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Cody Yellowstone attracts people from all over the world to experience a totally one-of-a-kind destination. It’s the perfect somewhere for people who have been everywhere to discover a place like nowhere else! Take The Planet D, for example — since 2007, this duo of intrepid travelers has visited over 115 countries and all seven continents. Their passion for global exploration has led them all over the world. They know how to travel well and make the most of every place they visit. The Planet D proudly lives by the motto that “Adventure is for Everyone” — a philosophy that fits right in around Cody Yellowstone, where family-friendly fun, fascinating history, and thrilling outdoor excursions are available all year, for all ages. Learn more about Planet D’s recent trip to Cody Yellowstone and discover why it might be the perfect location for your next fall getaway.

Meet the Planet D

The Planet D is Dave and Deb, award-winning travel bloggers whose website has been serving up delightful and informative content since 2007. As they’ve ventured all over the world, they’ve become top travel influencers, bringing their readers the very best advice and itineraries for visiting global destinations. Given their travel expertise, you can be sure they made the most of their trip to Cody Yellowstone. With so many options for exploring the area’s rich history, world-class outdoor adventures, and unique wild west culture, let’s see how these travel pros spent their time. Perhaps you’ll find some inspiration for your own wild adventure.

A History-Filled Cody Yellowstone Experience

Old Trail Town & Museum of the Old West 2

When The Planet D rolled into Cody Yellowstone, they immediately made the most of it, taking a step back into the past with a trip to Old Trail Town & Museum of the Old West. They were so delighted by the experience that they ended up spending more time there than they had originally planned. As movie buffs, they were thrilled to see the gravesite of Jeremiah Johnson, a mountain man from the Old West who was made famous by a 1972 film starring Robert Redford. Old Trail Town also has two intact cabins and a saloon that were famously visited by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, as well as Wild West outlaws the Hole in the Wall Gang.

Of course, it’s not just cinematic history that can be explored in Cody Yellowstone, but literature too! Continuing their pursuit of famous cultural sites, the Planet D made sure to spend some time at the Chamberlin Inn, where iconic American author and outdoorsman Ernest Hemingway famously stayed while visiting Wyoming in the 1930s. Dave and Deb loved the mix of traditional charm and modern atmosphere, recommending a refreshing Chamberlin Cocktail or Old Fashioned to unwind and cap off a great day exploring Cody Yellowstone.

The Planet D’s journey back in time also included a trip arranged by Kirwin Ghost Town Adventures, who provided a trek up to 9,600 feet to see the abandoned mining town that dates back to the gold rush era of the late 1800s. Deb and Dave loved this unique glimpse into American history, but also noted the scenic setting as a major highlight, saying that the “surrounding scenery is breathtaking, with high snow-capped mountain peaks at every turn.”

Diving into Cody Arts & Culture

Buffalo Bill Center of the West 1

When you visit Cody Yellowstone, you must carve out some time to visit our award-winning museums and cultural sites. The Planet D explored the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a Smithsonian-affiliated institution that houses five fascinating museums: the Buffalo Bill Museum, Plains Indian Museum, Cody Firearms Museum, Draper Natural History Museum, and Whitney Western Art Museum. When you visit, heed this advice from The Planet D: “When you purchase a ticket to the Center of the West, it is good for two days, and you are going to need it. We spent about three hours inside and barely scratched the surface.”

The Planet D also loved browsing the local artisan works on display at By Western Hands, a combination museum, gallery, and boutique art shop offering some of the best locally made wares to bring a piece of Cody home with you.

The Planet D really took advantage of their time in Cody, packing in a full schedule of culture, history, and wild landscapes. With so much to do, they recommend hopping on the one-hour Cody Trolley Tour to get a lay of the land before diving into the full to-do list. The tour takes you to several of downtown Cody’s greatest attractions (including our famous nightly shootout!), so you can map out a plan for what to visit while you’re in town. And like Planet D, don’t forget to take some time to get out into nature and breathe in the fresh air and awe-inspiring landscapes of this one-of-a-kind environment. 

Getting Away from It All

Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center 4

When you’re ready to venture out from delightful downtown Cody, check out the Buffalo Bill Dam & Interpretive Center, which The Planet D described as one of the best free things to do in Cody. They loved learning about this engineering marvel and walking across the dam to take in “extraordinary” views of the Shoshone River and Buffalo Bill Reservoir. 

No trip to Cody Yellowstone would be complete without a visit to America’s first national park. When heading to Yellowstone National Park along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway, The Planet D recommends taking your time, as the road “truly is beautiful”. Include stops like the Wapiti Ranger Station and opportunities to hike at the Shoshone National Forest, America’s very first national forest. Looking for the ideal hike? The Planet D recommends the Popo Agie Falls Trail, a 3.1-mile (5 km) out-and-back trail that takes about 90 minutes for hikers of most abilities.

Fall for Cody Yellowstone

A man fishing in Cody Yellowstone

When you picture your perfect trip to Cody Yellowstone, what are you most excited about? Is it the opportunity to see wildlife in a practically untouched landscape? Fishing for trout in the pristine waters of over 1,500 miles of world-class streams (including the North and South Forks of the Shoshone River, Sunlight Basin, and rivers throughout Yellowstone National Park)? Well, if these activities are on your must-do list, fall is the perfect time to visit Cody Yellowstone

While the majority of our visitors are here in the summer, off-peak season travel works as an advantage for fall visitors! The area is less crowded, meaning you have even more space to explore, with fewer lineups at our most popular attractions. You’re also more likely to have your choice of accommodations, with more rooms available at popular spots like Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel and Chamberlin Inn

Fall is the perfect time to visit Cody Yellowstone, with many experiences that perfectly lend themselves to the cooler weather, smaller crowds, and unique animal behaviors that take place after summer concludes.

Follow in The Planet D’s Footsteps 

Thinking of taking your own trip to Cody Yellowstone? The Planet D’s guide is an awesome place to start. Visit their website to read the full rundown of their experience and see expert recommendations, from their favorite attractions to preferred places to stay. Be sure to check out their video roundup of suggestions, too! 

Start planning your own wild Cody Yellowstone experience by ordering your free Adventure Vacation Guide today.