Why We’re Thankful to Call Cody Yellowstone Home
Quiet moments in the wilderness of Cody Yellowstone inevitably lead to contemplation. When we’re in one of the world’s most beautiful natural environments, we can’t help but ponder the vast landscape and its untamed inhabitants. It leads us to think of the people who came before us to protect the land the way we do now. And it makes us feel thankful to call Cody Yellowstone home.
In Cody Yellowstone, gratitude is an attitude — thankfulness isn’t limited to just one day of the year! So we’re taking the time to think about the endless reasons we love this place. Here are seven reasons why we’re thankful to call Cody Yellowstone home.
The Spectacular Outdoors
Our founder, Buffalo Bill Cody, famously said, “My restless, roaming spirit would not allow me to remain at home very long.” Perhaps that’s why he founded a town on a landscape so vast it permits endless roaming and exploring by people and animals alike.
When your outdoors look like this, “great” just doesn’t seem like a strong enough word to describe them. Spectacular, magnificent, endlessly fascinating, and richly rewarding get a bit closer to describing just how great the great outdoors are here in Cody Yellowstone. Another word? Otherworldly. How else would you describe the colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, the immense scope of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, or the wonder of the Old Faithful geyser?
Cody Yellowstone offers endless opportunities to view and explore incredibly beautiful outdoor landscapes. Go at your own pace with one of our scenic byways, or take a tour with guidance from outdoor experts who know the area inside and out and can lead you to all the most breathtaking spots.
When the outside is this awe-inspiring, you won’t have any trouble finding fun ways to experience it. And don’t forget to bring your camera because Cody Yellowstone is a photographer’s dream. You’ll be thankful you took the time to capture it!
Boundless Outdoor Adventures
When it comes to outdoor recreation in Cody Yellowstone, there really is something for everyone. Getting out and getting active isn’t limited to a single season here. On the contrary, every season presents unique opportunities to take advantage of this dynamic landscape. Bike, hike, paddle, and horseback ride during our beautiful spring and summer. Reel in some trout in picture-perfect river streams or take scenic exploratory drives in the fall. Ski, snowboard, hike, skate, and snowmobile in our winter wonderland. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find yourself thankful for the possibilities presented by nature and the opportunities to carve new paths and make new memories with friends and family in the great outdoors.
If you’re looking for some outdoor recreation inspiration, check out our video guide to getting outside. Outside Yellowstone is a free web series that provides tips and tricks for getting the most out of your adventures in Cody Yellowstone. Join host Shalee Super as she guides you to world-class outdoors. Each episode features a different way to find adventure here, from fly fishing to caving to ATVs and off-roading. We’re thankful to live in a place where it’s practically impossible to get bored — there’s always something new to explore outside.
Wildlife Still Wanders Here
We’re so thankful to live in an area where we have the chance to come face to face with majestic and fascinating animals in their natural environment. There aren’t many places left where the wildlife is still so wild. We’re especially thankful because it almost wasn’t this way. Our famous bison were nearly hunted to extinction in the early 20th century, but were revived through the hard work of Yellowstone’s wildlife managers. Today, there are nearly 5,000 free-roaming in the Greater Yellowstone region, a welcomed sight for residents and visitors alike.
Gray wolves were also nearly wiped out, but were reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995 and are now thriving thanks to careful conservation efforts. Black-footed ferrets, once thought extinct, were rediscovered outside Meeteetse in 1981. Today, their population has recovered thanks to the efforts of conservationists in the region! These restoration efforts, along with the careful support for existing animal populations, have kept Cody Yellowstone wild. As a result, when you visit Cody Yellowstone, you’re likely to see a mix of wildlife you wouldn’t spot anywhere else on the planet. Remember to treat the animals with the respect they deserve, exercising caution and never attempting to touch or feed them — even the cute baby ones!
It’s the Rodeo Capital of the World
New York is the city that never sleeps. Paris is the city of light. And Cody is the Rodeo Capital of the World. We love living in a place where, since 1938, every summer night has been filled with the sights and sounds of the Cody Nite Rodeo. A place where Buffalo Bill’s famous showman spirit is alive and well. And where we know blue jeans, cowboy boots, and western shirts look a little better with some hard-earned dirt on them. The rodeo is an authentic — and authentically fun — experience that thrives here. And we’re grateful to have access to it. If you’ve always wanted to experience this quintessentially American form of Wild West entertainment, join the rodeo fun in Cody Yellowstone.
History Lives On Here
When you take a look at our famous statue of Buffalo Bill, called The Scout, or visit one of our many historical sites, it’s easy to see that history is alive and well here in Cody Yellowstone. We’re thankful to live somewhere that respects and promotes its remarkable history. Where else can you step back in time to a town preserved as it was in the 1890s and visit the ghostly remnants of a mining town that thrived during the Wyoming gold rush? Or see the bullet holes left behind by famous outlaws immortalized in some of Hollywood’s greatest cowboy films? Cody Yellowstone is rich in history, and you don’t have to look any further than our charming downtown. But you can also explore five museums in one at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West or discover the important history of Japanese Americans during World War II at The Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, among many other museums and sites.
Cody is filled with history because it’s been touched by history. It’s a place where legendary showmen, outlaws, and presidents have made their marks. In Cody Yellowstone, history lives on, and we’re thankful to be reminded of it wherever we look.
Yellowstone’s Natural Wonders
In Cody Yellowstone, we often refer to Yellowstone National Park as our backyard, and for good reason. The East Gate of this 2.2-million-acre wonderland is just 50 miles from Cody. The drive was once called “the most scenic 50 miles in the world” by no less an authority than President Theodore Roosevelt, who was famously passionate about America’s natural landscapes.
We’re so thankful to have access to such extraordinary sights, from the roaming wildlife of Lamar Valley to the awesome vistas provided by the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to the geological wonders of Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs. Yellowstone is the world’s very first national park, and it’s clear when you visit why President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law back in 1872. This land is extremely special and worthy of protection!
Friendly Faces From Around the World
We love living somewhere people want to visit! As the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, we welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, many of them joining us from all over to take in our unique Old West culture. People from around the world come here because it’s like nowhere else in the world! They come to attend our family-friendly year-round events and stay in our wide range of welcoming accommodations, from sleek modern hotels to genuine dude ranches. And no matter where you’re from, you’re welcome to visit and embark on your own one-of-a-kind adventures.
Every year brings new reasons to visit, and 2023 is shaping up to be another wild and wonderful year in Cody Yellowstone. We look forward to seeing you here!
Ready to Experience All Cody Yellowstone has to Offer?
Join us and start creating your own list of things to be thankful for in Cody Yellowstone. Start planning your getaway today.
