Here’s What You Can Do in Cody and Yellowstone Right Now
CODY, Wyo., June 15, 2020 – Camping and fishing, museum-hopping and wildlife-spotting, paddling and rock climbing, hiking and horseback riding, rodeo-watching and Yellowstone National Park day-tripping…these are some of the many adventures that await travelers to Cody Yellowstone right now.
With two gateways to Yellowstone National Park and numerous authentic Western experiences in the historic town of Cody, this destination in the corner of northwestern Wyoming has implemented smart, practical procedures for hosting tourists during the continuing Covid-19 crisis.
About Cody Yellowstone
Cody was founded nearly 125 years ago by indefatigable showman Buffalo Bill Cody, whose zest for adventure took him to many corners of the country and world. But no place called to him like Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin. Here, he envisioned and built a tourism destination like no other place on Earth.
The destination of Cody Yellowstone is defined by the boundaries of Park County, Wyoming, and it includes the towns of Cody, Meeteetse and Powell as well as the valley east of Yellowstone National Park. A classic road-trip destination for generations of travelers, the destination is known for its traditional Western attractions like the Cody Nite Rodeo, superlative museums like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and outdoor adventures including horseback riding, whitewater rafting and hiking. There are accommodations choices for every budget and interest including RV parks and campgrounds, dude and guest ranches, traditional hotels and boutique inns.
“Buffalo Bill Cody liked to say his ‘restless, roaming spirit,’ wouldn’t allow him to remain home for very long, and after months of staying at home like everyone else, I certainly understand that sentiment,” said Claudia Wade, director of the Park County Travel Council, the marketing arm for the region. “Cody was a pragmatist as well as a visionary, and in that spirit, the hospitality and tourism leaders in our region have implemented numerous practical protocols to address this year’s special challenges while still welcoming visitors.”
Wade noted that the town of Cody is particularly well-suited for social distancing because that’s the way Buffalo Bill Cody laid out the town. Cody constructed streets that are unusually wide to allow for easier maneuvering for stagecoaches and other horse-drawn vehicles. Sidewalks are wide, and there are plenty of park-like outdoor nooks for visitors to rest and enjoy the whimsical Western-themed sculptures throughout town. Many restaurants have large sidewalk patios or decks for outdoor dining.
Here’s What is Open and What to Know
Wade advises travelers to check lodging, restaurant and attraction websites for the latest updates. “Travelers can anticipate some changes to procedures even after today, so the best advice I can offer is to check websites frequently for news and the latest information,” she said.
Accommodations. Accommodations in Cody include campgrounds and RV parks, dude and guest ranches, hotels, inns and Bed and Breakfasts. While there are no restrictions on overnight lodging in Cody, every location has implemented procedures specific to the facility. Some locations offer meals to go. Guests may find that facilities such as pools and other gathering areas are closed this year. Travelers should check the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website for updates about lodging in the park.
Restaurants. Cody and Yellowstone feature a variety of restaurant options. Many restaurants are offering carryout and limited indoor and outdoor dining. Updates can be found on individual websites.
Museums. Most museums are open with some restrictions. All museums have implemented rigorous cleaning and sanitizing procedures. Some museums require guests to wear masks. Please check websites for the latest visitor guidelines.
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Some interactive exhibits have been temporarily closed.
- Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning June 20.
- Old Trail Town is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cody Dug Up Gun Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- By Western Hands Museum & Gallery is open.
- Cody Heritage Museum is open.
- Meeteetse Museums is open with some restrictions.
- The Cody Nite Rodeo is staging nightly rodeo performances with limited seating through Sept. 10. The Cody Stampede Rodeo will be held nightly July 1-4
- Cody Trolley Tours is offering two trips daily with a limited number of passengers to allow for social distancing.
- Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue is staging performances a 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday nights. Reservations are required and seating is limited.
- The Cody Cattle Company is featuring nightly performances at 5 p.m. with limited seating.
- The Cody Firearms Experience is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- The Wild Bunch Gunfighters are staging free nightly performances at 6 p.m.
- Yellowstone National Park is open with restrictions.
- Camping. There are numerous campgrounds throughout the region including Buffalo Bill State Park, Yellowstone National Park and Shoshone National Forest.
- Fishing. Cody Yellowstone is known for blue-ribbon trout stream fishing. Several outfitters in Cody offer guides and information.
- Horseback riding. The region features an array equestrian-friendly trails and outfitters. Many dude and guest ranches offer horseback riding as well.
- Rafting and kayaking. Outfitters offer a variety of trips on the Shoshone River.
- Ziplining. The Sleeping Giant Zipline is open daily through Sept. 15.
- Hiking. There are hiking trails and parkways throughout the region.
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Home of the Great American Adventure, Cody Yellowstone is comprised of the northwestern Wyoming towns of Cody, Powell and Meeteetse as well as the valley east of Yellowstone National Park. The region is known for rodeos, authentic guest and dude ranches, world-class museums and recreational adventures that reflect the adventurous spirit of the visionaries and explorers who brought the remote region to the world’s attention.
Related hashtags:
#YellowstoneCountry
#CodyWyoming
#CenteroftheWest
#BuffaloBill
#Yellowstone
#ThatsWY
Media contact:
Mesereau Travel Public Relations
720-284-1512