Come Home to Cody, WY: Wild Forever, Cozy Whenever
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Fall in Yellowstone is pure magic—golden light, crisp air, elk bugling in the distance. But here’s the thing no one tells you: the best way to experience it? Stay in Cody.
My husband and I spent five days in Cody, WY in early October, using the town as a home base for daily jaunts into Yellowstone. We’d head out early, explore geysers, spot wildlife, then cruise back through the East Gate just in time for a good dinner and a walk down Sheridan Ave. It was the perfect mix of wild and welcoming.
Where the West Still Breathes
Founded by Buffalo Bill Cody himself (yes, that Buffalo Bill), Cody was designed to be the gateway to Yellowstone—and it still wears that legacy with pride. The town is full of frontier charm without feeling stuck in the past. There are gun-slinging shows in the summer, sure, but also raptor experiences, modern art, and one of the coolest museums I’ve ever set foot in.
Cody sits just 50 miles from Yellowstone's East Entrance, making it the ideal basecamp for park-hopping travelers who want adventure without giving up a cozy bed or a hot meal. And in fall? Fewer people in the park means more wildlife, easier parking, and that deep quiet you only get when the summer crowds head home.
The Museum You’ll Actually Want to Spend Hours (or Days) In
Let’s talk about the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This is not your average museum—it’s five world-class museums under one roof. My favorites? The Draper Natural History Museum (think: ecosystems, grizzlies, and geology that explains Yellowstone’s drama), and the Whitney Western Art Museum, where big-sky landscapes and bronzes actually gave me goosebumps.
There’s also the Plains Indian Museum (stunning and sobering), the Cody Firearms Museum (more fascinating than you’d think, even if you’re not into guns), and of course, the Buffalo Bill Museum itself. Your ticket gets you two full days, and trust me, you’ll want them.
Dinner with a Side of History
A meal at The Irma Hotel, which Buffalo Bill built and named after his daughter, is a chance to step back in time. The cherry wood bar was a gift from Queen Victoria, and the dining room has that warm, old-West glow. It’s the kind of place where you half expect someone in spurs to walk in and order a whiskey.
Downtown boasts art galleries, boutiques, and shops that are way more curated than kitschy. Cody has that rare ability to feel authentic and not overdone. It’s perfect for travelers who want local flavor without the tourist-trap aftertaste.
A Harder History at Heart Mountain
Not everything in Cody is lighthearted. Just a short drive away is the Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center, which tells the powerful story of over 14,000 Japanese Americans who were forcibly incarcerated there during World War II.
Walking through the museum and along the reconstructed barracks is sobering—and necessary. It added an unexpected depth to our trip. We came for geysers and golden trees; we left remembering that the American West holds a complicated past—one worth remembering and preserving.
Yellowstone, Uncrowded and Unrushed
Because we based ourselves in Cody, we got to experience Yellowstone in a way that didn’t feel rushed or overly planned. Early October meant quieter trails, more animals, and easier access to popular spots like Hayden Valley, Lamar, and the Lake area.
Each day in the park felt like its own adventure. But coming back to Cody each evening? That felt like home. A hot meal, a warm soak, a real bed, and the hum of a small town settling in for the night.
Go Wild. Then Come Home.
Cody isn’t just a place to crash between hikes. It’s part of the experience. A town where you can touch history, eat well, shop local, and breathe deep. And in the fall? It might just be perfect.
