Cody presents the history of the American West from several perspectives: museums tell the story of the city and its economy, historic homes and exhibits focus on the pioneer era, and rodeos add a distinct dimension. You can tailor your stay to the subjects that interest you most.
Museums and Pioneer History
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody houses five museums and a research library under one roof. The Cody Heritage Museum explores the founding of the city, the history of ranching and agriculture, and the importance of early businesses. Other topics include the tourism-based economy, the influence of the oil, gas, and railroad industries, and the region’s cowboy history.
Old Trail Town is located on the original townsite of Cody City in Wyoming and comprises 28 historic buildings. The DeMaris House was the first single-family home at this end of town.
The Historic Cody Mural and Museum combines a large mural with the settlement history of the Big Horn Basin. A rotunda features a ceiling mural completed in 1951, depicting scenes from the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The museum also explores the contributions and challenges of the pioneers who settled the Big Horn Basin from 1900 to 1910.
By Western Hands Museum & Gallery is a craft gallery and exhibition hall for Western functional art and design. The Heritage Garden offers another distinct focus: This permanent living exhibit includes an outdoor educational area with native plants, pollinator plants, wildflowers, and grasses.
Rodeo, Stories, and Dates
Since 1938, the Cody Nite Rodeo has offered two hours of wild, family-friendly Western-style entertainment. The Cody Stampede Rodeo has a different format: It takes place every year from July 1 to 4 and features rodeo entertainment, a craft fair, food vendors, and daily parades. If you’d like to plan your trip around the Stampede, check the dates before you set out.
At the Cody Firearms Experience, the program includes instructor-led live-fire shooting exercises. History and safety are covered, and more than 50 firearms are included. In summer, the venue is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. From October through April, hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.; published hours may change seasonally. Check the hours before your visit.
The Cody Trolley Tours explore the history of the Rocky Mountain town founded by Buffalo Bill. Storytellers, historic photographs, and audio clips bring the story to life. This approach differs from the museums and historic buildings: The focus is on the city’s history, told through multiple media.
Parks and Scenic Byways
Cody has more than 25 developed parks and nine miles of trails. For drives in the surrounding area, two scenic byways offer different points of reference. The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway branches off Wyoming Highway 120 north of Cody and heads west and north. Check road conditions and seasonal access for this route.
The Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River through the East Yellowstone Valley, also known as Wapiti Valley, to the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The routes can be distinguished by their specific features: The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is described by its turnoff and direction; the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway is defined by its river, valley, and destination.
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