The entertainment landscape in Cody offers a rich blend of western heritage, cultural sophistication, and modern amenities. At the heart of the city's cultural scene is the world-renowned Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a Smithsonian Affiliate comprising five distinct museums: the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Plains Indians Museum, the Whitney Western Art Museum, the Draper Natural History Museum, and the Cody Firearms Museum. This prestigious complex hosts rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and special events throughout the year.
Shopping in Cody combines western charm with contemporary convenience. Downtown Cody features unique boutiques like Sierra Trading Post Outlet, Wayne's Boot Shop, and the Cody Marketplace, offering everything from western wear to fine art. The city also provides modern retail conveniences through stores like Walmart Supercenter, Albertsons, and Blair's Market for everyday needs. Local specialty shops such as Cowtown Candy Company and By Western Hands showcase artisanal products and western craftwork.
The dining scene reflects Cody's evolution as a culinary destination. Fine dining establishments include The Local, known for its farm-to-table cuisine, and 8th Street at the Ivy for special occasions. Popular casual dining spots include Proud Cut Saloon, Millstone Pizza Company, and Zapata's Mexican Restaurant. The historic Irma Hotel's restaurant continues to serve its famous prime rib, while newer establishments like Beta Coffeehouse and Pat O'Hara Brewing Company offer contemporary dining and social experiences.
Entertainment venues in Cody provide year-round activities. The Cody Theatre shows first-run movies in a historic setting, while the Cody Cattle Company offers dinner shows during the summer season. Live performances are regularly featured at the Wynona Thompson Auditorium, which hosts touring productions, local theater groups, and the Northwest College music program's concerts.
Professional sports enthusiasts can enjoy regional competition through the American Legion Baseball program and Yellowstone Quake Hockey team. College sports action is available through Northwest College's athletic programs, including basketball, volleyball, and soccer. For racing fans, the Cody Stampede Rodeo grounds hosts various motorsports events throughout the year.
Annual events and festivals provide entertainment throughout the calendar year. The Cody Stampede, a four-day Fourth of July celebration, features one of the largest rodeos in the nation. The Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale in September draws collectors and artists from around the world. The Wild West Arts Fest, Wings 'n' Wheels show, and various music festivals add to the community's entertainment calendar.
For museum enthusiasts, beyond the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody offers the Custom Cowboy Music Museum and the Cody Heritage Museum, each providing unique perspectives on western culture and local history. The Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center, located between Cody and Powell, offers powerful historical exhibits and educational programs.
The Cody Country Art League provides rotating art exhibitions and workshops, while various private galleries showcase local and regional artists. The Wyoming Art Gallery and Mountain Valley Gallery feature changing exhibitions of contemporary western art. During the summer months, weekly art walks allow visitors to explore multiple galleries while enjoying evening entertainment downtown.
Family entertainment options include the Paul Stock Aquatics Center, featuring indoor and outdoor pools with water slides and play features. The Olive Glenn Golf Course, though primarily for golf, hosts family-friendly events throughout the year. The Park County Library offers extensive children's programming, including story times, summer reading programs, and special events.
Evening entertainment options include live music at venues like the Silver Dollar Bar and Cassie's Supper Club. The Cody Nite Rodeo, running nightly from June through August, provides authentic western entertainment and has been a community tradition for over 80 years.
Residents and visitors can easily find entertainment information through the Cody Enterprise newspaper, the Cody Chamber of Commerce website, and various local event calendars. The city's proximity to Yellowstone National Park also means access to the park's extensive program of ranger-led talks, walks, and educational activities during the summer season.
Cody's location in northwestern Wyoming provides access to an extraordinary range of outdoor activities throughout the year. The area's diverse terrain, from high mountain peaks to desert badlands, creates endless opportunities for outdoor recreation across all seasons.
Hiking enthusiasts have access to hundreds of miles of trails within a short drive from Cody. The Cedar Mountain Trail system, just minutes from downtown, offers varied terrain for different skill levels, with the summit providing panoramic views of the Bighorn Basin. The Shoshone National Forest, America's first national forest, features over 1,300 miles of trails, including access to the Washakie Wilderness and North Absaroka Wilderness areas. Notable trails include the Sheep Mountain Trail, offering challenging high-altitude hiking, and the Dead Indian Creek Trail, known for its wildflower displays and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Mountain biking options range from beginner-friendly paths to technical single-track trails. The Beck Lake Mountain Bike Trail System provides 10 miles of varied terrain right in Cody, perfect for after-work rides. More challenging routes can be found in the McCullough Peaks area, where the Bureau of Land Management maintains an extensive trail network. The Buffalo Bill State Park trails offer intermediate riding with spectacular reservoir views.
Fishing opportunities abound in the Cody area. The North Fork of the Shoshone River, designated as Blue Ribbon trout waters, offers world-class fly fishing for cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. The Buffalo Bill Reservoir provides excellent opportunities for lake fishing, with species including lake trout, walleye, and yellow perch. Licensed fishing guides and outfitters in Cody offer year-round services, including ice fishing in winter. Required fishing licenses can be obtained through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department or local sporting goods stores.
Hunting seasons bring opportunities for both big game and upland bird hunting. The surrounding mountains and foothills offer hunting for elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and antelope. The region also provides excellent bird hunting for sage grouse, pheasant, and chukar. Local outfitters can assist with guided hunts, and the necessary licenses and permits are available through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Rock climbing and bouldering opportunities exist throughout the region. Cedar Mountain offers sport climbing routes minutes from town, while the North Fork Valley features numerous crags with routes ranging from beginner to expert. The nearby South Fork ice climbing area provides winter climbing opportunities.
Winter activities include cross-country skiing on groomed trails at the Wood River Valley Ski Touring Park, offering 25 kilometers of tracked trails. Sleeping Giant Ski Area, 50 miles west of Cody, provides downhill skiing and snowboarding with 184 acres of skiable terrain. Snowmobiling enthusiasts can access hundreds of miles of groomed trails in the Beartooth Mountains and Shoshone National Forest, with local rentals and guides available.
Water sports are popular during summer months at Buffalo Bill Reservoir, where visitors enjoy boating, water skiing, and paddleboarding. The reservoir's marina offers boat rentals and supplies. Whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities exist on the Shoshone River, with several local outfitters providing guided trips ranging from family-friendly floats to advanced whitewater adventures.
Rock hounding and fossil hunting are permitted in designated areas of public lands around Cody. The Bighorn Basin is known for its rich fossil deposits, and several areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management allow casual collecting.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the 18-hole Olive Glenn Golf and Country Club, offering challenging play with mountain views. The course features 6,751 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72, and is open from spring through fall as weather permits.
Wildlife viewing is exceptional year-round, with opportunities to observe elk, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, wolves, and numerous bird species. The Shoshone National Forest provides critical habitat for diverse wildlife, while the Heart Mountain Ranch Preserve offers guided nature walks and wildlife viewing opportunities closer to town.
For those interested in outdoor photography, local camera clubs and photography workshops take advantage of the area's dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. Popular photography locations include the Buffalo Bill Reservoir at sunrise, the badlands of McCullough Peaks, and the wildflower meadows of Sunlight Basin.
The Paul Stock Aquatic Center serves as a cornerstone of Cody's recreational facilities, featuring a six-lane competition pool, a warm water leisure pool, and a therapy pool. The center offers year-round swimming programs including lap swimming, water aerobics, and swimming lessons for all ages. During summer months, the facility opens its outdoor pool complex, complete with water slides, a zero-depth entry pool, and a children's splash pad.
The Cody Recreation Center, a modern 28,000-square-foot facility, provides comprehensive fitness and recreation options. The center features a full-service weight room with both free weights and machine circuits, a cardio theater equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes, and dedicated spaces for group fitness classes. Professional trainers are available for personal training sessions, and the facility offers various group fitness classes including yoga, pilates, spin, and high-intensity interval training.
For families with young children, Cody maintains several well-equipped playgrounds throughout the city. City Park, located in the heart of downtown, features modern play structures suitable for various age groups, while Beck Lake Park offers inclusive playground equipment designed for children of all abilities. The Mentock Park playground includes innovative climbing structures and a popular splash pad during summer months.
Pickle ball enthusiasts can enjoy both indoor and outdoor courts at the Cody Recreation Center. The facility maintains six dedicated pickle ball courts with organized leagues and open play sessions throughout the week. Regular clinics and tournaments cater to players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced competitors.
The Cody Community Center serves as a hub for various recreational programs and activities. The center hosts regular events for seniors, including bridge clubs, dance classes, and social gatherings. Youth programs include after-school activities, summer camps, and special holiday events. The facility also provides meeting spaces for community groups and classes.
Indoor recreation options expand during winter months with programs at the Riley Arena and Community Events Center. This facility offers public ice skating sessions, hockey leagues for various age groups, and figure skating programs. The arena also hosts special events and competitions throughout the winter season.
The Cody Youth Baseball Complex provides well-maintained fields for organized leagues and casual play. The complex includes multiple diamonds suitable for different age groups, from T-ball to American Legion Baseball. Adjacent practice facilities and batting cages allow for year-round training opportunities.
The city's parks system includes several sports courts for basketball and tennis, all open to the public and well-maintained throughout the year. Sunset Park features four lighted tennis courts with optional pickleball striping, while the Cody High School courts are available for public use during non-school hours.
Indoor climbing enthusiasts can practice their skills at the climbing wall within the Cody Recreation Center. The wall offers routes for various skill levels and provides a perfect training ground for both beginners and experienced climbers preparing for outdoor adventures.
The Park County Complex includes facilities for team sports and group activities. Multiple soccer fields, softball diamonds, and a quarter-mile track provide spaces for organized sports leagues and individual training. The complex hosts numerous community events and sports tournaments throughout the year.
For those seeking therapeutic recreation, Cody Regional Health's rehabilitation center offers specialized programs including aquatic therapy, adaptive sports activities, and supervised exercise programs. These services provide important recreational opportunities for individuals recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions.