaurants and Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Another highlight is the city of Cody’s wonderful recreation center that is a great spot for swimming and exercise for those waiting for their climbers. Daily passes are very reasonable.

Whether you are a participant or just want to hang out and learn more about the sport, this festival will not disappoint. Experience Cody during a great winter festival! To learn more about the festival visit www.southforkice.com. We hope to see you in Cody!

Until next time, I’ll be lovin’ life in Buffalo Bill’s Country!

              Corrie N. Cody

Cody has several options for retreats depending upon the size of the group. Area dude and guest ranches are perfect for smaller groups. Ranches typically offer all-inclusive packages for groups so it is easy for the group planner. Most have wonderful lodges that provide unique backdrops for the nitty-gritty meeting times. Ranches also provide a range of activities and relaxation opportunities ensuring that everyone in the group has something to look forward to. Most provide horseback riding, fly-fishing, hiking and spa services. Evening activities such as campfires, cowboy singers and poets,  or wagon rides allow for a casual atmosphere to get to know each other. Fresh air and a change of scenery can do wonders for the creative process. You would be surprised at the ideas people come up with when taken out of the confines of their normal routine!

For groups with up to 75, The Cody is a great choice.  This boutique hotel is quaint yet luxurious. Beautifully appointed guest rooms are comfortable and have all the modern conveniences including iPod docking stations and high speed internet.  The meeting space is beautifully decorated and relaxing. Hopefully you will spend more time outside than inside! The Cody’s location is perfect for setting out on the adventure portion of your retreat.  Each evening refreshments are available for your group to enjoy in the comfortable lobby or on the patio outside. Snack, relax and visit before heading out to one of Cody’s great restaurants. Want to make your employees feel pampered and special, have your retreat at The Cody. 

For large groups, I suggest the Holiday Inn. They know how to handle large groups and they do it well!  They have great meeting space and banquet facilities for groups up to 350. State of the art equipment is available to meet all of your groups technology needs. As the only full service convention property in Cody, the Holiday Inn has a nice restaurant and lounge. Evening banquet dinners are available with western themes to enhance your “western” retreat. The hotel is conveniently located to the downtown area which is great for taking an evening stroll to a restaurant or to check out shops. 

Team building is such an important part of retreats and the Cody/Yellowstone area has so many options. For the adventurous group, I would suggest horseback riding, learning to fly fish, hiking, and river rafting. Take advantage of Sunlight Sports Outdoor Concierge for coordinating activities. For those looking for more relaxed options, I would suggest golf, exploring the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, a sightseeing trip into Yellowstone, a historical visit to the Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center or a trip to view the wild horses of the McCullough Peaks. Combining some adventure and sightseeing might be ideal for your group. It is not hard to schedule plenty to do for your group.

So “think outside the box” and plan your company’s next retreat in Cody/Yellowstone Country!

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody is a necessity when visiting the Cody area. The Center is often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West.”  My family never tires of the Center. You can learn about Buffalo Bill, the Plains Indians, western art and Yellowstone. The Center also boasts the largest collection of firearms in the world-a favorite of the males in my family! Don’t forget to check out the gift shop for great souvenirs. You can bundle your museum trip with the Cody Trolley Tour at a discounted rate. The Trolley will pick you up at the front door of the museum and take you on an hour long tour.  This 22-mile tour in a classic trolley explores places, people and lore of the area.

Step back in time as you stroll through the original town site of Cody located at Old Trail Town. Historic buildings of the area have been carefully moved to the site in addition to authentic artifacts. My favorite building is the saloon. It is a quaint building with great character. This saloon could probably hold about 20 people. We forget that Hollywood has depicted saloons as sprawling buildings when in fact they were small. That is why western boom towns had so many saloons!

Buffalo Bill had many dreams for Cody and the Buffalo Bill Dam was one that was achieved. When it was completed in 1910, it was the tallest concrete dam in the world.  The dam visitor center is a great spot to enjoy tranquil waters of the reservoir and take the audio tour to learn about the dams construction and the area wildlife. The dam is also a great spot for a picnic lunch.

One of Cody’s best kept secrets is Tecumseh’s Trading Post out by the Rodeo grounds. Tecumseh’s is an old west museum and old west miniature village. My kids can’t get enough of the 7000 sq. ft. miniature village that depicts the historical events in Wyoming and Montana from the 1600’s to the 1800’s. The miniature train that can be controlled by visitors is a favorite for kids of all ages. The western artifacts rival most museums. This family owned and operated collection is truly special. They graciously share their collection with the public at no charge!

Meeteetse also has a wonderful treasure in the Meeteetse Chocolatier! Sample gourmet confections made by owner Tim Kellogg who is also a bronc rider and working cowboy. These chocolate delights are made by using only the finest ingredients and are meant to be enjoyed in the “here and now.” Don’t miss this unique shop with amazing treats located on the quaint boardwalk in Meeteetse!

Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center between Cody and Powell is an amazing learning opportunity for everyone in the family.  Ten thousand Japanese-Americans were interned at this facility during World War II. Learn about why and how the internees spent their time at the camp. The Center offers a self-guided tour in addition to the Learning Center.  You can pick up the Cody Trolley for a tour to the Center and through area farm land.

Cody has the longest running nightly rodeo in the country which has earned it the distinction of being the “Rodeo Capital of the World.” Rodeo season begins June 1st through August 31st. Enjoy this outdoor rodeo with plenty of excitement and mountain views.  Whether this is your first rodeo or you are a connoisseur, it is sure to be a great time!  

Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue is a wonderful Branson/style music show that is a family favorite.  Enjoy classic cowboy favorites, poetry and much more. If you want to truly experience the West, you must take in the Dan Miller’s show!

These are just the highlights in Cody/Yellowstone Country. There are so many great things to do from the relaxing to the adventurous. Don’t forget to minimize the stress of planning by allowing everyone in the family a voice in the vacation!

Until next time, happy traveling in Cody Country!