Things to do

In one of the darker chapters of US history, Democrat President Franklin Delano Roosevelt – via Executive Order 9066 – directed the incarceration of more than 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent during WWII. Without judicial process or even legislative action, innocent citizens were forced to relocate to camps scattered across the US. One such camp is just minutes from Cody – visit this sobering site to learn more about their story and raise awareness that will help ensure such injustice never occurs again on our shores.

Located 52 miles from the Park’s East gate and 81 miles from the Northeast Entrance, Cody offers great access to Yellowstone. Use the East Entrance if you’re heading to Lake, Old Faithful, or Grand Prismatic Spring; consider the Northeast Entrance if you’re looking to see wildlife (bison, wolves, grizzlies, coyotes, deer, elk, antelope) in the Lamar Valley – sometimes referred to as America’s Serengeti. Bonus tip: the drive to the Northeast Entrance will take you in the path Chief Joseph followed with his Nez Perce people while fleeing from the US Army in 1877.

Looking for the stereotypical ‘tourist’ experience? Try Jackson Hole. Want a more authentic option? Check out Old Trail Town, a collection of 27 historic Western buildings from the 1890s transported to Cody and reassembled on the site of historic Cody City.

You can’t talk rodeo without mentioning Cody. From the world-famous Cody Stampede (4 go-rounds every July 1-4) to the Cody Nite Rodeo (nightly June through August each summer), you’ll definitely want to make this a part of your itinerary. Insider tip: buy tickets in the Buzzard’s Roost to see the action up-close.

This Smithsonian-affiliated museum is actually five museums under one roof. From Native American history to the finest in Western art, you won’t find a better museum dedicated to all things West in the entire United States. You can easily spend ½ a day here – more if you’re a fan of Western history.