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Yellowstone National Park

Cody and Northwest Wyoming

Cody

Southwest of Billings, in nearby Wyoming, is the historical town of Cody, made famous by "Buffalo Bill" Cody. Cody (pop. 7,900) serves thousands of tourists who travel to the Rockies for a Yellowstone vacation.

Cody, Wyoming is home to the world-class Buffalo Bill Historical Center (BBHC). The BBHC consists of the Whitney Gallery of Western Art, the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Plains Indian Museum, the Cody Firearms Museum, and the Draper Museum of Natural History. The BBHC is rich in artifacts of Indian culture. Numerous original works of art by early western artists are on display - all absolute treasures. The fabulous firearms collection is second to none in its class. This is a must see for everyone.

Rodeo is the hottest ticket in Cody, during the months of June, July, and August. The events are scheduled every night in the late evening, to catch all the folks in town, before they go to or as they leave Yellowstone National Park. Visitors in town around the 4th of July (check for exact dates) can be a part of an even bigger bonanza, the Cody Stampede Rodeo. The Stampede Parade through downtown Cody is very nice, with floats, mountain men, and many beautiful horses.

Old Trail Town is another popular attraction in Cody, Wyoming. Old Trail Town features authentic-looking old west buildings furnished with artifacts and antiques from Wyoming's frontier days. This is a chance to experience Old West days, without having to worry about outlaws. The grave of the famous mountain man "Jeremiah Johnson" is nearby.

Cody, Wyoming is a shopper's paradise, if looking for western wear. Buy a new cowboy hat and jeans at Corral West! The town is a whole lot of fun and and the entire area offers a great family experience. Don't miss Cody, Wyoming! Many tourists go online at the Cody General Store before leaving on vacation.

For dining and lodging, The Irma is the place to go in Cody. Many tourists stop at the Irma just to see the wonderful dining bar, with its extravagant back mirror. Maxwell's Fine Food & Spirits, near the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, is another great spot to eat. Pasta, beef, pork, and pizzas are served in a smoke-free environment.

Yellowstone National Park

Cody is a gateway city to Yellowstone National Park. Most Americans dream of visiting Yellowstone National Park at least once in a lifetime. And for good reason. The park is famous for its numerous geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. Old Faithful is the park's and possible the world's best know geyser. Seeing Old Faithful erupt and shoot million of gallons of steaming hot water hundreds of feet high, against the backdrop of a blue sky and the surrounding black forest is a treat long remembered. The gush of approval from onlookers, always present in big numbers when Old Faithful erupts, adds to the excitement of the moment.

Yellowstone National Park Old Faithful

"Old Faithful"

Source: U.S. National Park Service

Perhaps a surprise to many first time visitors, Yellowstone National Park is heavily forested. The most common trees in the park are lodge pole pine, fir, spruce, and aspen.

Tourists come to see the animals. And they aren't often disappointed. Elk, buffalo, moose, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears call the park home. Smaller mammals, such as coyotes, and numerous species of birds are abundant, too.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is one of the most beautiful sights in the park. The river flows through a deep gorge, cut into layers of yellow-colored rocks. Near Canyon Village, the river cascades over the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone. The Lower Falls is a special place to stop on every Yellowstone vacation. Osprey nest in the conifers high above the river's gorge. Travel tip: Shoot lots of film here.

Check out Yellowstone National Park's Web site for more information. See the National Park Service's map on how to get to Yellowstone. For weather near the park go to the Weather Channel for the current conditions and forecast for West Yellowstone, Montana.

After a busy day of activities or sightseeing, travelers often stop at the Yellowstone Lodge or the Gray Wolf Inn and Suites in West Yellowstone, Montana, just outside the west entrance to the park. The lodging link below lists West Yellowstone, Montana motels and hotels.

Travel tip: Yellowstone National Park is a big, big place, so plan your time carefully, when driving to and inside the park.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole and spectacular Grand Teton National Park are south of Yellowstone National Park. Jackson Hole is considered a playground for the rich and famous, but there's lots to do for regular folks, too. Float trips on the Snake River are very enjoyable. During the winter, skiers flock to the Jackson Hole Ski Area.

The town of Jackson (pop. 4,500) has many shops, stocked to the rafters with stuff for tourists. The art galleries in Jackson, Wyoming are always a delight to visit, if only to admire and enjoy the western paintings and fine bronze sculptures.

When in Jackson, folks with a taste for fine cuisine head for the Restaurant Terroir. A huge wine selection adds to the pleasure of the meal. The best steaks in town are served at the Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse. The western art hanging on the walls and the silver dollars in the bar create a special western atmosphere at the Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse. For lodging, the nearby Jackson Hole Lodge, close to the spectacular Grand Teton Mountains, is tops.

Northwest Wyoming is well-known for its outstanding dude ranches. The T-Cross Ranch, located east of Jackson near the town of Dubois, is one of the best. The ranch offers guests many activities and wonderful trail rides. The ranch's main lodge is very western in its decor and by itself is worth a visit. Travel tip: Dude ranches may require advanced reservations, so call ahead.

Worland

Worland (pop. 5,742) is a friendly farming and ranching community, located in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains. U.S. highway 16, the major east-west route across northwest Wyoming, passes through Worland and offers travelers exiting Interstate Highway 90 at Buffalo, Wyoming a direct route to Cody and Yellowstone National Park.

Outdoor recreation is a popular activity in the Big Horn Mountains and the surrounding Big Horn Basin. Abundant elk, mule deer, and antelope are found in the area. Worland's fine 18-hole golf course is popular with locals and tourists. A helpful community calendar is maintained by the Worland Chamber of Commerce. For a special lodging experience in Worland, try the Herzberg Hideaway (307-347-2217), a 1930's home restored as a guest house.

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The Cody Hotel (307) 587-5915

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