Top 10 Things to Do in Cody, Wyoming

 

This list is close to my heart. As a travel blogger who has lived in Cody for the past three years, I wanted to ensure my list of the best things to do in Cody, Wyoming, was thoughtful, true, and full of unexpected surprises for visitors. 

If you are coming to Cody, first off - welcome!  Cody has to be one of the greatest hidden gems in the United States. It has all the things Colorado has to offer (and more!) without the insane crowds. It’s one of the biggest reasons we chose to settle down here after visiting nearly every U.S. state. 

Many visitors opt for a single-night stay in Cody on their way to/from Yellowstone, but the area has more than enough to offer if you have time to stay longer. From nightly town festivities to epic adventures,  here are all my biggest recommendations on the best things to do in Cody Wyoming. 

 

Best Things to Do in Cody, Wyoming in 2024

1. Grab a Drink at the Chamberlain 

Many travelers are drawn to the western Main Street bars such as the Irma and Silver Dollar. Those are great spots to grab a drink, but the best place for an afternoon cocktail is a tad more lowkey. The Chamberlain, an old historic inn just a block from downtown, offers a garden + patio area that sets the scene perfectly to relax on your vacation. Often, summer brings live evening music, but it is just as pleasant without it. 

If you’re there on a nice summer evening, I might even be in the crowd as well! It’s a local favorite. 

 

2. Drive to Chief Joseph Pass

One of the best views of the Rocky Mountains is located just a short drive from Cody. On your map, it will probably be labeled as “Dead Indian Summit Overlook,” but the name now goes by Chief Joseph. 

It’s about a 25-minute drive from town, but the scenery up to the pass and from the lookout is well worth it (pictured above). Head north out of Cody on Highway 120 toward Billings, Montana. About 16 miles down the road, you will turn left onto the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. On your way to the top, keep an eye out for antelope, elk, and even grizzlies. It should be top of your list when it comes to the best things to do in Cody!

 

3. Visit Our Museums 

The Buffalo Bill Center of The West is actually a five-wing museum run by the Smithsonian Institute. Admission includes access to all five museums, which include:

1. Buffalo Bill Museum 
2. Draper Natural History Museum 
3. Cody Firearms Museum 
4. Plains Indian Museum 
5. Whitney Western Art Museum 

And although I know nothing about firearms, I have to say that it is my favorite of the five. The wing holds over 10,000 artifacts and guns and promotes meaningful conversations between gun enthusiasts and casual visitors. I highly recommend it if you know nothing of guns and are looking to explore something outside your comfort zone. No matter which you visit, the Buffalo Bill Center is a must-do when it comes to things to do in Cody, Wyoming. 

 

4. Fly Fish on the Shoshone River 

Fly fishing is one of the top year-round activities offered in Cody because of the abundance of streams and convergence of the Northfork and Southfork rivers.

The best spots to fly fish depend on what time of year you plan to visit. The Northfork, which you follow on your way to Yellowstone, is one of the best spots to cast a few lines in the fall. When rivers are flowing heavily, locations up the Southfork or in Sunshine Basin are better options in the spring.

Cody also offers numerous options for guided fly fishing trips. North Fork Anglers is located in downtown Cody and offer both half-day and full-day options for those looking to head out on the waters.

 

5. Stay at Ranch down Southfork

 

When you drive to Yellowstone, you drive down what locals call the “Northfork,” which is the long valley from the Buffalo Bill Reservoir to the entrance of Yellowstone. Before the Buffalo Bill Dam, the Shoshone River is actually split into two valleys, known as the Northfork and the Southfork. 

The Northfork is driven by millions of visitors every year. The Southfork, however, is remote and isolated, as the road down the valley eventually dead ends. Because it leads nowhere in particular, many don’t even have the area on their radar. However, it is one of the most beautiful mountain valleys in all of Wyoming. Two 12,000ft ranges tower on each side. There are a few dude ranches down this way that offer ranch stays, allowing visitors to have the full Wyoming experience. 

Ranch stay recommendations: 

Double Diamond X Ranch: https://www.ddxranchwyoming.com/

 

6. Visit the Ghost Town of Kirwin

It’s a bit of a trek from Cody, but Kirwin is one of the coolest ghost towns in the west. Amelia Earhart visited before her round-the-world trip and decided it was where she would build her retirement home. Of course, she never made it to retirement, but you can still visit the spot where remnants of her half-built cabin remain. 

The entire town was abandoned in the 1900s after an avalanche swept through the village, killing multiple people. Today, multiple buildings are still intact, including the old inn/restaurant and multiple mining structures. 

It’s important to note that Kirwin is not the easiest drive. There are two river crossings on the way. In spring and early summer, the rivers can run very high and be tough to cross. In July/August, it will be accessible for 4wd vehicles. Multiple tour companies offer options to visit if you do not have something reliable enough to get you there. 

 

7. Go Bouldering/ Rock Climbing 

Cody has some of the closest and most accessible bouldering/rock climbing spots in Wyoming (and really, all of the United States). Even if you don’t rock climb, there is a crag on your way to Yellowstone called 'The Island' that can be fun to pull off and watch the climbers. 

If you have an interest in trying Rock Climbing but don’t have the experience, reach out to Wyoming Mountain Guides, which offers fun and guided experiences around the state. 

We have two main bouldering fields in the area and multiple rock climbing spots located in the upper and lower canyons by the three tunnels. Whether a seasoned climber or looking to watch rock climbers, stop by as one of your things to do in Cody! 

 

8. Grab Dinner in Town 

Cody is a relatively small town, but we actually have quite a few places with great food. Much to many visitors' surprise, none of my recommendations are on the main street downtown. Here are the best places to eat when visiting our little western town: 

1. El Vaquero (Mexican) $
2. Wyold Taproom (Beer + Burgers) $$
3. The Trailhead (Woodfired Pizzas, Steaks, Bison Burgers etc.) $$$
4. WY Thai (One order feeds two) $

Contrary to dinner spots, breakfast should definitely be grabbed downtown. Rawhide Coffee offers the best pastries, lattes, and more, while Granny's is the best hometown diner.

 

9. Go Offroading 

Some of the best things to do in Cody, Wyoming, are only accessible by dirt roads with off-road vehicles. There are over 7,000 miles of off-road trails in Park County alone.

Tread 'n' Trails by Polaris Adventures is a local ATV rental service that offers daily rates for those looking to get out and explore a little more during their stay. They offer full and half-day guided trips to locations like Kirwin (listed above), McCullough Peaks (pictured above), and Cooke City.

 

10. Go to The Rodeo 

It took us over a year of living in Cody to visit the rodeo. To be honest, I thought it would be touristy and gimmicky - but it was fun! There is a lot of talent to be shown in a rodeo. The tie-down roping was my favorite event. I’m not sure I would do it if it was my only night in Cody, but definitely worth checking out if you are in town for a few nights. 

The rodeo runs every night at 8:00 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so if you plan on visiting outside of these times, you will want to look into other options. 

 

Learn More About The Best Things to Do in Cody, Wyoming on My Series Outside Yellowstone!

Did you know I host a series that highlights different activities to do in Park County every month? Here are a few episodes with more information on the best things to do in Cody, Wyoming!