When summer hits Cody Yellowstone, it’s not just the weather that heats up—the adventure does, too! From chasing sunsets on horseback to road tripping through some of the most stunning mountain ranges in the West, from stepping back in time with a visit to Old Trail Town to attending the legendary Cody Stampede Rodeo, we’ve got the perfect bucket list of activities for every type of traveler.
A visit to Cody Yellowstone wouldn’t be complete without a visit to, well, Yellowstone! The world’s first national park, established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Experience the spectacular landscapes firsthand by hiking some of the 1,100 miles of trails the park offers, see what you can catch during a fly fishing expedition, or venture into the wilderness with a wildlife tour to spot elk, and bison, and bears, oh my!
Come one, come all, to the 106th Annual Cody Stampede Rodeo! This legendary event has been a cherished tradition for over 100 years. From July 1st to 4th, enjoy daily parades, food booths, a craft fair, and more. Plus, there’s always plenty of rip-roarin’ rodeo action that’s fun for all ages. Be sure to plan ahead for this must-see event and secure your tickets in advance.
What comes to mind when we say Dude Ranch? Wildly popular in Cody Yellowstone, Dude Ranches are when Western charm meets the comforts of the 21st century. Experience life on horseback, enjoy the company of friends around an open-fire cookout, and fully immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the Old West. Whether you want your accommodation to match your experience is up to you—from rustic living to luxurious comfort, we have something for everyone.
Ladies and gentlemen, the most famous geyser on Earth, Old Faithful! Visitors come from around the world to see the first geyser named in Yellowstone, and to witness an exciting eruption of Old Faithful. Although geyser eruptions are irregular and hard to predict, Old Faithful was named because of its shockingly consistent eruptions. About every 90 minutes, blasts of water and steam shoot to the sky as Old Faithful erupts. You’re going to want to put this near the top of your bucket list.
Take a moment and imagine yourself driving down a dirt road, no one else is around, and around every corner is a new view of the towering mountain vistas surrounding you. Eventually, this road leads you to an abandoned ghost town straight out of the Wild West, and you have officially made it to Kirwin Ghost Town. Established in the 1800s, Kirwin attracted people who heard rumors of gold and silver littering the area. Whether you want to get out and hike or take it all in from the passenger seat, this adventure is perfectly suited for all visitors.
Located on the original town site of Cody City, Wyoming, Old Trail Town and the Museum of the Old West is a must-see on your Cody Yellowstone vacation this summer. Step back in time to the 1890s and explore the preserved, authentic buildings of the Frontier West. There are thousands of historical artifacts to be discovered, as well as the burial site of the infamous mountain man, Jeremiah Johnson.
Want to really make a splash on your summer vacation? Join a river rafting excursion along the water! From two-hour trips to full-day adventures and beyond, outfitters such as Red Canyon River Trips, Wyoming River Trips, River Runners of Wyoming, and Gradient Mountain Sports can help you feel the rush of the rapids or relax with a leisurely paddle. No matter where you choose to hit the water, you can expect to see plenty of Cody Yellowstone’s rugged natural beauty and maybe even some wildlife along the way.
Okay, so Buffalo Bill didn’t perform on Broadway, but he did entertain people—after all, he is the greatest showman to ever live. Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Spectacular the Musical will have you toe-tapping and boot-stompin’ all night long as you take in the legends of the West at this award-winning original comedic live musical. Beginning on June 19th and running until August 9th, you can sing along to old favorites as you learn the fascinating story of William F. Cody, our town’s namesake.
The Smith Mansion, The Pagoda House, The Crazy House, whatever you choose to call it, you really do have to see this multi-story log house with your own eyes. Lee Smith built this home with his own two hands, and you’ll find it perched up on a hill in the Wapiti Valley—trust us, you can’t miss it. Can you believe the Smith family lived here in 1992 without electricity?!
If road tripping along the Beartooth Highway wasn’t on your Cody Yellowstone bucket list, it is now! Acclaimed as “the most beautiful roadway in America” by Charles Kuralt, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views, and maybe even some wildlife, along your route. You can expect your adventure from Cody, Wyoming, to Red Lodge, Montana, and back to take up about three-quarters of your day. Insider tip: extend your journey with a slight detour onto the Sunlight Basin Road for even more breathtaking sights.
Drive up, lean your seat back, and kick it old school at the American Dream Drive-in. Opening again for the season in May, this nostalgic Cody Yellowstone favorite is a must-do for all visitors. Grab your favorite movie snacks and escape the hustle and bustle of your busy vacation with an entertaining flick for the whole family.
Planning your summer trip to Cody Yellowstone has never been easier! With this bucket list to get you started, plus 25 Wild Adventures in Cody Yellowstone to experience, your 2025 summer vacation will be one for the books. If this is your first time visiting, check out our additional tips and tricks to help you plan the Wild West vacation you’ve always dreamed of.
Don’t forget to request your FREE Copy of our Vacation Guide, or you can download it here. Roam the unknown this summer, live out of bounds, and let us show you how we keep it wild in Cody Yellowstone.
February 5, 2025
March 15, 2025
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