Cody, WY
Cody, located in northwest Wyoming, is the county seat of Park County and serves as a historic gateway to the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park, preserving its Wild West heritage.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The city's full official name is Cody, Wyoming. It is the county seat of Park County, a status it was granted when the county was created by the Wyoming Legislature in 1909 . Located in the state of Wyoming, the city is situated within the Big Horn Basin, a region known for its rugged landscapes, ranching heritage, and as the primary eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park .
Founding Date and Age
Cody was founded in 1896, making it over 128 years old as of 2024 . The town was established by the Shoshone Land and Irrigation Company, which included the famous showman William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, George T. Beck, and Nate Salsbury. Buffalo Bill's vision for a town near the natural beauty of the area and his investment in its growth were pivotal to its founding, leading to it being named in his honor .
Geographical Position and Coordinates
The city is located in northwest Wyoming at coordinates 44°31′24″N 109°3′26″W . It lies on the Shoshone River, which flows through a canyon in the city, and is situated at the western edge of the Bighorn Basin, a depression surrounded by the Absaroka, Big Horn, Bridger, and Owl Creek mountain ranges . The elevation of the city center is approximately 5,016 feet (1,529 meters) above sea level . The main part of the city is geographically unique, split across three levels separated by about 60 feet (18 m) .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Cody is a multi-faceted city serving as a tourism and historic center, a regional transportation hub, and a center for the oil and gas industry . While founded as an agricultural community enabled by irrigation, its economy today heavily depends on tourism, drawing visitors from around the world as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park and for its authentic Western heritage . The oil and gas industry, with Marathon Oil as a primary company, remains a significant part of the local economy. The town also serves as a hub for hunting, fishing, and dude ranches .
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Cody had a population of 10,066 residents, with an estimated population of 10,174 in 2021 . By population, it falls into the class of a small city. Unlike the resort town of Jackson to the west, Cody maintains a more authentic "cowboy" atmosphere, with a significant portion of the community engaged in tourism, ranching, and the energy sector .
City's "Business Card" (Briefly)
Cody is the authentic "Rodeo Capital of the World," a living monument to the Wild West founded by the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody. Visitors come to experience its nightly summer rodeos, explore the world-class Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and use it as the historic eastern gateway for an unforgettable adventure in nearby Yellowstone National Park .
Geography
Mountains and Ranges
Cody is situated at the western edge of the Bighorn Basin, surrounded by several prominent mountain ranges. The city itself has views of two significant peaks:
- Heart Mountain: Located 9 miles (14 km) directly north of Cody, its peak rises to 8,123 ft (2,500 m). It is a prominent landmark visible from much of the town .
- Carter Mountain: A massif forming a skyline to the south of Cody, with peaks reaching above 12,000 ft (3,700 m) .
At the western edge of town, the Shoshone River has formed a deep canyon flanked by two mountains:
- Rattlesnake Mountain: Located on the north side of the canyon's mouth.
- Cedar Mountain: Situated on the south side of the canyon's mouth, opposite Rattlesnake Mountain .
The Bighorn and Absaroka mountain ranges are also nearby, offering vast opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic drives .
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
- Shoshone River: This river flows through Cody in a canyon and is a defining geographic feature of the area . There are four bridges over the river in the vicinity of Cody, providing access to areas north, east, and west of town .
- Buffalo Bill Reservoir: Formed by the Buffalo Bill Dam located between Rattlesnake and Cedar mountains, this large reservoir is about 10 miles (16 km) west of Cody. It's a key part of the Shoshone irrigation project and a scenic area for visitors .
- Newton Lakes: Just five miles outside Cody, these lakes are local gems for anglers, known for their clear waters. The West Lake is a family fishery for Yellowstone Cutthroat trout, while the East Lake is managed as a trophy fishery for Eagle Lake Rainbow and brown trout .
Deserts, Canyons, and Unique Landscapes
- Shoshone River Canyon: At the western edge of Cody, the Shoshone River has carved a deep canyon, which provides the only passage to the Eastern Entrance of Yellowstone National Park .
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Located a short drive northeast of Cody near Lovell, this recreation area features dramatic canyon walls, the turquoise waters of Bighorn Lake, and opportunities for hiking, boating, and viewing wild horses .
National and Natural Parks
- Yellowstone National Park: The east entrance to the world's first national park is located just 53 miles west of Cody, via the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway along the North Fork of the Shoshone River . This proximity makes Cody a primary gateway community for one of the world's most famous natural landscapes, known for its geysers, hot springs, and wildlife.
- Shoshone National Forest: Cody is a starting point for adventures in this national forest, which offers beautiful trails, fishing, and stunning scenery without having to go as far as Yellowstone .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Cody experiences a cold semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk) . The weather is highly variable, characterized by warm summers, cold winters, low humidity, and a remarkable amount of sunshine . Wind is an almost constant presence in the area, with air flow funneled through the canyon at the west end of the city, and can reach speeds of 30 to 40 miles per hour (48 to 64 km/h) for several days . The region enjoys about 300 days of sunshine per year .
Average Monthly Temperatures
- Hottest Month: July is the warmest month, with an average daily temperature of 70.6°F (21.4°C), and average highs reaching 84.0°F (28.9°C) . Daytime highs in July average 26°C (79°F) .
- Coldest Month: December is the coldest month, with an average daily temperature of 27.3°F (-2.6°C), and average lows dropping to 18.0°F (-7.8°C) .
- Extreme Values: The record high temperature is 105°F (40.6°C) , recorded in July 1925 and 1951. The record low temperature is -46°F (-43.3°C) , recorded in February 1936 .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Precipitation: Cody receives an average of 10.5 to 11.5 inches (267-292 mm) of precipitation annually . The wettest months are typically May and June .
- Average Annual Snowfall: Snowfall averages between 45.0 and 47.3 inches (1.14-1.20 meters) per season .
- Humidity: Relative humidity is usually quite low, at 30% or less .
- Wettest Month: May is generally the wettest month, with an average of 11 days of some rain and about 55 mm (2.2 inches) of precipitation .
Sunshine and UV Index
Cody is known for its abundant sunshine, with over 300 sunny days per year . The city enjoys long daylight hours in the summer, with up to 15 hours of daylight in June . The UV Index is highest in July, reaching a maximum level of 10 (Very High) , necessitating sun protection for outdoor activities .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April-May): Temperatures begin to warm, with average highs ranging from 55°F (12°C) in April to 64°F (16°C) in May. This is one of the wetter periods, so visitors should be prepared for rain .
- Summer (June-August): Summer is warm and sunny, with average highs in the mid-to-upper 70s to low 80s°F (24-28°C). July is the hottest month. This is the peak tourist season, ideal for attending the nightly rodeo, exploring Yellowstone, and hiking. Evenings can be cool .
- Fall (September-October): A beautiful time to visit with cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the changing colors of the aspens. September still offers warm highs around 68°F (20°C), while October cools to 55°F (13°C) .
- Winter (November-March): Winters are cold, with average highs in the 30s°F (1-3°C) and lows in the teens and single digits °F (-8 to -17°C). Snow is common but cover is often unreliable due to the dry climate. This time of year is suited for those seeking solitude and winter scenery .
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Cody is during the summer months (June through August) , when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities and all attractions, including the nightly rodeo, are in full operation. Spring and early fall offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds .
Landmarks
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West (720 Sheridan Ave) is the premier cultural attraction in Cody, a museum complex of five distinct museums under one roof . It was established over time, with the Buffalo Bill Museum opening in 1927, and the complex now rivals major city museums without the crowds . The center is dedicated to the art, history, and culture of the American West. The five museums include the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Plains Indian Museum (award-winning), the Whitney Gallery of Western Art (featuring works by Remington), the Cody Firearms Museum, and the Draper Natural History Museum . It is located in the heart of Cody and is a must-see for any visitor.
Buffalo Bill Statue
A significant monument is the bronze statue of Buffalo Bill Cody, located on a hill overlooking the town. The statue was created by renowned New York sculptor Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and was dedicated on July 4, 1924 . It serves as a lasting tribute to the town's legendary founder and is a key piece of local history.
Old Trail Town
Old Trail Town (1831 Demaris Dr) is an outdoor museum that offers a unique glimpse into the Frontier West . Voted Best Tourist Attraction and Historical Site by True West Magazine, it features authentic frontier buildings from the 1890s that have been carefully disassembled from remote locations in Wyoming and Montana and reassembled on site . Visitors can see original cabins used by outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, as well as the cabin of Curley, a Crow Indian scout. The site also contains thousands of historic artifacts and the grave sites of notable Western figures .
Cody Nite Rodeo
Cody is famously known as the "Rodeo Capital of the World," and the Cody Nite Rodeo is its signature event. From June 1 to August 31, this rodeo takes place every night, featuring traditional events like bull riding and steer wrestling . It's a family-friendly, authentic Western experience that has been a tradition for decades, allowing visitors to experience the spirit of the Wild West. The larger Cody Stampede Rodeo occurs annually during the Fourth of July weekend, attracting cowboys from across the nation .
The Irma Hotel
The Irma Hotel (1192 Sheridan Ave) , named after Buffalo Bill's daughter, opened on November 18, 1902, and boasted that it was the most modern hotel in the Rockies . Commissioned by Buffalo Bill himself, the hotel is a historic landmark with its cherrywood bar, said to be a gift from Queen Victoria. It continues to operate as a hotel, restaurant, and bar, serving as a living piece of Cody's history .
Buffalo Bill Dam
The Buffalo Bill Dam, located about 6 miles west of Cody on the way to Yellowstone, is a testament to early 20th-century engineering and a key piece of the area's irrigation history . Construction began in the early 1900s after the Newlands Reclamation Act, making the Shoshone River Valley Project one of the first in the nation. The dam and its visitor center provide information on the area's history and offer stunning views of the reservoir and canyon . In 1946, to commemorate Buffalo Bill's 100th birthday, the dam and reservoir were renamed in his honor .
Transport
Main Airports
- Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) : This airport is located about 2 miles from the city center and serves as the primary air gateway for Cody and the eastern entrance to Yellowstone . It offers scheduled commercial flights. Delta Connection (operated by SkyWest) provides service to Salt Lake City (SLC), and United Express (operated by SkyWest and Mesa Airlines) provides service to Denver (DEN) .
- Alternate Airports: For additional flight options and often lower fares, travelers may consider flying into Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) in Billings, Montana, which is about a 2-hour drive north of Cody.
Major Highways
Auto travel to Cody offers spectacular scenery .
- From the North (Billings, MT) : Take MT 310 to WYO 120. A more scenic summer route is via Red Lodge, MT, on the Beartooth Scenic Byway (US-212) to the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (WY 296) and then to WYO 120 .
- From the East (Sheridan, WY) : Take the Cloud Peak Skyway (WYO 16) through Buffalo and Ten Sleep, or the Medicine Wheel Passage (US-14A) over the Bighorn Mountains .
- From the West (Yellowstone National Park) : The primary route is the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway (WY 14-16-20), which runs directly from the east entrance of Yellowstone to Cody .
- From the South: Travel via Casper on I-25, then US-20 to Thermopolis, and WYO 120 to Meeteetse and Cody .
Getting Around
Due to Cody's relatively remote location and the nature of its attractions, a personal vehicle is the most practical way to get around and explore the surrounding area . The city's main attractions, including the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Old Trail Town, are easily accessible by car, and it is essential for day trips to the Bighorn Mountains, Yellowstone, and other nearby natural wonders . Taxis and ride-sharing services may be available but are less prevalent than in larger metropolitan areas.
Rail History
While passenger rail service no longer exists, the railroad played a crucial role in Cody's early development. The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) line from Toluca, Montana, opened to Cody on November 11, 1901, and the historic Cody Depot, located on the north side of the Shoshone River, stands as a reminder of this era .