Cody, WY: A Gateway to the West and Yellowstone National Park

Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West

World-Class Museums

Consider carving out two—maybe even three—full days for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This isn’t your average museum stop; it’s five world-class museums under one roof, and your ticket gives you two consecutive days to explore it all at your own pace.

These exhibits are professionally designed and curated, and the lineup is extraordinary.

• The Buffalo Bill Museum pulls visitors straight into the drama and legend of the American West, spotlighting the lives of cowboys, wranglers, and sharpshooters like Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley. Get ready for boots, spurs, and engaging stories about some authentic, larger-than-life, real-life legends.

• The Plains Indian Museum offers a moving journey through centuries of Native history, blending historic artifacts with powerful contemporary works by Native artists.

• The Draper Natural History Museum immerses visitors in the wildlife, landscapes, and early settler stories that shaped the region. We were impressed with the hands-on exhibits and the wildlife displays. One of the standout moments of the trip was the daily Live Raptor Experience. The center cares for several birds of prey—including a bald eagle, golden eagle, and various owls—and their presentations bring you astonishingly close to these incredible creatures. We watched a peregrine falcon and a vulture up close while learning about their habitats, adaptations, and personalities. It’s the kind of experience that sticks with you long after you leave.

• The Whitney Western Art Museum showcases everything from classic Remington pieces to modern masterpieces by today’s leading Western artists. There’s even a selfie station to create your own postcard.

 • The Cody Firearms Museum, home to more than 10,000 artifacts. Even if firearms aren’t your thing, the sheer scope and storytelling make it unforgettable. Enthusiasts could easily spend an entire day here alone.

A visit to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West isn’t just educational— it’s immersive, surprising, and genuinely memorable for travelers of every age.

Drive the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway

Highway 296

Wyoming’s Highway 296—better known as the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway—lives up to its scenic name. This dramatic route traces the path Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce followed in 1877 as they fled the U.S. Army during the Nez Perce War. Just northwest of Cody, the highway stretches for nearly 46 miles, and even driving a portion of it rewards RVers with sweeping, unforgettable views.

The road winds through mountains and valleys with tight curves and the occasional hairpin turn. For an easier time navigating the road, hop into your tow vehicle or toad and keep an eye on the weather—closures can happen quickly in this high‑country terrain.

Binoculars are a must. Wildlife thrives here, from elk and deer to moose and even the occasional grizzly bear. We visited in the fall, traveling in our dually truck, and found ourselves pulling over again and again to soak in the overlooks glowing with autumn color.

Panoramic Views

One of the most striking stops is Dead Indian Pass Overlook, perched at more than 8,000 feet. The panorama seems to stretch endlessly, and the interpretive signs offer a moving look at the Nez Perce journey. This was an opportunity to linger, taking in the history, the crisp air, and the chipmunks darting between rocks as if they owned the place.

Sunlight Creek Bridge

Farther along, the road leads to one of the highway’s true highlights: the Sunlight Creek Bridge. Spanning a dramatic gorge within the Shoshone National Forest, it’s the highest bridge in Wyoming—and you feel every bit of that height when you step onto the pedestrian walkways on either side. The view plunges straight down into the narrow, rugged canyon carved by Sunlight Creek, a sight that’s both humbling and exhilarating. The adjacent rest area offers another vantage point if you prefer to take in the scenery from solid ground.

Whether you drive the full length or just a section, the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway delivers a blend of history, wildlife, and jaw-dropping landscapes that make it one of Wyoming’s most memorable byways.

Explore Downtown Cody, WY

Sheridan Avenue

Cody, WY, doesn’t just have a downtown—it has a downtown with swagger. Sheridan Avenue buzzes with the kind of Western charm that feels both cinematic and completely authentic, thanks to the town’s roots in the early 1900s. Shops spill out onto the sidewalks, neon signs glow at dusk, and the air carries a mix of leather, barbecue, and waffle‑cone sweetness. And yes, the daily staged shootouts add just the right amount of frontier drama.

Murals splash across the sides of century-old brick and sandstone buildings, many of which were built between 1901 and the 1930s when Cody’s commercial district first took shape. Today, those same structures house hat makers, leather artisans, quirky gift shops, and outfitters who look like they stepped straight out of a Buffalo Bill poster. The whole scene feels like time travel—minus the dust storms and horse-drawn wagons.

Downtown Cody Historic District

History isn’t just present here; it’s everywhere. Statues of Buffalo Bill greet you at street corners, and plaques mark the many historic buildings that anchor the Downtown Cody Historic District, officially recognized for its early‑20th‑century architecture and Western character.

The Irma Hotel

And then there’s the Irma Hotel, the crown jewel of downtown. Built in 1902 at a staggering cost of $80,000 (a fortune at the time), Buffalo Bill named it after his youngest daughter, Irma. He didn’t just build it—he lived in it, entertaining guests with the same charisma that made him a global celebrity. Visitors who step inside will find the famous cherrywood backbar gifted to him by Queen Victoria herself, a gleaming reminder of the international fame Cody carried with him.

A Sweet Treat

If your idea of history involves a sugar rush, downtown Cody has you covered. Candy shops, soda fountains, and ice cream parlors line the street like a dessert‑lover’s treasure map. Annie’s Soda Saloon and Bigg Chill were two of our favorites—both serving up locally made ice creams and mix-your-own sodas that make kids and adults equally giddy.