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Cody
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Cody, Wyoming blends Buffalo Bill history, Western art, rodeo tradition and Yellowstone gateway scenery with museums, trails and mountain views.

A Town Shaped by the West

Cody stands in north-western Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin, framed by the Absaroka Mountains and positioned on the eastern approach to Yellowstone National Park. Founded in the late nineteenth century by William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody and his associates, the town still draws much of its identity from the frontier mythology, ranching culture and dramatic landscapes of the American West. Broad streets, wooden storefronts and western-style architecture give the centre a distinctly regional character, while the surrounding country opens into sagebrush plains, irrigated farmland, badlands and high mountain valleys.
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History, Art and Living Traditions

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is Cody’s cultural anchor, bringing together museums devoted to Buffalo Bill, Plains Indian cultures, Western art, natural history and firearms. Nearby, Old Trail Town preserves historic buildings and objects associated with frontier settlement, while the Buffalo Bill Dam and Reservoir reveal the engineering ambitions that transformed the Shoshone River valley. In summer, the Cody Nite Rodeo continues a long tradition of public horsemanship, livestock competition and western entertainment. Local galleries, saddleries and independent shops add a contemporary layer to the town’s inherited western identity.

Landscape and Yellowstone Gateway

Cody is more than a historical staging post. Scenic drives lead towards mountain passes, reservoirs and trailheads, and the journey west along the North Fork of the Shoshone River is one of Wyoming’s most evocative approaches to Yellowstone. Wildlife, geological formations and changing light across the basin make the area rewarding for photographers, hikers and motorists, although distances, weather and seasonal road conditions require careful planning.

When is the best time to visit Cody?

Best: June, August–September · 23–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January115
February415
March1122
April1526
May2038
June (best)2431
July2825
August (best)2825
September (best)2322
October1716
November813
December315

Getting to and around Cody

How to get there

Cody is served by Yellowstone Regional Airport, located east of the town centre, with scheduled air links varying by season and year, so connections should be checked before travel. The nearest larger commercial airports are outside Cody, including Billings Logan International Airport in Montana and Jackson Hole Airport, both requiring a substantial road journey. Most visitors arrive by car or motorhome via US Highway 14, US Highway 16 or US Highway 20, depending on their direction of travel. Cody is a common eastern gateway for Yellowstone’s East Entrance, but mountain roads can close or become difficult in winter; check official road conditions before setting out.

Transportation

Cody is a small, spread-out town that is manageable by car, with many central streets and attractions accessible on foot once accommodation is nearby. A private vehicle is the most practical option for reaching the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Old Trail Town, Buffalo Bill Dam, trailheads and the North Fork of the Shoshone River. Public transport is limited compared with a large American city, and visitors should not assume that regular local buses will serve every attraction. Taxis and informal ride services may have limited availability, while cycling is pleasant in suitable weather but less practical on longer or busier routes.

Best attractions in Cody

Cody’s principal attractions combine museums, frontier history and high-country scenery. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is the town’s cultural centre, with galleries and collections exploring Buffalo Bill, Western art, Plains Indian cultures, firearms and natural history. Old Trail Town presents historic buildings and artefacts gathered from across Wyoming, creating a tangible sense of nineteenth-century settlement without pretending that frontier life was simple or uniform. Buffalo Bill Dam, a short drive east of town, offers an imposing example of early twentieth-century water engineering and access to views across the reservoir and valley. In summer, the Cody Nite Rodeo brings riding, roping and livestock events to a long-running local tradition. The North Fork of the Shoshone River leads towards mountain scenery, trailheads and Yellowstone’s East Entrance, while nearby viewpoints and open landscapes provide quieter ways to experience the Bighorn Basin.

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Best landmarks in Cody

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is Cody’s defining cultural landmark, its several museum collections turning the town’s association with Buffalo Bill into a broader interpretation of Western art, Indigenous cultures, firearms, wildlife and history. Buffalo Bill’s grave is not in Cody, but his name remains closely associated with the town founded through his late-nineteenth-century development ambitions. Old Trail Town’s relocated historic structures evoke the built environment of frontier Wyoming and preserve buildings associated with settlement and ranching. East of Cody, Buffalo Bill Dam is a major civic and engineering landmark from the reclamation era, rising above the Shoshone River valley and reservoir. The Cody Nite Rodeo Grounds represent a living aspect of the town’s public identity, linking contemporary western entertainment with the region’s traditions of horsemanship, livestock work and seasonal gathering.

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Explore Cody on the map

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Best restaurants in Cody

Cody’s dining scene reflects north-west Wyoming’s ranching culture, road-trip economy and western setting. Menus commonly draw on beef, burgers, steaks, trout and other familiar American West staples, while cafés, bakeries and casual restaurants provide practical breakfasts and lunches for travellers heading into the mountains. Dining is concentrated around the central streets and the main routes through town, with independent establishments ranging from low-key counter service to more traditional sit-down rooms. Western décor is common, although the town’s food culture is not limited to themed dining: visitors can also find pizza, Mexican-influenced cooking, sandwiches and contemporary American dishes. Groceries and provisions are useful for picnics or longer drives, particularly towards Yellowstone, where services become more widely spaced. Seasonal demand can affect opening patterns, so evening choices may be more limited outside the main visitor months.

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Best bars in Cody

Cody’s evening scene is modest and sociable rather than club-focused. Traditional bars, saloons and casual drinking establishments around the central commercial streets provide places for local conversation, regional beer and western atmosphere, while some restaurants offer a quieter setting for drinks after dinner. During the summer season, rodeo nights and other western events give the town a livelier rhythm, with visitors and residents gathering around longstanding outdoor entertainment rather than a dense concentration of nightclubs. Live music and community events may appear in seasonal programmes, but availability changes and late-night options are limited compared with larger Wyoming cities. Visitors should remember that Cody is a working regional town as well as a tourism gateway: dress is generally informal, respectful behaviour matters, and driving after drinking is especially hazardous on rural roads and mountain routes.

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Best nightclubs in Cody

Cody’s evening scene is modest and sociable rather than club-focused. Traditional bars, saloons and casual drinking establishments around the central commercial streets provide places for local conversation, regional beer and western atmosphere, while some restaurants offer a quieter setting for drinks after dinner. During the summer season, rodeo nights and other western events give the town a livelier rhythm, with visitors and residents gathering around longstanding outdoor entertainment rather than a dense concentration of nightclubs. Live music and community events may appear in seasonal programmes, but availability changes and late-night options are limited compared with larger Wyoming cities. Visitors should remember that Cody is a working regional town as well as a tourism gateway: dress is generally informal, respectful behaviour matters, and driving after drinking is especially hazardous on rural roads and mountain routes.

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Best shops in Cody

Shopping in Cody is concentrated along the central business streets, particularly Sheridan Avenue and the adjoining commercial areas, where western wear, boots, hats, saddlery, artwork and souvenirs reflect the town’s regional identity. Independent galleries and craft retailers offer paintings, photography, sculpture, jewellery and decorative work inspired by Wyoming landscapes and Western subjects. Visitors can also find practical outdoor clothing, books, locally themed gifts and food provisions for road journeys. The best purchases are often items connected to genuine local or regional skills, such as leatherwork, cowboy equipment, Native American art from reputable sources and handmade Western art; buyers should ask about provenance and cultural authenticity rather than assuming every so-called Native design is appropriately produced or represented. Retail hours and seasonal availability vary, particularly outside the main summer period.

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Cody essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the US dollar (USD). Banks, cash machines and businesses in Cody generally support ordinary visitor needs, and cards are commonly accepted at hotels, museums, fuel stations, restaurants and shops. Contactless payment is increasingly available, although smaller businesses, seasonal vendors and remote facilities may still prefer or require a physical card or cash. Carry some dollars for rural stops, entrance points, tips and unexpected network or payment outages, particularly when travelling into mountain country. International visitors should notify their bank before departure and check foreign-exchange charges, card verification requirements and withdrawal fees.
Safety
Cody is a small town, but ordinary precautions remain appropriate: secure valuables in vehicles, keep belongings visible only when necessary and take care when walking after dark on quieter streets. The more significant risks usually arise outdoors, including rapidly changing mountain weather, heat, dehydration, uneven trails, road distances and wildlife. Give animals plenty of space and never feed them. Roads around Yellowstone and the Absaroka Mountains can be narrow, winding or affected by snow and ice. Carry water, fuel and suitable clothing for longer excursions, and check road, fire and weather conditions before leaving town.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 in the United States for police, fire or medical emergencies, and state your location clearly, especially when travelling outside town or in areas with uncertain mobile reception. Cody has local emergency and healthcare services, while more remote mountain and park areas may involve longer response times. For non-urgent medical advice, contact a local healthcare provider or use the number on your travel insurance or health plan. Visitors should carry identification, medication details and insurance information, and should not rely solely on a mobile phone in the backcountry. Inform someone of your route when travelling into isolated terrain.
Do's and Don'ts
Do acknowledge that Cody’s western heritage includes living ranching communities and Indigenous histories, rather than treating the region as a costume set. Do ask permission before photographing people, private property or working animals, and follow museum and sacred-site guidance. Do tip restaurant servers and service staff in line with customary US practice, unless a service charge is clearly included. Do not approach wildlife, cross fences or leave marked public routes without understanding land access. At rodeos and cultural institutions, follow posted instructions and avoid reducing Plains Indian traditions to decorative stereotypes.
Local Tips
Use Cody’s centre as an orientation point, then plan separate excursions because attractions and landscapes are dispersed. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West rewards a generous visit, while Old Trail Town and the Rodeo Grounds lie west of the central streets. The North Fork route towards Yellowstone combines scenery with access to Buffalo Bill Dam and outdoor recreation, but services become less frequent beyond town. Summer is the busiest period, whereas shoulder seasons can bring quieter museums and changeable weather. Ask locally about current road conditions, wildlife activity and seasonal access rather than relying on outdated online information.
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[haw-dee]
GoodbyeSee ya[see yuh]
YesYup[yuhp]
NoNope[nohp]
Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome[pleez/yer welcome]
Thank youThanks[thanks]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad[pahr-dn mee/my bad]
How are you?Howdy[haw-dee]
Fine. And you?Just fine. You?[just fine. yuh?]
Do you speak English?Ya speak English?[yah speak ing-glish?]
I don't understandI ain't gettin' ya[eye ent get-tin yah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please[can eye see the menu, please]
I don't eat meatI don't do meat[eye dont do meat]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers]
I would like to pay, pleaseI'll pay now, please[eye-ll pay now, please]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Git![git]
Call the Police!Call the Sheriff![call the sher-iff]
Call a doctor!Get a doc![get a dock]
I'm lostI'm turned around[eye-m turned a-round]
I'm illI'm feelin' poorly[eye-m feel-in poor-lee]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I reckon I'll buy...[eye reck-un eye-ll buy]
I'm just lookingJust browsin'[just brow-zin]
How much is it?How much fer that?[how much fur that?]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep[that's a bit steep]
Can you lower the price?Can ya do any better on the price?[can yah do any bet-ter on the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What's the time?[whats the time]
It's one o'clockIt's one[its one]
Half past (10)Half past ten[half past ten]
MorningMornin'[mor-nin]
AfternoonAfternoon[after-noon]
EveningEvenin'[even-in]
YesterdayYest'day[yes-t-day]
TodayToday[to-day]
TomorrowTomorrah[tom-or-rah]
1One[wun]
2Two[too]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[seven]
8Eight[ate]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[wheres the]
What's the address?What's the addy?[whats the add-ee]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?[can yah point it out on the map]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[whens the next bus]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)[a ticket to]

History of Cody

Crow Country and Earlier Settlement

The Cody area lies within the wider homeland and historic sphere of the Apsáalooke, or Crow, whose communities used the Bighorn Basin and surrounding mountain country for seasonal movement, hunting and trade. The region later became a zone of sustained contact and conflict between Indigenous nations, federal authorities, settlers and commercial interests. European American exploration and military activity increased during the nineteenth century, followed by ranching and irrigation schemes. The surrounding landscape therefore carries histories that predate the town by centuries, while nearby museums and historic sites present different aspects of Indigenous, frontier and settler experience.

William F. Cody Founds a Town

Cody was established in the 1890s through the efforts of William F. Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, and a group of investors who saw potential in irrigation, agriculture and tourism. The settlement was named for Cody, whose international Wild West performances had made him one of the most recognisable Americans of his era. The town was formally incorporated in 1901. Cody’s ambitions extended beyond entertainment: he promoted roads, water development and a town that could connect the Bighorn Basin with the landscapes to the west. His name and image became inseparable from the community’s public identity.

Irrigation and the Shoshone Project

Water development shaped Cody’s early economy and physical growth. The federal Shoshone Project brought irrigation to parts of the arid Bighorn Basin, enabling agriculture where dependable water had previously been limited. Buffalo Bill Dam, built on the Shoshone River and completed in 1910, was among the important engineering works of the period and created a reservoir that supported the project. The dam also became a visible symbol of the transformation of the valley, linking Cody’s history to the wider story of western settlement, federal reclamation and the effort to make dry interior landscapes productive.

A Centre for Western Culture

Cody’s reputation as a western town developed through tourism, ranching, museums and the continuing circulation of Buffalo Bill’s legacy. The Buffalo Bill Memorial Association was formed in 1917, and the first museum of what became the Buffalo Bill Center of the West opened in 1927. Its collections broadened over time from commemorating Buffalo Bill to interpreting Western art, firearms, wildlife, Plains Indian cultures and the region’s natural history. Old Trail Town, assembled from historic buildings and artefacts from across Wyoming, added another layer to the town’s presentation of frontier life and settlement.

Rodeo and the Modern Gateway

Cody’s modern identity combines cultural institutions with outdoor travel and seasonal western events. The Cody Nite Rodeo began in 1938 and helped establish summer evenings as part of the town’s visitor culture, while the route west through the North Fork of the Shoshone River developed into a celebrated approach to Yellowstone National Park. Today, Cody serves residents, ranching communities and travellers exploring north-west Wyoming. Its museums and historic sites interpret a complicated regional past, while nearby mountains, reservoirs and public lands keep the town connected to the landscapes that shaped its economy.

Cody in Photos

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Welcome to Cody, Wyoming - where the spirit of the Wild West comes alive! With Evendo, your journey through Cody becomes an unforgettable adventure. This 100% free app-based travel guide is designed to help you explore the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Imagine walking through the historic downtown Cody, visiting the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, or admiring the breathtaking views at the Cody Nite Rodeo. With Evendo, you can easily plan your visit to these iconic landmarks and more. Looking for a bite to eat? Discover local favorites like the Proud Cut Saloon and Grill or enjoy a fine dining experience at Cassie's Supper Club.

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