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Bighorn Basin
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Explore Bighorn Basin for Wyoming history, dinosaur fossils, hot springs, canyon country and wide-open towns between rugged mountain ranges.

The Bighorn Basin occupies a broad, sunlit depression in north-western Wyoming, enclosed by some of the state’s most dramatic mountain systems. The Bighorn Mountains rise along its eastern margin, the Absaroka Range forms a rugged western wall, and the Owl Creek Mountains close the basin towards the south. Between them lie sagebrush plains, irrigated farmland, cottonwood-lined rivers, badlands and high desert, creating a landscape that feels markedly different from the forested mountains and geyser country for which Wyoming is best known.
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The basin’s principal communities are small and widely spaced. Cody, near the western entrance to the basin, is the region’s best-known cultural centre and a practical base for exploring the surrounding valleys and the nearby route to Yellowstone National Park’s East Entrance, which lies outside the Bighorn Basin. Thermopolis, on the south-eastern side, is known for its mineral springs and riverside setting, while Worland is an agricultural centre on the Big Horn River. Greybull, Powell, Basin, Lovell and Meeteetse each offer a different perspective on the region, from ranching and irrigation to geology, Native American history and outdoor recreation.
Water has shaped both the natural and human geography of the basin. The Bighorn River and its tributaries support fields of sugar beet, beans, hay and other crops in an otherwise arid environment. At Thermopolis, Hot Springs State Park protects thermal terraces and bathing facilities, while the river corridors provide opportunities for fishing, wildlife watching and quieter forms of exploration. In the north, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area extends through a deeply incised landscape of cliffs, water and open range; its Wyoming access is near Lovell, although the recreation area also continues into Montana.
The region’s geological story is unusually visible. Fossil-bearing formations, uplifted mountain rims and eroded badlands record ancient seas, volcanic activity and the long work of wind and water. Around Thermopolis, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and nearby fossil country offer an accessible introduction to prehistoric life, while the Fossil Cabin near Medicine Bow is outside the region and should not be confused with basin attractions. At Heart Mountain, north of Cody, an interpretive centre examines the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during the Second World War, adding an essential modern historical dimension to the basin’s frontier narrative.
Bighorn Basin culture combines ranching, irrigation agriculture, Indigenous history, Western performance traditions and strong museum collections. Cody’s Buffalo Bill Center of the West is the region’s most substantial cultural institution, bringing together art, firearms history, natural history and the legacy of William F. Cody. Elsewhere, historic main streets, rodeo grounds, working ranches and local museums provide a more intimate sense of place. Distances are considerable, services thin out beyond the towns, and the basin is best experienced through a planned circuit rather than a hurried stop between larger national attractions.

Getting to and around Bighorn Basin

How to get there

Cody Yellowstone Regional Airport is inside the Bighorn Basin and offers a practical air gateway, although commercial routes and seasonal arrangements can change. Worland Municipal Airport and Powell Municipal Airport serve local aviation but are not generally comparable to major scheduled airline hubs. Most international visitors reach the region by flying to a larger airport outside the basin, such as Billings Logan International Airport in Montana, then hiring a car; Billings is a neighbouring gateway rather than part of the Bighorn Basin. Road access is the principal option, with routes linking Cody, Powell, Basin, Greybull, Thermopolis, Worland and Lovell to the wider Wyoming and Montana highway network.

Transportation

A private car or hire car is the most flexible way to explore the Bighorn Basin because attractions, viewpoints and communities are widely dispersed and public transport is limited. Main highways connect the principal towns, but driving times are longer than the map may suggest and services can be far apart. Cody and Thermopolis are walkable in their central areas, while cycling is best suited to selected town routes and prepared outings rather than inter-town travel. Taxis and local transport exist in some communities but should not be assumed for remote attractions. Check road and weather conditions before crossing mountain passes or entering canyon country.

Top city travel guides in Bighorn Basin

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Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Bighorn Basin

The Bighorn Basin’s attractions range from substantial museums to open landscapes that require a car and a little preparation. Cody is home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a group of major galleries examining Western art, firearms, natural history and the legacy of William F. Cody. Nearby, the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center presents the history of Japanese American incarceration during the Second World War. Thermopolis combines Hot Springs State Park, public thermal landscapes and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, where the basin’s fossil heritage is interpreted for visitors. In the north, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers boating, fishing, wildlife watching, viewpoints and steep river scenery around the Wyoming community of Lovell; the recreation area also extends into Montana. The basin’s irrigated valleys, badlands and mountain roads provide opportunities for hiking, photography, birdwatching and scenic driving, although distances and weather make planning important. Rodeo and Western performance traditions are particularly associated with Cody, while smaller museums and historic districts in other towns reveal the agricultural and ranching history that remains part of everyday life.

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Best landmarks in Bighorn Basin

The Bighorn Basin’s most recognisable landmarks often express the relationship between geology, water and settlement. The Bighorn Mountains form a powerful eastern wall, while the Absaroka Range rises to the west and frames views around Cody and Meeteetse. At Thermopolis, the terraces and mineral formations of Hot Springs State Park are the region’s most distinctive natural and civic landmark, created by geothermal water rising through the basin’s rocks. Bighorn Canyon, reached from the Lovell area, cuts through high cliffs and creates a dramatic transition from open agricultural country to deeply incised river scenery. Heart Mountain, north-east of Cody, is both a prominent isolated peak and the site of the former wartime incarceration camp, making it a place of national historical significance. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is an important cultural landmark in Cody, while historic main streets, courthouse buildings, irrigation structures and cottonwood-lined river corridors in towns such as Worland, Basin and Greybull represent the region’s continuing agricultural and civic heritage.

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Best restaurants in Bighorn Basin

Dining in the Bighorn Basin reflects its ranching, agricultural and frontier setting rather than a single regional cuisine. Cody and Thermopolis offer the widest choice, including cafés, family restaurants, steakhouses, bakeries, diners and establishments aimed at visitors travelling towards Yellowstone. Beef, lamb, trout and other familiar Western ingredients appear frequently, while irrigated farming supports local production of hay, beans, sugar beet and other crops. In smaller towns, independent cafés, casual restaurants and traditional bars may be more useful than formal dining rooms, with opening days and evening hours varying by season. Farm stands and local markets, where operating, can provide fruit, vegetables and regional produce during the growing season. Visitors may also encounter Wyoming-made beer and spirits, though these belong to the state’s wider food and drink culture rather than being exclusive to the basin. Reservations are sensible for busy summer evenings in Cody, while rural travellers should not assume that food is available late at night.

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Best bars in Bighorn Basin

Evening life in the Bighorn Basin is concentrated in Cody, Thermopolis and the larger county-seat communities, and is generally more relaxed than club-oriented. Cody has the broadest selection of traditional saloons, hotel bars, restaurants with evening service and venues connected with Western entertainment, while Thermopolis and towns such as Worland and Powell rely more on local bars, cafés and community events. Historic-style inns and modern breweries or taprooms may appear alongside straightforward neighbourhood establishments, but the availability of particular venues can change. Nightclubs are limited compared with Wyoming’s larger cities, and rural communities often become quiet early. Live music, rodeo-related events and seasonal performances can provide a livelier evening when scheduled. Visitors should plan transport in advance, particularly outside town centres, and remember that alcohol-service rules and closing arrangements are governed by Wyoming law rather than by a distinctive Bighorn Basin custom.

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Best nightclubs in Bighorn Basin

Evening life in the Bighorn Basin is concentrated in Cody, Thermopolis and the larger county-seat communities, and is generally more relaxed than club-oriented. Cody has the broadest selection of traditional saloons, hotel bars, restaurants with evening service and venues connected with Western entertainment, while Thermopolis and towns such as Worland and Powell rely more on local bars, cafés and community events. Historic-style inns and modern breweries or taprooms may appear alongside straightforward neighbourhood establishments, but the availability of particular venues can change. Nightclubs are limited compared with Wyoming’s larger cities, and rural communities often become quiet early. Live music, rodeo-related events and seasonal performances can provide a livelier evening when scheduled. Visitors should plan transport in advance, particularly outside town centres, and remember that alcohol-service rules and closing arrangements are governed by Wyoming law rather than by a distinctive Bighorn Basin custom.

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Best shops in Bighorn Basin

Shopping in the Bighorn Basin is centred on practical main streets, independent businesses, galleries, Western wear and locally produced food rather than large retail districts. Cody has the broadest visitor-oriented selection, including art galleries, books, craftwork, leather goods, Native-inspired and Western-themed merchandise, outdoor equipment and cowboy clothing; shoppers should distinguish respectful, properly sourced Indigenous art from generic souvenir goods. Thermopolis, Worland, Powell, Greybull and Lovell offer smaller collections of local shops, antiques, clothing, gifts and everyday supplies. Farmers’ markets and seasonal produce stands may offer fruit, vegetables, honey and other products from the irrigated basin, but their timing varies. Useful regional purchases include Wyoming-made food and drink, locally created ceramics, photography, paintings, books on Western and Indigenous history, and practical outdoor clothing. Retail hours can be limited outside the main towns, so buy fuel, provisions and specialist equipment before setting out on a long rural drive.

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Bighorn Basin essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD), as throughout Wyoming and the wider United States. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in hotels, museums, fuel stations, restaurants and larger shops in Cody, Thermopolis and other main towns. Cash remains useful for small businesses, rural services, occasional entrance facilities and areas with weak connectivity. Travellers should notify card providers before departure and keep a reserve for fuel, as distances between filling stations can be substantial. Tipping is customary in American restaurants and for many personal services, while the amount depends on the service received.
Safety
The main practical risks are environmental and logistical rather than unusual urban crime. Summer heat, intense sun, dehydration, sudden storms, winter snow and icy roads can all affect travel. Carry water and avoid approaching wildlife, livestock or unstable canyon edges. Observe posted rules around hot springs and thermal features, where water and ground temperatures can be dangerous. Remote areas may have patchy mobile coverage, so leave an itinerary with someone when travelling far from town. On rural roads, watch for deer, open-range livestock, agricultural machinery and long stretches without services.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 throughout the Bighorn Basin for police, fire or ambulance assistance; this is the national United States emergency number, not a regional service. Give the dispatcher a precise road, trail, canyon, mile marker or landmark because addresses may be widely spaced. For urgent medical care, emergency services can direct visitors to the appropriate facility, while non-urgent treatment options vary between towns. In remote country, do not rely solely on a mobile phone, and check local information before undertaking hikes or water activities. The region has no single all-purpose visitor rescue service, so follow instructions from park staff, sheriffs and emergency responders.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect private ranch land, locked gates, posted restrictions and designated public access, as much of the basin is a working landscape rather than open recreational space. Do slow down for livestock and farm machinery, keep to marked trails and leave fossils, artefacts and rocks where they are unless collection is explicitly permitted. Do dress informally for most settings but bring layers for changing mountain weather. Do ask before photographing people, private property or cultural activities. Do not enter hot springs, climb fragile formations or approach wildlife for photographs. Tipping restaurant servers and service workers follows normal United States practice.
Local Tips
Use Cody for major cultural institutions and western access, Thermopolis for thermal landscapes and prehistoric interpretation, and the northern communities for agricultural scenery, canyon country and quieter drives. Start long excursions with fuel, food and water, since facilities become sparse outside the towns. Summer is the busiest season, while spring and autumn can offer quieter roads but more variable conditions. Ask museum staff or local visitor centres about current road access, seasonal closures and the best way to reach outlying sites. The basin rewards slow travel: allow time for small museums, river corridors and changing light across the mountain rims.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[How-dee]
GoodbyeSee ya[See ya]
YesYep[Yep]
NoNah[Nah]
Please/You're welcomeSure thing[Shur thing]
Thank youThanks a lot[Thangs a lot]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me[Pardon me]
How are you?How's it going?[How's it goin'?]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[Good. You?]
Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?[Do ya speek English?]
I don't understandI ain't following you[I ain't followin' ya]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[Can I see the menu?]
I don't eat meatI don't do meat[I don't do meat]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[Can I get the check?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Leave me alone![Leave me alone!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doctor!]
I'm lostI can’t find my way[I can’t find my way]
I'm illI ain't feelin' good[I ain't feelin' good]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[Just browsing]
How much is it?What’s the price?[What’s the price?]
That's too expensiveThat’s kinda pricey[That’s kinda pricey]
Can you lower the price?Can you cut me a deal?[Can you cut me a deal?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time ya got?[What time ya got?]
It's one o'clockIt's one[It's one]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMornin'[Mornin']
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvening[Evening]
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[Where's the...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[What's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?[Can you point it out?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[A ticket to...]

History of Bighorn Basin

Ancient seas, fossils and geological uplift

The Bighorn Basin preserves a long geological record, including sedimentary layers deposited when inland seas covered parts of what is now Wyoming. Later uplift of the Bighorn and Absaroka ranges helped create the enclosed basin, while erosion exposed fossil-bearing formations and striking bands of rock. Around Thermopolis, fossil discoveries and educational institutions have made prehistoric life an important part of the region’s identity. These formations also explain the basin’s distinctive combination of badlands, terraces, cliffs and broad agricultural flats.

Indigenous homelands and changing frontiers

The basin has long been used by Indigenous peoples, including communities associated with the Crow, Shoshone and Northern Arapaho. Rivers, mountain passes and seasonal hunting grounds connected the basin with surrounding regions rather than isolating it. The arrival of the fur trade, military expeditions, emigrant routes and later settlers altered these patterns profoundly. Indigenous history remains central to understanding the region, even though many popular accounts of the nineteenth-century West once focused almost exclusively on explorers, soldiers and ranchers.

The expansion of the American West

During the nineteenth century, the basin became increasingly connected to the expanding United States through exploration, military activity, trading networks and settlement. Fort Laramie agreements and later federal policies reshaped Indigenous territories, while wagon roads and stage routes linked emerging communities. The town of Cody reflects this era’s mythology, particularly through the international fame of William F. Cody, known as Buffalo Bill. The frontier story was never simply a tale of isolated pioneers: it involved displacement, commercial development, transport and competing claims over land and water.

Irrigation and the agricultural basin

The Bighorn Basin is naturally dry, but irrigation transformed selected river valleys into productive farmland. Canals and diversion works made it possible to grow crops including sugar beet, beans, hay and grain, while towns such as Worland, Powell and Lovell developed around agricultural services and processing. This transformation depended on substantial engineering and cooperation, but also on contested water rights and the reorganisation of earlier landscapes. Today, irrigated fields form a strong visual contrast with the surrounding sagebrush and desert-like slopes.

Cody, tourism and the performance of the West

Cody was founded in the late nineteenth century with the involvement of William F. Cody, whose stage performances helped define international images of the American frontier. Tourism grew through the town’s position near Yellowstone’s East Entrance and through the continuing appeal of Western history, art and horsemanship. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West later gave this legacy a major scholarly and cultural home. Cody’s identity therefore combines a real regional town with a carefully developed public interpretation of the West, rather than representing a preserved nineteenth-century settlement unchanged by modern tourism.

Heart Mountain and wartime incarceration

In 1942, the United States government established the Heart Mountain Relocation Center north-east of Cody, where more than 14,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated during the Second World War. Many had been removed from homes and communities on the West Coast without individual charges. The camp operated for several years under harsh conditions, and its history includes resistance, military service by incarcerated men, family separation and difficult post-war resettlement. The Heart Mountain Interpretive Center preserves this history and places the basin within a wider national discussion about civil rights and wartime power.

Modern conservation and heritage tourism

During the twentieth century, parts of the basin’s rivers, hot springs, canyonlands and fossil landscapes gained protection or developed as public attractions. Hot Springs State Park placed Thermopolis’s thermal features within a managed public landscape, while Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area protected a major river corridor shared by Wyoming and Montana. Museums, interpretive centres and heritage programmes have diversified the region’s economy beyond agriculture and ranching. Contemporary visitors encounter a landscape shaped by both working communities and the preservation of geological, cultural and ecological resources.

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Welcome to Bighorn Basin, a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich history. With Evendo, your journey becomes seamless and enriching. Discover iconic attractions such as the mesmerizing Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, where nature's grandeur unfolds before your eyes. Dive into the past at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, a haven for history enthusiasts and families alike.

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