Dramatic sunset over the Absaroka Mountains near Cody Wyoming
Most people drive through Cody on the way to Yellowstone without stopping. That’s a mistake. Cody, Wyoming isn’t just a gas stop or a place to grab lunch before hitting the East Gate. There are so many great things to do in Cody Wyoming that most visitors wish they had planned more time here. Museums, nightly rodeo, whitewater rafting, wild mustangs, and enough Western history to fill a week. Whether you are planning to visit Cody Wyoming for a day or a whole week this guide covers the top 10 Cody Wyoming attractions you don’t want to miss.
The visitors who take time to explore Cody almost always say the same thing afterward. We wish we had planned more time here.
1. Buffalo Bill Center of the West: The Top Cody Wyoming Attraction
This is the number one thing to do in Cody Wyoming and it’s not close. Five museums under one roof: the Buffalo Bill Museum, Cody Firearms Museum, Draper Natural History Museum, Whitney Western Art Museum, and Plains Indian Museum. Each one could stand on its own as a destination. Together they make up one of the finest museum complexes in the American West.
Plan to spend a full morning here. Four hours minimum, five if you want to do it justice. Your ticket is valid for two consecutive days so you can split the visit across two mornings if you want to take your time.
A practical tip: go first thing when it opens. If you want to be back at the East Gate by early afternoon to avoid the crowds, an 8am departure from your basecamp gets you there right at opening and still leaves the afternoon free for Yellowstone. It’s the anchor of everything worth doing, the single best Cody Wyoming attraction before or after a day in the park.
During summer the center offers a free Live Raptor Experience at 10am and 3pm included with admission. Don’t miss it.
👉 Buffalo Bill Center of the West
2. The Cody Wyoming Rodeo: Nite Rodeo and Stampede
Cowboy riding a bucking bronc at the Cody Stampede Rodeo in Cody Wyoming
When people ask what to do in Cody Wyoming the rodeo is always the first answer. Cody calls itself the Rodeo Capital of the World and a visit here isn’t complete without going. Which rodeo you see depends on when you visit — and either way you’re in for a great night.
The Cody Nite Rodeo runs every single night from June 1 through August 31. Bull riding, barrel racing, roping events, and a kids calf scramble that the little ones love. It’s a real small arena experience, not a tourist show, and it delivers every night.
If your trip lines up with the Fourth of July the Cody Stampede PRCA Rodeo runs June 30 through July 4 and draws top professional circuit riders from across the country. The Cody Wyoming rodeo during Stampede week is one of the most exciting times to be in town all year. Book tickets and accommodation well in advance, it’s one of the busiest weekends of the summer.
Evening performances run about two hours and wrap up around 10pm. If you’re staying out toward Yellowstone plan for about a 35 minute drive back after the show. The road through Cody is well lit but gets darker once you hit the canyon. Watch for deer on that stretch.
👉 Cody Wyoming Rodeo
3. The Cody Cattle Company
If you’re looking for things to do in Cody Wyoming in the evening the Cody Cattle Company is hard to beat. Doors open at 4:50pm, dinner is served from 5:30pm, and the live Western music show runs from 6:30 to 7:30pm, ending right in time to head over to the Cody Nite Rodeo.
It’s an all you can eat Chuck Wagon style dinner with a high energy Western music show. You can book a show only ticket, a dinner and show ticket, or the most popular option: dinner, show, and rodeo ticket all in one. The band gets standing ovations most nights and the brisket comes up in almost every review.
A practical tip: if you want dinner, the show, and the rodeo all in one night this is the most efficient way to do it. The season runs May 25 through September 25, 2026. Closed July 4th, August 3, and September 7 and 21. Book ahead during peak summer, it fills up fast.
If you’re staying out toward Yellowstone plan to leave your basecamp by about 4pm to give yourself time to get into town before doors open.
4. Wild West Spectacular Musical
After a day exploring Cody Wyoming Yellowstone country the Wild West Spectacular at the historic Cody Theatre is a great evening out. This two hour musical brings the stories of Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, and Wild Bill Hickok to life with singing, dancing, humor, and real Western storytelling. It plays on select days throughout the summer season.
It’s great family entertainment and a fun way to connect with the history of the area. If you’re planning things to do in Cody Wyoming in the evening this one is worth putting on the calendar early. Check the schedule and book ahead — popular shows sell out.
5. The Irma Hotel and the Cody Gunfighters
Historic Irma Hotel and Buffalo Bills Original Hotel neon sign in downtown Cody Wyoming at sunset
Buffalo Bill Cody built the Irma Hotel in 1902 and named it after his daughter. It’s one of the most historically rich things to do in Cody Wyoming and one of the most memorable evenings you can have downtown. The dining room and bar have kept their turn of the century feel — long wooden counter, historic photos on the walls, and a real sense of stepping back in time. Stop in for lunch or dinner. It’s right on the main street and easy to work into a downtown afternoon when you visit Cody Wyoming.
The best reason to be at the Irma at dinner time is what happens outside. The Cody Gunfighters perform a free 30 minute Old West shootout reenactment in the street right in front of the hotel Monday through Saturday from June through September. The show starts at 6pm and four different shows rotate throughout the summer. Get there by 5:50 to find a good spot. It’s free to watch from the sidewalk or you can reserve a folding chair for $3 through Cody Trolley Tours on the hotel porch.
It’s a fun and uniquely Cody experience, especially for kids. Combine it with dinner at the Irma and you have a great evening right in the heart of downtown.
6. Old Trail Town: One of the Most Underrated Things to Do in Cody Wyoming
Historic log cabins and antique wagon wheels at Old Trail Town in Cody Wyoming
Old Trail Town is one of the most underrated things to do in Cody Wyoming, and one of the most authentic Cody Wyoming attractions you will find. A collection of real Old West buildings — cabins, saloons, a schoolhouse — that have been relocated and preserved on a single site. The buildings are filled with period artifacts and the grounds include a cemetery with the graves of notable frontier figures.
It’s a quiet self-guided experience that takes about an hour. Pair it with the Buffalo Bill Center of the West on the same day so you’re not making two separate trips into town from your basecamp out toward Yellowstone.
7. Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center
Shoshone River rushing through the rocky canyon near Buffalo Bill Dam in Cody Wyoming
The Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center is free and open May 1 through September 30. The dam is a striking concrete arch that holds back the Shoshone River and the visitor center has great exhibits on its construction history and the geology of the canyon.
This is a convenient stop on the drive between Cody Wyoming and Yellowstone — you pass right by it on the way up the North Fork corridor. It adds about 20 minutes to your drive and the view from the overlook platform is impressive. For visitors looking for things to do in Cody Wyoming on the way to Yellowstone this is one of the easiest stops to add to your day.
👉 Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center
8. Wyoming River Trips: Whitewater Rafting on the Shoshone River
Shoshone River flowing through the rocky canyon near Cody Wyoming with railroad tracks along the bank
If you’re looking for outdoor things to do in Cody Wyoming Wyoming River Trips is the place to start. They’ve been Cody’s number one outdoor activity since 2012 and have been running the Shoshone River since 1978. They’re a second generation family owned business and it shows — the guides are excellent and the reviews are consistently outstanding.
Trip options run from a one hour intro to Red Rock Canyon all the way up to a full day on the water with lunch and multi-day adventures. The half day trip through Red Rock Canyon and the Lower Canyon is the most popular option for families and first timers — Class I to III rapids, great scenery, and just the right amount of adventure without being overwhelming.
A practical tip: book a morning river trip on a day when you want to be back at the East Gate by afternoon. The half day trips wrap up with plenty of time to grab lunch in Cody and still make it into Yellowstone for the late afternoon wildlife window in Hayden Valley.
Phone: 307-587-6661
👉 Wyoming River Trips
9. Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tour
Two wild mustangs standing in the sagebrush near Cody Wyoming
One of the most unique things to do in Cody Wyoming is the Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tour. It’s one of those Cody Wyoming attractions that surprises people, guides take you into the badlands south of Cody to see herds of wild mustangs roaming freely. Pronghorn antelope and other wildlife are commonly spotted along the way too.
Book an early morning or late afternoon tour for the best experience — the light is better and the horses are more active. Check current pricing and availability directly with the tour operator as prices vary by group size and season.
👉 Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tours
10. Cody Trolley Tour
If it’s your first time to visit Cody Wyoming the Cody Trolley Tour is a smart way to get oriented fast. A 60 minute tour with two guides covering the town’s history, architecture, and characters. The route hits the historic district, the Irma Hotel, Old Trail Town, and other key landmarks.
It’s one of the smartest first things to do in Cody Wyoming when you arrive. Do the trolley tour on your first afternoon before you explore on your own. It gives you context that makes every other Cody Wyoming attraction more interesting and helps you figure out what to do with the time you have.
Want to Find More Things to Do in Cody Wyoming?
Looking for even more things to do in Cody Wyoming beyond this list? The Cody Chamber of Commerce is your best resource for current events, local business listings, dining recommendations, and anything else happening in Cody throughout the season. Their website is updated regularly and a great place to check before you visit Cody Wyoming.
How to Make the Most of Things to Do in Cody Wyoming
There are so many great things to do in Cody Wyoming that it helps to have a plan. Here are a few tips that make a real difference:
Combine Cody and Yellowstone days. You don’t have to choose between Cody Wyoming Yellowstone country and the park every day. A morning at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West followed by an afternoon at Hayden Valley is a great day. The East Gate is about 35 minutes from downtown Cody.
Save downtown Cody for afternoons and evenings. Mornings are best spent in Yellowstone when wildlife is most active and parking is still available. Save museums, shopping, and the Cody Wyoming rodeo for after you come back from the park.
The rodeo is worth it every time. Even if rodeo isn’t normally your thing give the Cody Nite Rodeo one night. Most people who go on a whim end up going back a second time.
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West deserves two mornings. If you have four or more days to visit Cody Wyoming split your museum visit across two mornings. You’ll enjoy it a lot more than rushing through everything in one go.
Plan your evenings early. The Cody Cattle Company, the Gunfighters show, the Wild West Spectacular, and the Nite Rodeo all run in the evening. Some nights you can combine two of them. Plan ahead so you don’t miss anything you really want to see.
Book river trips in the morning. Wyoming River Trips’ half day tours wrap up early enough to still make it into Yellowstone for the afternoon. It’s an easy way to fit a river adventure into a Cody Wyoming Yellowstone day.
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Getting Around Cody Wyoming
The easiest way to get around when you visit Cody Wyoming is by car. Most Cody Wyoming attractions are spread out and a vehicle gives you the flexibility to combine a town day with a run up toward Yellowstone. Downtown Cody is walkable for the main street area but you’ll need a car for anything out toward the North Fork corridor.
The Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody is served by United Airlines with connections through Denver. It’s one of the most convenient fly-in options for visitors who want to base themselves near the East Gate.
Planning Your Visit to Cody Wyoming
Absaroka Mountains and green pasture along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway between Cody Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park
There are things to do in Cody Wyoming from late May through early October with the full summer lineup running June through August. The Cody Wyoming rodeo, Wild West Spectacular, Cody Cattle Company, Wyoming River Trips, and most guided tour operators are all in full swing right now.
If you’re combining your visit to Cody Wyoming with a Yellowstone trip these guides will help you make the most of both:
- Best Yellowstone Entrance Guide : why the East Gate near Cody is the smart choice
- Yellowstone Itinerary Guide : day by day plans from one day to seven days
- Yellowstone Wildlife Watching Guide : what to see and where to find it
- First Time Visiting Yellowstone : everything you need to know before you go
- Last Minute Yellowstone Trip Guide : it’s never too late to plan your trip
Frequently Asked Questions: Things to Do in Cody Wyoming
How far is Cody from Yellowstone National Park? Cody Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park are 52 miles apart via the East Entrance. The drive takes about an hour each way along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway. It makes Cody a very practical basecamp for day trips into the park’s less crowded eastern side.
What is the best time of year to visit Cody Wyoming? Summer from June through August is the most popular time to visit Cody Wyoming. The Cody Wyoming rodeo runs nightly, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is fully open, and the weather is great for outdoor activities. Spring and fall are quieter with some Cody Wyoming attractions on limited hours.
How much does the Buffalo Bill Center of the West cost? Tickets are approximately $20 for adults and are valid for two consecutive days so you can split your visit across two mornings. Check the Buffalo Bill Center of the West website for current pricing and any special events.
Is Cody worth visiting if I’m not interested in rodeos? Absolutely. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West alone is worth the stop. Add Old Trail Town, the dam, the Cattle Company dinner show, whitewater rafting with Wyoming River Trips, and guided tours into Yellowstone and you have enough things to do in Cody Wyoming to fill several days without ever setting foot in a rodeo arena.
What is the best way to combine Cody Wyoming and Yellowstone? Spend your mornings in Yellowstone when wildlife is most active and parking is available. Save Cody Wyoming attractions, shopping, and evening entertainment for afternoons and nights. The East Gate is about 35 minutes from downtown Cody making it easy to do both in the same day.
Is there whitewater rafting near Cody Wyoming? Yes. Wyoming River Trips has been running the Shoshone River since 1978 and has been rated Cody’s number one outdoor activity since 2012. They offer trips for all skill levels from a one hour intro all the way up to multi-day adventures. Great for families and first timers.
Where can I find more things to do in Cody Wyoming? The Cody Chamber of Commerce is a great resource for current events, dining recommendations, and local Cody Wyoming attractions throughout the season. Their website is updated regularly and worth checking before you visit Cody Wyoming.
Is there good camping near Cody Wyoming for a Yellowstone trip? Yes. Old Faithful RV Park sits on the North Fork of the Shoshone River 32 miles from the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park. Full hookup RV sites, rustic cabins sleeping up to 6 guests, and some of the darkest night skies in Wyoming right outside your door.