Buffalo Bill's Blog

So what are the “Must Dos” in Cody/Yellowstone Country?

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody is a necessity when visiting the Cody area. The Center is often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West.”  My family never tires of the Center. You can learn about Buffalo Bill, the Plains Indians, western art and Yellowstone. The Center also boasts the largest collection of firearms in the world-a favorite of the males in my family! Don’t forget to check out the gift shop for great souvenirs. You can bundle your museum trip with the Cody Trolley Tour at a discounted rate. The Trolley will pick you up at the front door of the museum and take you on an hour long tour.  This 22-mile tour in a classic trolley explores places, people and lore of the area.

Step back in time as you stroll through the original town site of Cody located at Old Trail Town. Historic buildings of the area have been carefully moved to the site in addition to authentic artifacts. My favorite building is the saloon. It is a quaint building with great character. This saloon could probably hold about 20 people. We forget that Hollywood has depicted saloons as sprawling buildings when in fact they were small. That is why western boom towns had so many saloons!

Buffalo Bill had many dreams for Cody and the Buffalo Bill Dam was one that was achieved. When it was completed in 1910, it was the tallest concrete dam in the world.  The dam visitor center is a great spot to enjoy tranquil waters of the reservoir and take the audio tour to learn about the dams construction and the area wildlife. The dam is also a great spot for a picnic lunch.

One of Cody’s best kept secrets is Tecumseh’s Trading Post out by the Rodeo grounds. Tecumseh’s is an old west museum and old west miniature village. My kids can’t get enough of the 7000 sq. ft. miniature village that depicts the historical events in Wyoming and Montana from the 1600’s to the 1800’s. The miniature train that can be controlled by visitors is a favorite for kids of all ages. The western artifacts rival most museums. This family owned and operated collection is truly special. They graciously share their collection with the public at no charge!

Meeteetse also has a wonderful treasure in the Meeteetse Chocolatier! Sample gourmet confections made by owner Tim Kellogg who is also a bronc rider and working cowboy. These chocolate delights are made by using only the finest ingredients and are meant to be enjoyed in the “here and now.” Don’t miss this unique shop with amazing treats located on the quaint boardwalk in Meeteetse!

Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center between Cody and Powell is an amazing learning opportunity for everyone in the family.  Ten thousand Japanese-Americans were interned at this facility during World War II. Learn about why and how the internees spent their time at the camp. The Center offers a self-guided tour in addition to the Learning Center.  You can pick up the Cody Trolley for a tour to the Center and through area farm land.

Cody has the longest running nightly rodeo in the country which has earned it the distinction of being the “Rodeo Capital of the World.” Rodeo season begins June 1st through August 31st. Enjoy this outdoor rodeo with plenty of excitement and mountain views.  Whether this is your first rodeo or you are a connoisseur, it is sure to be a great time!  

Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue is a wonderful Branson/style music show that is a family favorite.  Enjoy classic cowboy favorites, poetry and much more. If you want to truly experience the West, you must take in the Dan Miller’s show!

These are just the highlights in Cody/Yellowstone Country. There are so many great things to do from the relaxing to the adventurous. Don’t forget to minimize the stress of planning by allowing everyone in the family a voice in the vacation!

Until next time, happy traveling in Cody Country!

It is that time of year when we reflect on the past year and start making resolutions and plans for the upcoming year.  Do you resolve to make the same changes each January?  The ever-so-popular “lose weight,” “get fit,” “get organized,” “quit smoking,” seem to be on many lists. Why not resolve to do something fun like traveling more in 2012? You don’t have to think “globally” when it comes to travel. Why not explore some of the treasures we have in Wyoming! Have you been to Yellowstone? Has it been 20+ years since you were there? Have you explored the area around Yellowstone? Make 2012 the year to really get to know Cody/Yellowstone Country! 

Dan Miller's Cowboy Music Revue

Let me help you plan your trip!  Start your Wyoming vacation by flying into Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody on jet service from either Salt Lake City or Denver.  I recommend spending two nights in Cody right from the start. Stroll the downtown shops and mosey over to the Irma Hotel for the Gunfighters street theatre performance. Dine at the restaurant in Buffalo Bill’s historic Irma Hotel. After dinner, check out Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue. Spend another day at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, dining at a local restaurant and an evening at the Cody Nite Rodeo.

Now let’s head out to experience Yellowstone. The drive from Cody to the East Entrance of Yellowstone is incredibly scenic! There are several lodges and ranches that offer horseback riding, fishing and lodging in the East Yellowstone Valley. Spend the next three days exploring Yellowstone. Marvel in the wildlife, geothermal activity and breathtaking scenery. Whether staying in an RV or in one of the Park’s hotels, you will be experiencing the majesty of spending the night in one of the most spectacular places on Earth! Three days in the Park allows you to explore the Park’s features. If you want to get into the backcountry, plan on spending another day. I recommend exiting the Park through the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City, MT and travel down Hwy 296 to the Beartooth All-American Highway (Hwy 212) into Red Lodge, MT. The Beartooth Highway is the highest elevation highway in Montana and Wyoming. Expect to see pristine mountain landscapes, several lakes, forests and alpine tundra. You may even get to see a herd of mountain goats!  The pass always makes me want to sing “the hills are alive with the Sound of Music!”

On your way back to Cody, don’t miss to Heart Mountain. It is the prominent mountain you will see to the north of near town. It is a geological wonder! Scientists come from all over the world to study it. It’s unique because the rocks at the summit are 300 million years older than the base and are of a different type and era. It is believed that a massive landslide occurred from the Cooke City area due to volcanic activity. Whatever the cause, it has created a majestic landscape that is visible throughout the Cody area!

Spend your last night in Cody enjoying a nice dinner and picking up those last souvenirs to mark your amazing trip to Cody/Yellowstone country! One of my family’s favorite dinner options is Zapata’s and a visit to the adjoining Cowtown Candy store – sometimes we go there first!

Let your trip to Cody Country/Yellowstone be the start of a travel tradition. I think I will start planning my 2012 Yellowstone getaways right now! 

Until next time, lovin’ life in Buffalo Bills’ Country!

I love this time of the year! The snow (which came down by the bucket loads this weekend), a cozy fireplace and a cup of hot cocoa, with Christmas music playing in the background – that’s my favorite kind of day! And here in Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country, the beginning of this winter season means that the community comes together for musical performances, parades, parties and other gatherings. I’ve put together a list of just some of the events that are taking place over the next couple of weeks:

The Cody Community Theatre group has been working incredibly hard to bring one of the most beloved musicals to life for this holiday season – “The Sound of Music” will open to audiences at the Wynona Thompson Auditorium the day after Thanksgiving, for a three-day run. Over 40 community members are involved in the production, either on stage or behind the scenes, and it’s going to be one of the best shows ever put on by the Community Theatre group, thanks to the involvement of theatrical professionals who have elevated this production above what you’d expect for a town the size of Cody – it will be amazing!  If you’re planning to come, you can get your tickets through Wednesday, November 23rd here.

The Cody Christmas Celebration is an event that the entire community looks forward to every year, and this year’s festivities happen the Saturday after Thanksgiving. There will be hay rides, caroling, entertainment, ice sculpting, a lighted parade and, of course, an appearance by Santa! The event encompasses the entire town, from the top of the hill to Sheridan Avenue.

Old Trail Town is hosting a Christmas event this year, as well – “An Old Trail Town Christmas” open house happens Saturday, November 26, from 2:00-8:00 PM. Stop in to see Victorian and old fashioned decorations, and enjoy homemade cookies and confections. Oh, and we can’t forget the hot toddies that they’ll be serving up in the saloon, too!

December 3^rd will be busy – it’s the Buffalo Bill Historical Center’s Holiday Open House, which means entertainment by local musicians and school groups, cookies and punch, and free access to all of the BBHC’s amazing museums (except the wing dedicated to Buffalo Bill himself, that section of the center is closed for renovation until May). It’s also Powell’s Country Christmas, when the downtown shops open their doors for a holiday celebration. There’s also a lighted Christmas parade!

Yellowstone Quake Hockey will be hopping the first week of December – the team plays the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th at the Riley Arena. It’s a great family event, full of action and a great way to get into that winter spirit. But dress warm – it’s cold in that ice rink!

Something that’s become a great annual event is the Christmas Light tours put on by the Cody Trolley. The trolley, along with some local merchants, sponsor a contest to see which businesses and residences can come up with the best lighting designs for the holidays – then the trolley takes a tour of those great locations!

And, of course, what would the holidays be like without a performance of The Nutcracker? Here in Cody, the Rocky Mountain Dance Theatre puts on their version of this classic tale each year (this year’s performance is December 17&18). The number of local children that are involved means that the house is always packed – and there are guest artists that are featured every year that brings a professionalism to the production, along with sets and scene designers from the University of Wyoming. It’s a fantastic family outing, not to be missed.

There is so much happening in Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country the next few weeks – if you’re in the area, plan to enjoy the spirit of the holiday season!

Until next time, I’ll be lovin’ the holidays here in Buffalo Bill’s Country!

Corrie N. Cody

Winter in Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country is a magical time – frost on the trees, snow on the mountain, warm fireplaces and hot cocoa… I’m getting anxious for the change in seasons, can you tell?  As I’m writing this, the clouds have rolled in and the weatherman is calling for snow tonight! 

Many people that I talk to in the summer ask what the town does in the winter – do the sidewalks roll up?  Do the shops close down?  How do we get around, with all the snow?Well, let me answer the last question first – a lot of folks don’t realize that here in Cody, Powell and Meeteetse, we actually don’t get a lot of snow that sticks around – the mountains to the west catch most of the moisture, and we’re left with very little that the wind doesn’t kick up and blow away!  But that snow in the mountains makes for amazing recreation opportunities…

Like skiing!  Sleeping Giant Ski Area re-opened a few years ago as a community ski hill, run by a local foundation whose goal is to get as many families and kids up there as possible!  Check out their magic carpet for the lesser-skilled skiers on the hill (like me), or take the chair lift to the top of the mountain for great downhill runs.  According to reports, the winter this year should bring us about as much snow as we had last year, so that means there will be fantastic skiing all winter long!

And let’s not neglect to mention cross-country skiing, as well – there are two fantastic trail systems in Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country that are maintained throughout the winter.  One is near Sleeping Giant, maintained and highly utilized by the Park County Nordic Ski Association, and the other is in the Wood River area outside of Meeteetse.  And keep an eye out for wildlife while you’re skiing – you never know what kinds of critters might be enjoying the winter weather along with you!

The Yellowstone Quake thrills local audiences at the Riley Arena in Cody with exciting Junior-A Class hockey.  The spectators have lots of chances to get involved with the action, as well – puck chucks for a chance to win half the pot; community groups doing giveaways during the games; special events; and the enjoyment of the game!  Find their schedule at http://yellowstonequake.pointstreaksites.com/view/yellowstonequake.

The Riley Arena also offers folks the chance to do a little ice skating, as does Homesteader Park in Powell.  During the winter, Homesteader Park fills their little ice rink with water and the locals have a ball.  And at the Riley Arena, the local kids’ skate clubs will have performances to show off the talented youth on the ice!

If you’re up for an adventure, Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country is THE best place in the lower 48 to go ice climbing!  The South Fork of the Shoshone River has some incredible waterfalls that freeze during the winter and provide easy access to exciting ice climbing during the winter.  In February, the annual Waterfall Ice Festival draws climbers from all over to climb, learn, and socialize with others who share their passion.

And if you’re more the stay-indoors type, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center is full of incredible interactive displays and fantastic exhibits that focus on different themes – natural history, firearms, western art and the Plains Indians (the Buffalo Bill wing of the Historical Center is closed until May so it can be completely re-done in time for next summer’s big season).  And if you’re here over the holiday season, the BBHC hosts a community open house, featuring local entertainers and an opportunity to spend the day exploring the museums for free!  

Until next time, I’ll be lovin’ winter in Buffalo Bill’s Country!

Corrie N. Cody

How long has it been since you’ve checked out the fall colors here in Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country?  According to my friend at Yellowstone’s East Gate, Ranger Robin, the leaves are turning and the colors are stunning! 

If you missed my last blog on Robin, she’s been a ranger at the East Gate for the last three years, and enjoys every day that she gets to welcome folks to the country’s first National Park.  She lives in a mountain cabin halfway between Cody and Yellowstone, so she gets to see wildlife almost every day!  And the visitors love to see all the animals before they even get in the Park – just this week Robin heard two different reports of grizzly bears crossing the highway just 5 miles east of the gate, and others spotted a wolf just up from the pass that same day.  And something even more unusual – Robin said that visitors reported seeing a mountain lion in the Hayden Valley, along with a wolf and eagles, all in the same area! 

Robin says that visitors are REALLY enjoying the beautiful weather we’re having right now – in fact, some have jokingly asked if they have to pay more to enter the park because the weather is such a bonus!  She says that after the cold snap we had last week, the leaves started changing colors, and now the warm temps and sunny skies are just enhancing the natural beauty of the region. 

On a sad note, Robin reports that over the last weekend, there were two bison hit and killed on the highway in Yellowstone.  It’s a reminder to visitors, though, that watching for wildlife in Yellowstone actually needs to start once you get to Cody itself!  We’ve got dozens of deer that live right here in town, and they don’t necessarily follow traffic signals… the same goes for the bison, elk, moose, and bear that populate the North Fork valley on the highway to Yellowstone.  And we’re in peak wildlife-watching season – the fall months and late spring are the BEST times to catch a glimpse of the amazing creatures that we co-habitate with here in Yellowstone Country!

Robin says that there have been quite a few inquiries about the two fatal grizzly attacks that have occurred this summer – the first fatal attacks in 26 years in Yellowstone.  The rangers’ message to visitors who are planning to hike?  ALWAYS CARRY BEAR SPRAY.  Ranger Robin and her husband have hiked in these mountains for the last thirteen years and always carry bear spray.  She says they’ve thankfully never had to use it, but on many occasions they have seen fresh bear tracks on their hikes.  If hikers have questions about the proper use of bear spray, they can check out a “Bear Aware” video at the public library in Cody.  The video was produced by the Buffalo Bill Historical Center’s Draper Museum of Natural History just a couple of years ago, so the information is very current.  

I asked Robin about the visitors who are frequenting the park right now, and she said that there are a TON of foreign travelers here right now!  A large percentage are German, which she says is pretty easy, because most of the German visitors speak English.  Many of the Italian tourists have trouble with the language barriers, though, as do quite a few of the French.  Robin says that at the East Gate, there are rangers on duty who can speak enough German and Norwegian to help out visitors from those countries; and Robin herself can converse in sign language, which has come in very handy over the past three years that she’s worked there.   She says that deaf visitors are always so pleased to find out that she can sign, which is so important when it comes to communicating about lodging and other necessary information. Since lodging and campsites fill up almost every day during peak season, it’s important to be able to get that message across as soon as folks get in the gate.

Robin’s got such a great job!  Her season is winding down there – the Park will close up the first weekend in November to wheeled vehicles, and will remain closed to wheeled vehicles until next May, when the season comes ‘round again… and Ranger Robin hopes to be there to greet enthusiastic visitors to this amazing, unique place that is Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country!

Until next time, I’ll be lovin’ life in Buffalo Bill’s Country!

Corrie N. Cody