Romantic Date Ideas in Cody Yellowstone
Sublime scenery, diverse dining options, and accessible outdoor adventures are just a few of the things that make Cody Yellowstone an ideal date destination at any time of year. And when the bears of Yellowstone are cozily snoozing in their dens, and the summer crowds are long gone, winter-loving couples have plenty of space to discover the magic of Cody Yellowstone. It’s the perfect time to explore the quiet corners of this vast landscape and find places to make new memories together.
If you’re seeking a unique date destination that will provide endless opportunities to spend quality time together, Cody Yellowstone has you covered. Here are some of our favorite romantic date ideas in Cody Yellowstone.
Learn New Skills Together
There’s no question pristine nature is one of the defining features of Cody Yellowstone. After all, the world’s first national park is right in our backyard and provides 2.2 million acres of breathtaking wilderness to explore together. When you visit, you’ll probably wish there was some way to take some of that beauty home with you. Great news! We’re bringing in two professional outdoor photographers to lead a new four-day Winter Photography Workshop so you can learn how to get those shots you’ve been dreaming of.
If you and your other half have always wanted to hone your photography skills, this is a unique opportunity to learn from the very best. Workshop participants even get to stay at one of Cody’s most historic locations: the famous and centrally located Irma Hotel, built by town founder Buffalo Bill Cody. When you aren’t taking photography field trips into the frosty wilderness, you can wander the historic streets of downtown Cody (named the most historic and charming town in Wyoming!) and sample its many restaurants, breweries, museums, shops, and galleries.
Spot Critters at Sunrise
Cody Yellowstone is world-famous for its wildlife, and it’s all here for you to discover together. The early morning hours and dusk are two of the best times to see animals in the wild. So get up early, grab a coffee, and drive along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway towards Yellowstone with your binoculars handy. There are numerous places to pull off the road to scope for bison, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and even moose. For an especially romantic atmosphere, we recommend stopping at the Buffalo Bill Reservoir to watch the sun come up. And pay attention to the silence! If you listen closely, you might just hear the rustle of deer or the cries of hungry raptors on the hunt. These quiet moments in the wilderness are great for building bonds and making unforgettable memories together.
Act Like Kids in a Candy Store (Literally!)
If you and your sweetheart are sweet tooths, you’ve come to the right place. Cody Yellowstone is home to some seriously sweet and seriously creative candy and chocolate makers. What could be better than indulging in some new flavors together? Head to the family-owned Cowtown Candy Company to celebrate sweet nostalgia in the form of hand-dipped truffles, fresh homemade fudge, specialty sodas, and unique gifts. If you can’t get enough chocolate, you won’t want to pass up a visit to the Meeteetse Chocolatier. The owner, Tim Kellogg, originally began selling truffles and brownies at the rodeo to raise money for a new bronc saddle. That original plan led to him establishing the Meeteetse Chocolatier, which has since been featured in the New York Times. The store’s endlessly creative concoctions include raspberry, peanut butter, and even jalapeno truffles.
Go for a Scenic Cross Country Ski
Once you’ve indulged in the delectable delights of Cody Yellowstone’s creative confectioners, you may be looking for a way to burn off the sugar high and calories. Cross-country skiing is a scenic and satisfying way to work up a sweat. You can head to the classic tracks and skate lanes along the Shoshone River at Pahaska Tepee near the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park. Or make your way to the remote Wood River Valley Ski Touring Park to enjoy over 15 miles of groomed trails. Skis and snowshoes can be rented at outfitters in town or at the Sleeping Giant Ski Area. For those who love to get out into deep powder or explore new trails together, Cody Yellowstone offers plenty of opportunities to strap on the skis and make strides for adventure.
Make it a Date Night with Buffalo Bill
If the idea of going to a museum together seems dull or unromantic, you’ve been going to the wrong museums! The Buffalo Bill Center of the West offers fantastic opportunities to discover new and exciting things that will spark your conversation and keep you talking long into the night. The acclaimed museum (really five museums in one!) even stages periodic date nights such as Sangria and Tapas evenings. Keep an eye on their Events Calendar to stay up to date on the latest special events so you can plan your date night around the ones that interest you most. Or pop in during regular hours to explore together at your leisure. The celebrated museum also hosts Cody Culture Nights, with talks on a wide range of topics.
Romantic Dining with a Twist (or an Olive!)
Cap off a perfect day together with a romantic meal at a great restaurant. Cody Yellowstone offers plenty of options. For a classic and cozy experience, we recommend Spirits Lounge at the legendary Chamberlin Inn. Toast to your love with handcrafted cocktails and shareable snacks. Find a quiet corner of the lounge to relive your days together exploring Cody Yellowstone’s incredible landscape. Sip on a warming beverage and listen to live music every Friday evening. The romantic boutique inn always offers inventive drinks and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a memorable date night.
Shop for the Perfect Souvenir
Looking for something special to bring home to commemorate your time away together? Art is a tradition in Cody, and you’ll find numerous art galleries, one-of-a-kind stores, and antique shops overflowing with a wide range of art and home décor. Plus, museums like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and By Western Hands Museum & Gallery have a wide selection of Western-style creations—from jewelry to leather goods and western accessories—available for purchase. Take home something authentic and artisanal for a souvenir you’ll cherish forever.
End the Day with a Beer Crawl
Sometimes there’s nothing better than sharing a round or two of beer to end a day of exploration! If you consider yourselves hops lovers or are looking to discover new and exciting flavors, Cody Yellowstone offers several locally brewed options. Don’t miss Pat’s Brew House, Wyoming’s first all-female owned and operated brewery, which features 15 craft beers on tap as well as a menu of Irish and American-style pub foods. Cody Craft Brewing is another proudly local brewing operation, which offers a delightfully diverse menu of beer styles and perfectly paired snacks. If you live for the classic combination of beer and pizza (with a side of arcade games), Millstone Pizza Company & Brewery is the place for you. No matter which local brewery you choose, remember to be safe! You can stay at one of Cody’s many downtown hotels and walk to each brewery location.
Ready to Plan Your Cody Yellowstone Couple’s Getaway?
We hope you enjoyed this roundup of some of our favorite date options available in Cody Yellowstone. If you’re ready to plan your own unforgettable couple’s getaway, start by ordering a free Cody Yellowstone Vacation Guide today!
