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.

  • 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

Logo for Crossed Sabres Ranch featuring crossed sabers, a horse, a fish, a bison, and text "EST. 1898."

“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. 

Illustration of a red flower with the text 'the CODY'

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.

Logo for Bubba's Bar-B-Que Restaurant with flames and cartoon cowboy.
Sign for Bubba's Bar-B-Que Restaurant, featuring a cartoon cowboy with a lasso, red and yellow background, and letters styled with flames.

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.

Logo for Annie's Old Fashioned Soda Saloon, Cody, Wyoming, established 2016, featuring a wagon wheel graphic.
Exterior of a historic building with a sign that reads 'Saddlery' and 'Old Fashioned Soda Saloon Cafe,' under a clear sky and traffic light.

“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

Logo with text "sitti's table, cody, wyoming" and a branch illustration on a dark background.
Collage of a cappuccino in a patterned cup and a person holding a decorative plate with toast topped with arugula and mushrooms.

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.