Cody Wyoming River Running Guide

Cody, population 9,100, founded by and named for legendary western icon Buffalo Bill Cody, is perched upon the transition between the rolling grassy plains of the Bighorn Basin to the east and the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the west. Cody is steeped in colorful history, making it a popular stop for tourists and has several interesting western museums to explore. Cody's historical pretext combined with its close proximity to the eastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park reinforces Cody's claim as the second busiest tourist destination town in the state of Wyoming (Jackson Hole being the first). Cody is also well known as a great place for outdoor recreation, with a variety of activities available right from town and westward through the Wapiti Valley.

Themes surrounding Cody's pioneer and Cowboy and Western history are common in the cultural events and activities in the area. The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is a large and modern facility located near the center of the city, and contains large collections, and is a favorite stopping point for tourists passing through the town, on their way to or from Yellowstone. During the summer, a re-enactment of a wild-west shoot-out takes place next to the Irma Hotel, another historical site still open for business with a hotel and restaurant, which forms the nucleus of the town.  Cody is one of the premier towns for rodeo. In the months of June, July, and August, Cody has a rodeo every night. It also hosts the Cody Stampede Rodeo, a large event centered around the weekend of July 4th.  One of the biggest weekends of the year celebrates the Old West and Cowboy culture with the annual Cody Old West Show & Auction. It happens every 4th weekend in June and attracts visitors from all around the world with an interest in Cowboy and Native American artifact and antiques.