Cody

Cody, Wyoming, is a town that embodies the spirit of the American West, founded in 1896 by the legendary Colonel William F. 'Buffalo Bill' Cody himself. Situated on the Shoshone River in the Bighorn Basin, with the Absaroka Mountains to the west and the Bighorn Mountains to the east, Cody offers a dramatic landscape that captivated its founder. It serves as a prominent gateway to Yellowstone National Park, located just 52 miles from its east entrance.

More than just a convenient stop on the way to Yellowstone, Cody is a destination in its own right, offering a blend of frontier history, outdoor adventure, and cowboy culture. The town is a living testament to its namesake's vision, with attractions that delve into the life of Buffalo Bill, the history of the Plains Indians, and the art of the American West. Visitors can experience nightly rodeos, gunfight reenactments, and explore authentic 1890s frontier buildings, making it a place where the past feels tangible.

The Vision of Buffalo Bill

Before European settlement, the land where Cody now stands was inhabited by the Shoshone and Crow people for thousands of years. John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, is believed to have been the first to travel through this area. The region was initially designated as Crow territory by the 1851 Fort Laramie Treaty, with later treaties establishing the Crow Reservation to the north and the Wind River Reservation to the south.

The town of Cody was founded in 1896 by William F. 'Buffalo Bill' Cody and a group of investors. Cody, a celebrated soldier, bison hunter, and showman, had passed through the area in the 1870s and was impressed by its potential for irrigation, fertile soil, striking scenery, hunting, and its proximity to Yellowstone National Park. He returned in the mid-1890s with a vision to establish a town, bringing with him men like George T. Beck, whose names are still seen on Cody's street signs. The Shoshone Land and Irrigation Company, co-founded by Cody in 1895, laid out the townsite.

Growth and Development

Cody was incorporated in 1901, the same year the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad line was completed to the town, connecting it to Toluca. The Cody Depot was situated on the north side of the Shoshone River, across from the town. In 1902, the Irma Hotel, named after Buffalo Bill's daughter, opened its doors, proclaiming itself the most modern hotel in the Rockies. The Wyoming Legislature created Park County from Big Horn County in 1909, making Cody the county seat.

Prosperity truly arrived in the early 20th century with the railroad and the federally financed Buffalo Bill Dam, located eight miles from town. The Shoshone River Valley Project, initiated after the Newlands Act, saw Cody assign his water rights to the Reclamation Service in 1904, leading to the dam's construction to irrigate the surrounding arid land. Oil was discovered in the Oregon Basin southeast of Cody in 1912, further contributing to the town's growth.

Buffalo Bill's Legacy

Buffalo Bill Cody died on January 10, 1917. Within weeks, five prominent citizens formed the Buffalo Bill Memorial Association, demonstrating the town's commitment to preserving his legacy. Cody remains a premier tourist town, known for its Western attractions, including the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which houses five museums dedicated to Buffalo Bill, Plains Indians, Western art, firearms, and natural history. The town continues to honor its founder, celebrating 'Buffalo Bill Day' on his birthday, which includes the Buffalo Bill Birthday Ball.

Begin your exploration at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a Smithsonian affiliate that is essentially five museums under one roof. Here, you can delve into the life of Buffalo Bill, learn about Plains Indian cultures, admire Western art, explore firearms history, and discover the natural history of the Greater Yellowstone area. Your admission is valid for two consecutive days, allowing ample time to experience everything.

Step back in time at Old Trail Town, a collection of authentic 1890s frontier buildings relocated from across Wyoming and Montana and reassembled on site. Wander through a saloon, a general store, and even the hideout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. For a taste of the modern West, catch the Cody Nite Rodeo, which runs nightly from June through August and holds the title of the world's longest-running professional rodeo. Do not miss the Irma Hotel, built by Buffalo Bill and named after his daughter, which remains open 365 days a year.

Beyond town, visit the Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor's Center, an impressive engineering feat that traps water from the Shoshone River. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding Shoshone National Forest offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, fly fishing, horseback riding, and river rafting. Cody is also a primary gateway to Yellowstone National Park, with its east entrance just 52 miles away, offering access to geysers, lakes, and diverse wildlife.

The best time to visit Cody for general outdoor tourist activities is from early July to late August, with a peak in the last week of July. During these summer months, average high temperatures are in the 70s or 80s Fahrenheit, with lows in the upper 40s or low 50s. This period offers clear skies and is ideal for visiting Yellowstone National Park and enjoying events like the Cody Nite Rodeo. May and early June also mark the beginning of the peak season, offering comfortable temperatures in the mid-60s and a lively atmosphere, though Yellowstone's East Entrance opening can depend on weather conditions. Fall, from September to October, brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, perfect for wildlife viewing.

Cody is served by Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD), which offers year-round aviation connections. For those driving, Cody is well-connected by U.S. Highways 14, 16, and 20. The town is about a two-hour drive from Billings, Montana, and three and a half hours from Jackson Hole.

Once in Cody, explore the downtown area on foot or consider a Cody Trolley Tour for a guided overview of the town's history and attractions. The Cody Country Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is an excellent resource for maps, brochures, and information on local attractions, including Yellowstone National Park. They also sell tickets to several local attractions. Public transit is available through Park County Ride, offering regional bus service. Remember that while Cody is close to Yellowstone, the park itself is vast, so plan travel within Yellowstone accordingly.