How to Spend a Perfect Day in Meeteetse

Meeteetse is the kind of place you almost miss—a small town with a lot of personality. It’s quiet, friendly, and easy to enjoy without a big plan—park on State Street, take a stroll, pop into a museum, browse an art gallery, grab some chocolate, then head back out into wide-open country.

If you’re staying in Cody Yellowstone, Meeteetse is an easy day trip to add to your itinerary. It’s close, low-effort, and gives you a slice of Wyoming that’s full of charm and a little untamed.

Know Before You Go

A few practical tips for a smoother run into town:

• It’s an easy day trip from Cody (close enough to feel spontaneous, far enough to feel like you went somewhere).
• Check hours before you drive over. Some spots keep seasonal schedules or close earlier than you’d expect.
• Fuel up. If you’re pairing town time with scenic backroads, it’s smart to top off your tank first.
• Plan for small-town pacing. Fewer businesses, fewer choices—and that’s part of the appeal.
• Cell service can be spotty once you drift outside town. Download maps and save addresses before you roll.

Quick Logistics: When to Visit Meeteetse

Meeteetse works year-round, but the experience changes with the season.

• Summer: Blue skies, easy strolling, long daylight for scenic drives.
• Fall: Crisp air, golden cottonwoods, and light photographers chase.
• Winter: Quiet streets, big skies, and a slower pace (even by Wyoming standards).

State Street Wander: Easy, Walkable, No Rush

This is a park once town. State Street is short, walkable, and full of small details—Western storefronts, signs, and windows that make you want to slow down and look around.

What to do here:

• Take a casual lap up and down State Street
• Pop into shops for local art, handmade goods, and Wyoming-style keepsakes
• Grab photos (there are plenty of good angles without trying too hard)

Don’t skip the art stop: Vic Payne Studio & Gallery is right in town in the Meeteetse Mercantile building, showcasing the work of Western sculptor Vic Payne along with other nationally and internationally recognized artists. 

The Cornerstone Stop: Meeteetse Museums

If you do one thing in Meeteetse, make it the Meeteetse Museums.

Comprised of three museums, the Beldon Museum, the Bank Museum, and the Meeteetse Museum, their collections are full of charm, insights, and stories you’ll have to hear to believe. The museums feature the Western photography of Charles Belden and exhibits on the local famous wildlife, including the black-footed ferrets and the grizzlies, Little Wahb and Big Joe. Plus sculptures by Harry Jackson and Mike Crocker’s Wild Sheep of North America exhibition. 

Pro tip: Give yourself at least an hour. More if you like reading placards, asking questions, or getting happily sidetracked.

Sweet Stop: Meeteetse Chocolatier

You can’t leave town without a stop at the Meeteetse Chocolatier. Sorry, we don’t make the rules!  

The Meeteetse Chocolatier is also known as Tim Kellogg, a cowboy trained in the art of chocolate in Paris and London. Tim draws inspiration from all around Wyoming, infusing his artisan truffles and tasty treats with authentic Western culture. Best of all, he’s proud to produce his chocolates in an environmentally and ethically friendly manner.

What to do here:

• Ask what’s best that day (seasonal offerings and favorites can vary)
• Pick a mix—something classic plus something you wouldn’t normally choose
• Grab a few extras for the drive back (or for later in the trip)

Pro tip: While you’re here, be sure to pick up something up for your four-legged friends—the Meeteetse Chocolatier also makes treats for dogs. 

Where to Eat

Meeteetse is small, but you’ve got a couple solid options right on State Street—good for a quick bite or a sit-down break between the museum and your outdoor plans.

• Elkhorn Bar & Grill is a family-friendly stop with American cuisine and options for dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru, plus a fully stocked bar.

• For a more old-school Meeteetse experience, the Cowboy Bar & Outlaw Grill is a historic bar that dates back to 1893—the kind of place with real local stories baked into the walls (and an ornate antique bar).

Outdoor Time Right Outside Town

One of the best parts of visiting Meeteetse is how quickly you’re back in open country. You can keep it easy or make it a bigger adventure—it depends on your day.

Choose your own adventure:

• Wildlife spotting: Early morning and dusk are prime time (bring binoculars if you have them)
• Scenic drives: Big-sky views, river-and-valley scenery, and pull-offs that don’t need a reason
• Hiking: From short leg-stretchers to bigger explorations, depending on where you point the wheels
• Photography and birding: Wide horizons, changing light, and plenty of opportunities to snap the perfect photo

Kirwin Ghost Town

If you want to turn your Meeteetse day trip into something that feels more backcountry, point your plans toward Kirwin Ghost Town—an old mining settlement tucked into the Absarokas near the head of the Wood River. It’s remote, scenic, and genuinely feels like you’re stepping back through time.

Why it’s worth it

• Kirwin was a late-1800s mining town tied to gold and silver discoveries, and it once had the basics of a real community (stores, a post office, a hotel/boarding, stables, and more).
• A 1907 avalanche killed three people and damaged buildings, and the town slowly faded after that.
• Many buildings and equipment still remain.

Fun Fact: Not far from Kirwin, you can find the remains of a cabin being built for Amelia Earhart, who was planning to live in the area before her disappearance.

The road to Kirwin is rugged and technical, typically requiring the right vehicle and a bit of confidence. If you don’t want to stress about the drive, Out West Adventures offers guided Side-by-Side tours that include Kirwin Ghost Town, along with other routes in the area. 

Make Tracks For Meeteetse

Meeteetse is quiet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t pack a punch when you stop in for a visit! Come find out for yourself. Remember to include a day trip to Meeteetse when you map out your trip to Cody Yellowstone.

Request your free Cody Yellowstone travel guide and start planning your adventure today.