Cody, Wyoming Offers Fantastic Fall Activities
CODY, WYOMING OFFERS FANTASTIC FALL ACTIVITIES
CODY, Wyo., August 22, 2011 – Ah, fall. The kids are back in school, and couples without children and older travelers hit the road. It is peaceful, the weather can be wonderful, lodging easy to secure and there is still plenty to do.
Everyone knows there are numerous attractions in Yellowstone Country, including Cody, Powell and Meeteetse, Wyo., in the summer. But what about autumn? Oh, yes. The days are pleasant (average September temperatures are in the upper 60s), and nights are cool (the gauge hits mid-40s) – perfect sleeping weather. It tends to be a dry month (an inch or less of precipitation). October is slightly cooler with a little more chance of dampness.
It’s a time of fall colors, which can be lovely here and in nearby Yellowstone National Park. The elk are in rut; hear their signature bugle call everywhere a herd is gathered. Bears prepare for winter by eating everything in sight – pack away your camp food in the proper manner—so you might see them foraging by day.
In this town founded by and named for Wild West showman Buffalo Bill Cody, it is not surprising that autumn ushers in some true Western pursuits.
Game on!
Tackle some blue-ribbon trout fishing in the streams in and around Cody. Seasoned fishermen will find their own way; novices might want to hire a fishing guide for their first foray. Fly fishing shops also offer maps and advice. For more information on fishing in Park County, go online to www.codyyellowstone.org/outdoor-recreation/.
There are several hunting seasons in the fall – for pronghorn, deer, elk, moose and bighorn sheep. Dates for each season vary, so check online for this year’s at http://gf.state.wy.us/admin/Regs/. You will find all the rules and regulations there, too.
No hunting? It is still possible to see all of this wonderful wildlife. Check with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s online wildlife watching guide at https://gf.state.wy.us/services/education/wtw/index.asp.
Hit the road
Scenic doesn’t begin to describe the drive between Cody and the east entrance of Yellowstone. This 50-mile Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway through the Wapiti Valley and Shoshone National Forest may result in some of that wildlife-watching. Look for grizzly and black bears, pronghorn, big horn sheep, deer, elk and moose. Keep a camera handy. There also are some amazing rock formations and, if the timing is right, fall colors. For complete information about viewing wildlife in the area visit www.codyyellowstone.org/see-do/wildlife.
Indoor fun
If the weather does turn dicey, there are still plenty of diversions.
The Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody is a complex encompassing a variety of museums dedicated to fine Western art, firearms, Native Americans, Yellowstone Park and Buffalo Bill himself. It is easy to spend an entire day here. If the art gallery inspires the urge to buy, there are a number of private galleries nearby to salve the itch. For more on the historical center, go online to www.bbhc.org.
The Cody Wild West Show Concert Series brings a bit of Nashville to the West with such noted artists as “Whispering” Bill Anderson, Mel Tillis, Suzy Boguss and Asleep at the Wheel gracing the stage of the historic and intimate Cody Theater downtown. Three times larger, with 900 seats, is the newer Wynona Thompson Auditorium where some acts also appear. For a current schedule of shows, go online to https://www.codyyellowstone.org/see-do/history-culture.
Special events
Autumn also brings a few annual events to Cody, but one deserves special mention.
The Rendezvous Royale happens the fourth week of September, and is one of Cody’s biggest and most prestigious events. There’s the nationally rated Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale, with Western-themed art from every genre: oils, watercolors, pastels, ceramics, sculpture and mixed media. There’s a quick-draw contest (between artists, not gunfighters), an auction, a Western fashion show, seminars, studio tours and a fancy-dress ball to top it all off. For more about the rendezvous, go online to www.rendezvousroyale.org/.
The Park County Travel Council (www.codyyellowstone.org) has information about more special events, as well as guide services, weather and vacation packages. Call them at 800-393-2639.
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Yellowstone Country is comprised of the towns of Cody, Powell and Meeteetse as well as the valley east of Yellowstone National Park.
The area of Park County is called “Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country” because it was the playground of Buffalo Bill Cody himself. Buffalo Bill founded the town of Cody in 1896, and the entire region was driven and is still heavily influenced by the vision of the Colonel. Today its broad streets, world-class museum – Buffalo Bill Historical Center – and thriving western culture host more than 1 million visitors annually.
The Park County Travel Council website (www.codyyellowstone.org) lists information about vacation packages, special events, guide services, weather and more. Travelers wishing to arrange vacation can also call the Park County Travel Council at 1-800-393-2639.
Media contact:
Mesereau Public Relations
1-720-842-5271
