Cody, Wyoming
Cody, Wyoming.
Lat. 44.526340 | Long. -109.056534
THE RODEO CAPITAL OF THE WORLD.
The hardy families that ventured to the Rocky Mountains of Cody, Wyoming required skills of horsemanship and roping. In order to handle and manage livestock, settlers needed to know how to ride, rope, and tame wild stock. Today, this Wild West dexterity is still used on working ranches in Wyoming. Thanks to showman Buffalo Bill Cody’s entertaining twist on these herding skills, Cody is now known as the Rodeo Capital of the World. Read More.
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Cody, Wyoming, has a rich history that is closely tied to the American West's expansion and the legendary figure of Buffalo Bill Cody, after whom the town is named. Here’s an overview of its history:
Founding and Early Years (1890s)
Cody was founded in 1896 by the famous showman and scout William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody, along with several partners. Buffalo Bill, already a well-known figure for his Wild West shows, envisioned the town as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park and a hub for tourists. He was drawn to the area by the Shoshone River and the fertile land, which he believed would be ideal for agriculture and ranching.
Buffalo Bill’s Influence
Buffalo Bill played a significant role in the development of the town. He was instrumental in promoting the area, bringing attention to it through his connections and fame. Cody's vision included modern amenities and infrastructure for the time, such as hotels, a railroad, and irrigation projects. The town's layout was carefully planned, with wide streets and a central business district.
The Arrival of the Railroad
In 1901, the Burlington and Missouri Railroad reached Cody, which significantly boosted the town's growth. The railroad made Cody more accessible to tourists and settlers, fostering economic development. Cody became a stopping point for those visiting Yellowstone National Park, further enhancing its status as a tourist destination.
Irrigation and Agriculture
Cody’s founders, including Buffalo Bill, invested in irrigation projects to turn the arid land into productive farmland. The Shoshone Project, an early reclamation project, was part of this effort and included the construction of the Buffalo Bill Dam, completed in 1910. The dam helped transform the region's agriculture, making it possible to cultivate crops and raise livestock.
Tourism and the Wild West Legacy
Tourism has been a central part of Cody’s identity from its inception. Buffalo Bill’s Wild West shows and his international fame attracted visitors from all over the world. The town capitalized on its connection to the Old West, and this heritage remains a significant part of its identity. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a large museum complex in Cody, continues to draw tourists and preserve the legacy of Buffalo Bill and the American West.
20th Century to Present
Throughout the 20th century, Cody continued to grow, although it retained much of its small-town charm. The town developed as a center for ranching, agriculture, and tourism. Today, Cody is known for its historical attractions, proximity to Yellowstone National Park, and as a living tribute to the legacy of Buffalo Bill and the Wild West.
Cultural Significance
Cody hosts the annual Cody Stampede, a major rodeo event, and is home to the Buffalo Bill Cody Stampede Rodeo, which celebrates the town’s cowboy heritage. The town’s museums, historic sites, and annual events keep the spirit of the American West alive.
Cody, Wyoming, remains a symbol of the rugged, adventurous spirit of the American frontier, closely tied to the legendary figure of Buffalo Bill and the history of the West.
RODEOS
“Families reconnecting under a golden, Wyoming sunset. New friends sitting around the campfire together sharing adventures of the day. Children reveling in the joy of riding a horse for the first time. Natural beauty and clean mountain air surrounding a group of guests that are now family.”
This is what they envision for you.
The Cody Hotel is known for luxury lodging in the Heart of the American West. They are conveniently located just under an hour's drive from Yellowstone National Park's East Entrance gate.
As the premier luxury hotel in Cody, they take their commitment to the environment seriously while offering upscale amenities.
Bubba’s Bar-B-Que was inspired by Jim Shivler, or “Bubba,” who decided over 25 years ago to open up a bar-b-que restaurant in Jackson, Wyoming. Wyoming folks may remember that Bubba was also one of Wyoming’s state legislators. He developed recipes to create the succulent, slow-smoked meats that they serve today.
Their mission is to provide their customers with great tasting, quality food that is prepared and served with excellence, in a fun and friendly atmosphere. At Bubba’s, they exist to serve their customers, fellow team members, and the community, and strive to positively affect every person they meet.
“For the quintessential Old West experience, stop by Annie’s Soda Saloon & Cafe in Cody. In true saloon fashion, guests can grab a barstool and order one of the many sodas made with pure cane sugar — after viewing a Wild West shootout re-enactment in town. You really can’t go wrong with a Raspberry Rattler, topped off with a scoop of ice cream. Housed in a historical building, the saloon actually served as a drugstore with a soda fountain and jewelry store back in the day, inspiring owner Jeanette Prosceno to open up the shop and keep the old-fashioned soda shop tradition alive.” – The Food Network
Double Diamond X Ranch
After 5 years of private catering and community events, Jake Scott and Porter Koury’s catering business gained quite the public following which helped plant the idea of a brick in mortar that grew into sitti's table-- or something like that.
“We loved making whatever we were passionate about and felt like doing, always rooted in French technique but with new and different ingredients and approaches,” Jake said.
“There was a point where the idea of my grandmother’s table and the explosion of freshness in her light and healthy food made us want to share a vibrant version of that with the community,” Porter said.
Rimrock Dude Ranch
QT's Restaurant is a premier and authentic Family Restaurant that has been proudly serving the Cody area since 1986. Since then, their mission has been to provide high-quality food for all those that wish to combine fun and enjoyable ambiance with skillful cooking into one extraordinary dining experience.
Fat Racks BBQ was established in 2015 with BBQ roots back to Pitmaster Mitchell's youth in Denton, TX. Having shared from East to West coasts, decided to bring Texas to Wyoming with the love of the area and their special recipes that have won multiple awards throughout the years.
Absaroka Mountain Lodge is a small family owned and operated resort located 12 miles outside the East entrance of Yellowstone National Park and 39 miles west of Cody, Wyoming along the Northfork corridor that Teddy Roosevelt once deemed, “the most scenic in America.” Nestled in Gunbarrel Canyon among the towering pines and along the banks of Gunbarrel Creek, Absaroka Mountain Lodge has accommodated guests since the early 1900’s with authentic western hospitality. Listed on the National Registry of Historic places, the Lodge was once owned by Buffalo Bill Cody’s grandson, Fred Garlow.
Wyoming’s First All-Women Owned and Operated Brewery.
Well crafted ales and tasty pub fare served in a unique setting where the brewhouse takes center stage.
Cody Coffee Roaster is a local family-owned artisan coffee roaster with two locations in Cody, Wyoming and a mission to give back to the unique Wyoming way of life by providing quality coffee and food to the community, contributing to the growth of their little patch of paradise. They roast the best coffee in Wyoming by sourcing the best fair trade organic green coffee beans and roasting them at high-altitude to Wyoming perfection in their precision small batch roaster.
Cody Cowboy Village is located close to all local activities including the world famous Buffalo Bill Historic Museum. The Cody Rodeo, also nearby, features events nightly from June thru August.
Concierge service is available to assist guests with arrangements for all activities including dining and golf. The property features an extra-large (30 person) heated outdoor spa with waterfall. All rooms are non-smoking and no pets allowed.
Duaine & Sheila Hagen have been ranching, outfitting, and in the guest business since 1979. Duaine is an established horse trainer and steward of the land. He was just honored with being inducted into the 2019 Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame. He gives great credit to his wife Sheila, that he couldn't have done it without her. They have one son, Zeb and a daughter, Alix.
The hotel was opened to the public on November 1, 1902. A grand opening celebration followed on November 18. Buffalo Bill spent $80,000 in 1902 dollars on construction costs. He named the hotel for his youngest daughter Irma, born February 9, 1886.
Cody stayed in the hotel frequently when he returned from his Wild West Show tours. His personality and fame kept the Irma packed when he was in town.
