Do What the Locals do in the Winter

Here in Cody Yellowstone, we see the majority of travelers during the summer months. During the winter, many local residents spend much of their time recharging and relaxing. This is also the perfect time to revisit the town’s many distinctive offerings and features that called them to Cody in the first place. Truth be told, these are things they simply may not have time to do when the summer season is in full swing. 

On a chilly winter day, you might find local residents enjoying a long cross country ski along the Shoshone River or wandering through one of the town’s famous museums. If you’re visiting our neck of the woods this winter, then we want you to be in the know! That way, you can enjoy the same crowd-free, easy-paced adventures that our locals love. Here are some examples:

Explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West at Your Leisure 

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a can’t-miss destination when you visit Cody Yellowstone. This massive facility features five museums under one giant roof, and each one of the museums is best explored at a slow pace. The Center of the West is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through the end of February and daily beginning March 1. When you visit, you’ll find a cafeteria and coffee bar, as well as an array of tables spread out through the lobby so you can take a break during your visit. 

Wondering which museums you’ll find here? They include:

• Buffalo Bill Museum, with exhibits that showcase the life and times of the town’s famous founder.
• Cody Firearms Museum, with the most comprehensive collection of American firearms in the world.
• Draper Natural History Museum, highlighting the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
• Plains Indians Museum, exploring the cultures, histories, and living traditions of the Plains Indians.
• Whitney Western Art Museum, often cited as the best Western art museum in the country. 

Learn From the Past at the Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center

Take the time to read all of the exhibits at the Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center. This award-winning museum showcases the experiences of 14,000 Japanese Americans who were confined at the Heart Mountain WWII Japanese American Confinement site. Visitors begin their experience by viewing a short, narrated video featuring stories told by former incarcerees who spent a part of their childhood behind barbed wire fences. The permanent exhibits focus on life in the camp and the many difficulties faced by those incarcerated. The center is open Wednesday through Saturday until mid-May.

Embrace Incredible Art at By Western Hands

Calling all art lovers, you mustn’t miss taking a stroll through By Western Hands. This innovative museum is free to explore. It focuses on Western design and functional art with exhibits that showcase how the region became the birthplace of Western design and how its artists continue to honor that heritage through their creations. 

Spend Some Time in the Heart of Cody Yellowstone 

There’s a reason Cody is known as one of the most charming small towns in America, and you can find out why with a stroll down Sheridan Avenue, Cody’s main street. The town’s coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants, and shops are all here and excited to see you. And best of all, they’re much quieter than in the summer, allowing you more time to linger and enjoy the small-town vibe.

Hit the Slopes at Sleeping Giant  

Skiers and snowboarders visiting Cody always love spending a day (or more) at Sleeping Giant Ski Area. Located 50 miles from downtown Cody. This gem of a ski area has a fun history — it was initially built in the ‘30s — and it has a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re hitting the slopes for the first time or are looking for a new challenge, you’ll find trails for all skill levels here. Sleeping Giant is open Friday through Sunday, with day and evening hours on Friday and Saturday. 

Live Like a Local in Cody Yellowstone 

Cody Yellowstone is wonderful in winter, and we’d love for you to experience it like a local. Check out all there is to see and do here for inspiration, then start planning your winter getaway today!