Five Spots in Cody Yellowstone That Look Like They Are Straight Out of a Movie!

If you’ve ever imagined starring in a Western film or being transported to a new landscape so epic it could only be from the big screen, you’ve come to the right place. Cody Yellowstone is more than just a destination; it’s the ultimate movie set for your own adventure. Stunning natural backdrops and tiny historic towns provide the perfect foundation for your next exciting story. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a look at the places in Cody Yellowstone that feel like they belong in a blockbuster.

Smith Mansion

Perched on a hill in the Wapiti Valley, you’ll find an old-looking…do we call it a house? This strange building is the one and only Smith Mansion. The funny and unusual design of the Smith Mansion has left many in a state of intrigue and wonder, and it’s a must-see between Cody and Yellowstone National Park. 

Though Mr. Francis Lee Smith appears to have some things in common with the Mad Hatter, his masterpiece has never made it on the Hollywood big screen. Still, the interesting and elusive history of the Smith Mansion has had its fair share of media coverage.

It all started when Mr. Smith started building the massive home back in the 1970s. There were many curious neighbors as the structure came together—often second-guessing Smith’s sanity. Can you imagine living in a house without electricity in 1992? Smith, his wife, and two kids didn’t have to imagine it; they were doing it! But one blustery day in April, Smith fell to his death when a gust of wind tragically knocked him off the roof. After his passing, the family moved out and left the home and its history behind.

Hayden Valley

Have you ever seen an African safari adventure on TV and thought to yourself, “Wouldn’t it be incredible to see that many animals, up close, all at once?” While Cody Yellowstone might not have lions and tigers, we do have bears. And we know the exact spot you’ll find these furry creatures and so much more: Hayden Valley.

A prime spot for wildlife and a hot spot for bison herds, Hayden Valley feels like a scene straight out of a nature documentary. This expansive haven for Yellowstone’s wild residents features nearly treeless meadows, lush wetlands, and rolling hills, all nestled within the heart of Yellowstone National Park. 

Want to feel like you’re “behind the scenes” in Hayden Valley? The real magic unfolds at dawn and dusk, when the crowds are thinnest and the wildlife is most active. If you want to feel like it’s just you and your cast of animals out in the wilderness, plan your visit for September or October (before the East Gate closes), when the fall colors add to the scenery and the summer rush has faded.

Old trail town

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking the stage as a cowboy or bandit, Old Trail Town lets you do just that. It’s the one spot in Cody Yellowstone where you can feel like John Wayne or Clint Eastwood, ready to face down the Old West’s wildest outlaws. As you wander among old log cabins, rustic sheep wagons, and even the final resting places of legendary renegades, you’re not just looking at history—you’re walking in its footsteps. 

The 28 historic buildings at Old Trail Town have been collected from across the region, first disassembled and then relocated to one site where they were restored to their original glory. Butch Cassidy’s Hole in the Wall cabin, Rose William’s Roadhouse, and the grave site of Jeremiah Johnston are just a few of the notable pieces of history to be found. One of the original cabins actually made it to the big screen and was featured in the Old West film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Chief Joseph byway

Every movie needs a cutaway of someone driving off into the sunset on a long, winding road and inspirational road trip music in the background. The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway provides all that and more. This winding, 47-mile route through the Shoshone National Forest and Absaroka Mountain Range offers the kind of cinematic experience you see on the big screen. 

The byway is named after the Nez Perce leader, Chief Joseph, who is remembered for his honorable defiance of the forced removal of his people. The road itself follows a portion of the inspirational journey that Chief Joseph and his tribe took while fleeing the U.S. cavalry in 1877.

Connecting to the world-famous Beartooth Highway and leading to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance, this drive is an absolute must-do during your Cody Yellowstone adventure. Roll down the windows, turn up the music, and get ready for your main character moment.

Kirwin Ghost Town

An abandoned mining town, or the set of the next Ghostbusters movie? Approximately 32 miles south of Cody Yellowstone, you’ll find the remarkably preserved Kirwin Ghost Town. If you take a walk through the abandoned town of historic buildings, you might just feel the presence of something supernatural lingering in the mountain air.

Kirwin was first established in the 1880s when gold and silver were discovered on Spar Mountain. In 1907, there was a devastating avalanche that caused multiple fatalities and wiped out many of the buildings. This is ultimately what led to residents saying goodbye to their homes here.

Now, more than 100 years later, you’ll find a collection of ruins that offer a glimpse into the past of what life was like living deep in the mountains at the turn of the 20th century. The best part? The road into Kirwin takes you through stunning mountain vistas and offers spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. The ultimate way to get there is in a Side-by-Side ATV. For a truly unforgettable tour, connect with the experts at Out West Adventures.

Lights, Camera, cody yellowstone!

Whether you’re living out your own big-screen moment or directing your family’s next great vacation film, a visit to Cody Yellowstone is sure to leave you wanting a sequel to your adventure.

The first step to any great adventure is a solid plan. Get a head start on your journey with the new Pathfinder AI chatbot, and let us provide you with script-worthy information to bring your Wild West dream to life.