#That’s WY Travelers Should Visit Cody Yellowstone in the Winter
CODY, Wyo., Dec. 20, 2019 – When the bears of Yellowstone settle into their dens and the lights go off at the Cody Nite Rodeo grounds, it’s time for curious travelers to discover the magic of Cody Yellowstone in the winter.
“Nature is the star performer in the winter, with wandering wildlife, starry skies and Instagram-worthy winter landscapes,” said Claudia Wade, director of the Park County Travel Council. “Painters, photographers, storytellers and other visitors find endless inspiration in the frosty quiet of the East Yellowstone Valley and the historic streets of downtown Cody.”
In addition to sublime scenery, visitors will find plenty of ways to experience the magic of Cody Yellowstone with an array of indoor and outdoor adventures.
Outside Adventures
There are numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors in Cody Yellowstone, even when the temperatures have taken a nosedive. Visitors needing to supplement their cold-weather clothing and gear will find what they need at downtown Cody outfitters and retail stores.
The region features many miles of cross country ski trails.
Recommended gear for any cold-weather adventure in Cody Yellowstone includes plenty of clothing layers including water-proof pants and jackets, gloves and hand-warmers, water, snacks, binoculars and a fully charged phone. Once properly outfitted, here are some of the fun ways to go outside and play:
Observe frosty critters. The Greater Yellowstone region is known worldwide for its diverse array of wildlife, and in the winter, some of the critters are so readily viewable that keen observers might swear the animals are posing for photos, always showing their best side. Road-trippers might find that it is common to share the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway – the road that leads to Sleeping Giant Ski Area – with slowly ambling bison, clusters of deer and elk and the occasional bighorn sheep. Don’t forget to look to the skies for eagles, falcons and osprey.
Photograph surreal landscapes. From frosty trees, sometimes called “ghost trees” because of their eerie appearance, to snow-covered mountains, there are plenty of stunning places to photograph.
Ski and shred. Sleeping Giant Ski Area, one of the oldest ski areas in the country, is located west of Cody near the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park. This family-friendly and affordable mountain has 184 skiable acres with a total of 49 runs, base elevation of 6,619 feet, vertical drop of 810 feet and average snowfall of 150 inches.
Cross country ski and snowshoe. There are miles of ski trails with classic tracks and skate lanes near Sleeping Giant Ski Area as well as the Wood River Valley Ski Touring Park 22 miles southwest of Meeteetse. Skis and snowshoes can be rented at outfitters in town as well as at the park and ski area.
Snowmobile. Although the East Gate to Yellowstone is closed to rubber tire traffic during the winter, adventurers can explore the park on a full-day or overnight guided snowmobile tour. Gary Fales Outfitting Snowmobile Tours offers full-day and overnight tours in Yellowstone National Park. There are also snowmobile rentals for self-guided tours.
Catch and release. The region features some of the best blue-ribbon trout stream fishing in North America, and the fish do not know it is winter. Professional fishing guides and outfitters accommodate anglers of any ability.
Climb a waterfall. One of the highest concentrations of waterfall ice climbing in the U.S. is located along the South Fork of the Shoshone River just outside of Cody, and climbers from around the world travel to the region to test their skills.
Indoor Fun
Even the hardiest of travelers may want to spend some quality indoor time, and Cody Yellowstone has plenty of options, from museums and historic sites to shops and galleries.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West. The acclaimed Buffalo Bill Center of the West (BBCW) was formed to preserve the legacy and vision of Buffalo Bill Cody, and since the original museum was founded more than a century ago, BBCW has evolved into the oldest and most comprehensive museum of the West. With five museums under one roof, the Center includes the Buffalo Bill
Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center is especially powerful in winter.
Museum, Plains Indian Museum, Whitney Western Art Museum, Cody Firearms Museum and the Draper Natural History Museum.
Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center. The award-winning Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center, showcases the site where nearly 14,000 Japanese-American citizens were confined during World War II. This stop is especially poignant in the winter as visitors can truly appreciate the conditions endured by its Japanese-American residents.
By Western Hands. This combination museum, gallery and education center opened in 2019 with a mission to preserve the legacy of Western design, including functional art such as furniture and saddles. The facility includes a large workspace where local artisans present workshops to teach skills such as beading, blacksmithing and woodworking. These “make and take” classes are offered throughout the winter, and visitors can learn about upcoming events online.
Watch the skaters. Winter enthusiasts who enjoy watching winter sports may take in a Yellowstone Quake Hockey Team game. A non-profit, community-based organization, this Tier III Junior A hockey team is comprised of skilled players under the age of 20 who are preparing for advancement to a college program or other professional opportunities. The team plays at the Victor J. Riley Arena, and games are scheduled through mid-February
Shoot replicas of the guns shot by Buffalo Bill Cody. The Cody Firearms Experience offers travelers a unique history lesson as well as a chance to test shooting skills. Guests shoot replicas of guns like the Indian Trade Musket and Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army Revolver in a state-of-the-art indoor shooting range.
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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
