Buffalo Bill's Blog

Yellowstone Country is beautiful country and there’s a lot to explore when you visit this region. Just over 50 miles from Yellowstone National Park is Cody, named after William F Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill. This colorful character was famous for his buffalo hunting prowess, disposing of more than 4,000 in a very short time. He was also well known for taking the Wild West around the world in a show which ran for decades. Cody is full of mementos to this folk hero, including the extensive Buffalo Bill Historical Center.

To get a glimpse of what life was like for the pioneer farmers, visit Powell, named for explorer Major John Wesley Powell. This is an agricultural area, which is made lush by the waters of the Buffalo Bill Dam. The Homesteader Museum is a great place to stop and see memorabilia from Powell’s early history. You can even try out the caboose!

Explore other aspects of the area’s early history in Meeteetse. This is a great place to see wildlife and to roam the areas walked by Buffalo Bill, Butch Cassidy, Amelia Earhart and others. Now famous for ranching, Meeteetse also boasts a mining ghost town.

And let’s not forget Yellowstone National Park itself. The eastern entrance is a scenic route, while the park itself is full of natural wonders, including Old Faithful, beautiful waterfalls and the Yellowstone Grand Canyon.

If you’re looking for an active holiday, then Yellowstone Country is the right place for you. There are many activities that pay tribute to the area’s Wild West history, such as sport shooting at the Cody Shooting Complex. Buffalo Bill himself shot more than 4,000 buffalo - can you pop as many clays or skeets?

Horseback is a great way to explore the region. You can take a guided tour or spend a day at a dude ranch and ride out from there. With miles of trails, there’s always somewhere to explore. The Shoshone National Forest and Yellowstone National Park are just two of the possible destinations in this area. This is a mountainous area, so consider doing some rock climbing as well.

Not all the fun activities are on land; there’s also plenty to do on the water, such as fishing for trout or spending half a day floating through the Shoshone River Canyon. If you prefer your thrills on four wheels, then consider some off road excursions through the hills and gorges. Even the winter months won’t cramp your style, as there are plenty of winter sports on offer in Cody and neighboring towns.

If you have decided on Yellowstone Country for your next vacation, then you’ve made an excellent decision. With 300 days of sunshine a year and a temperature ranging from 24 degrees in January to an average of 72 degrees in July, it’s almost always a good time to visit. Even in summer, it will be cool in the evenings, which means you won’t swelter as you would in other places. There are plenty of places to stay in all price ranges, whether you are looking for a motel, a campsite or a mountain lodge.

Just driving to the area is an experience in itself, as you can pass through scenic routes and towns such as Powell and Meeteetse. Once you’ve arrived, it’s time to start seeing the sights. Don’t miss the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. With five museums, it will take you a while to see everything that’s on offer. Luckily your admission ticket is valid for two days, so you won’t have to miss anything.

If you’re visiting between July and September, then don’t miss the Cody Nite rodeo, held nightly. It’s a thrill a minute, especially when it’s time for the final bull riding event. Earlier in the evening, watch out for gunfight reenactments at the Irma Hotel. It’s your chance to experience the Old West.

Wyoming is great for those who love the outdoors, so consider exploring the area on horseback, taking a half day fishing trip or checking out the wildlife. You won’t be disappointed with your vacation in Yellowstone Country.