7 of the Best Things to Do and See in Cody, Wyoming
The spirit of the Wild West comes alive in Cody, but you also have access to all the modern comforts you’d want in a vacation. Think historic saloons and cowboy shootouts one moment, and art museums and gourmet dinners the next. Tucked at the foot of the rugged Absaroka Mountains and just an hour from Yellowstone National Park, this little Western town has become a favorite basecamp for travelers craving both adventure and culture.
Whether you visit for a weekend or a week, you’ll find plenty of unforgettable, purely Wyoming things to do here. Stick around as we share the top Cody attractions to add to your itinerary.
1. Buffalo Bill Center of the West
One of the ultimate Cody attractions, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a world-class museum complex covering more than seven acres—indoors alone. It’s home to five distinct museums under one roof and over 10,000 artifacts, making it one of the most comprehensive collections of Western history and culture anywhere.
See works by famed artists including C.M. "Charlie" Russell and Thomas Moran in the Whitney Western Art Museum, then browse one of the world's largest firearm collections at the Cody Firearms Museum. The Plains Indian Museum features rare artifacts, like one of just a few remaining buffalo hide tepees in the world, and you can also learn about the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem at the Draper Natural History Museum and all about the town's legendary founder at the Buffalo Bill Museum.
2. Cody Night Rodeo
Of all the things to do in Cody, the Cody Nite Rodeo may be the most authentic Old West experience. Held nightly from June through August, it’s the only rodeo in the country that happens every single night during peak season. It's also unique in that both rodeo pros and amateurs participate. Expect a full lineup of traditional rodeo events, from bull riding and barrel racing to saddle bronc and tie-down roping.
The family-friendly atmosphere means little wranglers can try their hand at roping lessons or participate in the nightly calf scramble, while adults can get a different kind of thrill on the mechanical bull. Attendees even have a chance to meet and snap a selfie with beloved local celebrity Mongo the Bull. For both spectators and participants, experiencing a small-town rodeo is one of the most unique Wyoming things to do.
3. Old Trail Town
Take a massive step back in time at one of the top Cody attractions for all ages, Old Trail Town, where you’ll walk along the very site where the town of Cody was first planned. This living outdoor museum features a collection of authentic frontier buildings from the late 1800s, including cabins (keep your eyes open for Butch Cassidy's famous hideout!), a blacksmith shop, a classic saloon, and a cemetery. And when we say authentic, we mean it—rather than replicas, the historic wooden buildings you see here were meticulously disassembled, transported from places across Wyoming and Montana, then reassembled in Old Trail Town by respected historians.
Although it's certainly photogenic, the site is more than just a photo op. It’s a window into daily life during the rowdy cowboy era. Many of the buildings are furnished with period artifacts, giving you a genuine sense of how early settlers and cowboys lived in the American West.
4. Explore Downtown
Downtown Cody is walkable and packed with Western flair. Shop for a new pair of cowboy boots at Wayne’s Boot Shop, page through local reads at Legends Bookstore, and check out rare and antique weapons at Dug Up Gun Museum.
Stop by Custom Cowboy Shop for handmade apparel and rack, or swing into Wyoming Buffalo Co. for locally made gifts, home goods, and even smoked and cured meats. Trailhead Cody is a go-to for hearty dinners and craft cocktails, and afterward, pop into some of the local watering holes for swing dancing and to shoot pool.
5. Visit Yellowstone National Park
Visiting America's first national park is one of those Wyoming things to do that never gets old. Just an hour west of town, the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park makes for a perfect day trip from Cody. While Old Faithful and some of Yellowstone’s other ultra-famous sights are (much) deeper in the park along the Grand Loop, the more remote eastern section has its own incredible highlights.
Visit Yellowstone Lake and the famous Fishing Bridge, Tower Fall, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, all easily reachable from this entrance.
Because it sees less traffic, this side of the park is also renowned for its wildlife sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, elk, moose, bison, eagles, and even wolves—especially in the early morning or late evening. On that same note, drive carefully when traveling to and from the park.
6. Go Horseback Riding
For a true Western adventure, saddle up for a trail ride. Local outfitters like Bill Cody Ranch and Rand Creek Ranch offer rides for all skill levels, from gentle one-hour loops to half-day mountain treks. You’ll ride through pine forests, cross alpine streams, and catch views of the Absaroka Range.
Horseback riding in Cody isn’t just about the scenery, though; it’s also about connecting with the area’s cowboy heritage. Whether you’re an experienced rider or trying it for the first time, it’s one of the most memorable things to do in Cody.
7. Drive Scenic Beartooth Highway
Widely considered one of the most beautiful drives in America, the Beartooth Highway is a must for road trip fans. The Beartooth Loop starts and ends in Cody, winding its way to Red Lodge, Montana and offering jaw-dropping views of alpine lakes and sweeping mountain vistas.
Along the way, you’ll cross Wyoming’s highest bridge and reach elevations well above 10,000 feet. The road is only open from late May to mid-October, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
Your Western Home Base
When adventure-filled days turn into starlit nights, Cody Lodging Company offers the perfect place to unwind. Their carefully curated collection of luxury homes ranges from cozy cabins to sprawling ranches on nearly 90 acres, all designed to showcase Wyoming’s stunning natural beauty with features like floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive outdoor living spaces, and easy access to all the best Cody attractions.
With so many unforgettable things to do in the area, your only challenge is deciding where to start and when to go. No matter what’s on your itinerary, a stay with Cody Lodging Company will help make your Wyoming getaway one to remember.
