The Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center is open seasonally from May to September from 8am to 8pm and admission is free. At the visitors center you will find not only spectacular views of the dam and river but also a wonderful gift shop where you can purchase novelties, posters, post cards, even books and videos. The dam is located just miles from the Buffalo Bill Historic Center in Cody, Wyoming. At the historic center you can find a variety of different museums like the Cody Firearms Museum, Plains Indian Museum, the Whiney Gallery of Western Art, the newly added Draper Museum of Natural History and, of course, the Buffalo Bill Museum.

Although construction on the dam started in 1905 it wasn’t completed until mid January of 1910. The reason that it took so long to complete was because they were faced with many challenges including flooding and bankruptcy. After the dam was finished it had set cost back nearly $930,000, for back in 1910 that was considered a hefty amount of cash.

In 1993, the project to raise the Buffalo Bill Dam was completed. This projected was started in the mid 1980’s and was intended to raise the dam 25 feet so that it could hold 50 percent more water than before. The project took seven years to complete, which was performed by the Bureau of Reclamation, but didn’t begin to fill until 1993.

If visiting the nearby town of Cody, make sure to take the short six mile trip west in order to stop by the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center and to see this gigantic beauty. However, be sure that you arrive during their open season, between May and September, because if you don’t you will be disappointed to find that there is no one to let you in.

Cody has a number of other attractions as well and you will want to find excellent hotel accommodations for your stay. Visit HotelsCombined.com for the best rates.

4808 North Fork Hwy
Cody, WY 82414
307-527-6076

Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center – Cody, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

The Snake River in Wyoming slithers its way between two of the nation’s most renowned national parks, Yellowstone and Grant Teton. These national parks offer breathtaking scenery, mountains, forests, fields and more to the adventurer who canoes down the river.

While there are a good many places to canoe along the Snake River, one of the most popular is paddling through Grand Teton National Park. It is a challenging river, and one in which you have to pay constant attention. Logs in the channels, boulders, and occasional whitewater can make for a very interesting trip. As long as you keep your eyes open and your head on your shoulders, you should be fine. Of course, you will also find some calm stretches of water there.

You can float through a number of the park’s different habitats, and you have the chance to see a variety of different wildlife, including bears, elk, wolves, and more. Bring a camera along with you (preferably in a waterproof shell) because you never know what you are going to see along the riverbanks.

The Snake River offers many other great places to launch your canoe as well, and every mile of the river is different from the last. You can find great camping sites along the river as well, but make sure you have your permit in order before stopping to camp for the night.

As with any trip to the wilderness, you need to use your common sense. If the river becomes too rough for you, or if you find yourself exhausted, you should get off the water. Wear a brightly colored lifejacket – it might seem cumbersome, but it could save your life. When you are camping, be sure to keep the food in bear-proof containers away from the campsite so you don’t attract unwanted ursine attention. Be sure to pack out everything you bring with you – don’t leave any trash behind.

Whatever kind of canoeing you prefer, from the dangerous whitewater runs to floating along a calm and harmless stretch, you will find it on the mighty Snake River. If you are unfamiliar with the area and you are a beginning canoe enthusiast, you might want to think about hiring a guide. He or she can show you the ropes and lead you safely down tough lengths of the river.

A canoe trip down the Snake River in Wyoming is something that you will never forget.
490 Hwy 89 South
Jackson
307-733-3699
888-998-7688

Snake River – Jackson, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

Regardless of your riding skills, abilities or interest in learning, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy horseback riding at the Bitterroot Ranch. You can take lessons with certified instructors, take part in cow herding, cattle drives, pack trips or round ups. There is also a cross country course available for experienced riders. You can take advantage of extensive opportunities for trail rides during your horseback riding vacation at Bitterroot Ranch, as well.

The horses at Bitterroot Ranch are raised and trained for guest riding. There are more than 130 horses in the herd at available for an average of 25 clients. There is always an appropriate horse available for guests depending on their riding skills and the season. Rides are usually available twice daily, and last for between 2 and 3 hours. Cattle herding opportunities and all day picnic excursions on horseback are schedules weekends at Bitterroot Ranch.

In addition to terrific horses, expert guides and instructors and idyllic natural surroundings, Bitterroot Ranch’s remote location is one of the reasons it offers such outstanding riding opportunities. The nearest paved road is 17 miles from the Ranch, and you aren’t likely to encounter other people on your rides.

You’ll explore a variety of types of wilderness areas and ride on several different types of terrain during your stay. You can ride along a river on trails winding through spruce and cottonwood forests, or ride through sagebrush areas in the high plains desert. Aspen groves located in higher areas are especially beautiful during the autumn months. Cowboy campsites, old abandoned settler homesteads and wildlife are some of the interesting manmade and natural attractions you may encounter on your rides.

Guests at Bitterroot Ranch can take video taped riding lessons at the beginner and intermediate levels two mornings of the week, but these are optional. Beginner rides in small groups usually enable most individuals to participate in rides right away. More experienced riders can enjoy rides featuring light canters. Safety is always a primary concern at the Ranch, and even beginners aren’t likely to feel uncomfortable during their rides at Bitterroot Ranch.  

1480 E. Fork Rd.
Dubois, WY 82513-9614
307-455-2778
800-545-0019
Fax 307-455-2354

Bitterroot Ranch – Dubois, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a very unique place to visit, even if you’ve toured many American Art museums in other places in the past. The Museum has a very impressive collection of approximately 4,000 works of art, and it is located on the edge of the 20,000-acre National Elk Refuge.

You can see wildlife depicted in painting, sculpture, photography, drawings and other types of media at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The artwork at the Museum dates from 2000 BC to present times, and includes European as well as American works. Artwork depicting wildlife from other countries throughout the world is presently being collected at the Museum as well, including work from New Zealand and Africa.

One of the strengths of the art collection at the Museum is American wildlife art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Much of this artwork chronicles the period of European exploration of the West. Since photography was still undeveloped at this time, the artwork is the only visual representation of how the undeveloped frontier appeared. In addition to explorer art, the National Museum of Wildlife Art exhibits works representative of Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Modernism and other genres.

One of the most stunning exhibits at the National Museum of Wildlife Art contains works that feature the American bison. The exhibit traces images of the bison as depicted in a variety of works from the past two centuries. Realistic drawings and paintings of bison, nostalgic and romantic views, and American Indian works featuring bison are some of the diverse images included in this fascinating exhibit.  

Works by renowned impressionist Carl Rungius are also showcased at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The Museum holds a large collection of Carl Rungius’ beautiful works, including his two triptychs and the only two bronze works he ever produced. An entire gallery traces Rungius’ career and development as an artist.

The JKM gallery at the Museum traces the history and development of wildlife art in America. Artwork from the Museum’s impressive collection of 19th and 20th century collection is featured in this exhibit.  The JKM gallery exhibit highlights how artists’ have used themes involving people and wildlife to explore and comment upon humankinds’ place in the world. Visitors will delight in seeing famous works by George Catlin, Albert Bierstadt, John Audubon, Sherry Sander and many others in person.

Works by many other wildlife artists are exhibited throughout the galleries at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.  In addition to viewing artwork and the incredible view of the National Elk Refuge, visitors can also take advantage of the Museum’s expansive Library to do research and explore art history, natural history, wildlife biology, conservation, and many other subjects.

National Museum of Wildlife Art – Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

One of the most unique and magnificent attractions in Wyoming isn’t a geological formation or an historic site, although it relates to both. It’s the Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep, and in particular, the large herd that lives in the Whiskey Mountain area just outside of Dubois, Wyoming.

No visit to Wyoming would be complete without viewing these majestic animals in their natural habitat. The National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Association encourages public education and enjoyment of the Bighorn Sheep at the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois.

The exhibitions at the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center are an outstanding resource for information related to Wyoming’s wild Bighorns. A variety of exhibits including hands-on displays explores all facets of the Bighorn Sheep’s biology and their relationship with humankind.

Children as well as adults will appreciate viewing displays that explore everything you can imagine related to Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. You’ll learn how Bighorns view their world and the body language they use to communicate with each other. The fascinating history of the Sheep Eater Indians of the Wind River Range is also detailed at the Interpretive Center.

The impressive "Sheep Mountain" exhibit at the Center contains information about the habitat where the Bighorns live, including the plants and other animals that exist in their natural environment. Dominance battles, the role the Bighorns play in predator-prey relationships and the wild sheeps’ special adaptive traits that enable them to survive in their habitat are all explored at the Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center.

Although there are mounted displays of the four types of wild sheep that reside in North America on display in the "Grand Slam" diorama at the Interpretive Center, you will probably want to visit the herd to see Bighorns in person. Guided tours are available through the National Bighorn Sheep Center seasonally.

To take a guided tour to see the herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorns at Whiskey Mountain, you will need to book a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. Guided tours are only available during the winter months, from November through March. The Bighorns are generally able to be viewed during the winter months because snowy weather at the higher elevations drives the Bighorns down to lower elevations where they can be seen.

Tours start at 9:00 am, and they generally last between 3 and 5 hours. You will be able to view the Bighorns through binoculars and spotting scopes that are provided during the tour. If you plan to take the Bighorn viewing tour, be sure to dress appropriately. The Whiskey Mountain habitat area is very cold and windy. You will also want to be sure to bring your camera, and be prepared to take photos at long distances.
 

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep – Dubois, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

Legend Rock located west of Thermopolis, WY provides visitors with a unique opportunity to view more than 300 petroglyphs. The petroglyphs were created over thousands of years at the base of very tall cliffs, and several different cultures are responsible for their creation. Hopi, Zuni and Peruvian petroglyph styles have all been identified at Legend Rock.

The prehistoric rock art you will view at Legend Rock is as mysterious as it is beautiful. Nobody is quite sure exactly when the petroglyphs were created, or why, although archaeologists are presently devising better ways to date and learn about rock art. Even among Indian elders, there is no clear consensus about why the petroglyphs at Legend Rock were painted.

American Indian Elders have been consulted regarding the petroglyphs at Legend Rock, and most do agree they are a form of writing. The writing can be interpreted, the Elders claim, but they interpret them in different ways. One thing all of the Elders tend to agree on is the sacred nature of the petroglyphs at Legend Rock.

Considering how many other demands related to survival must have characterized the lives of the members of these ancient cultures, the rock art almost certainly had great meaning. It’s hard to imagine they were created simply as a means of decoration or for entertainment purposes.

Those who see and study the rock art at Legend Rock can learn a great deal about the cultures who created the images. It is possible to discern what animals were hunted, and what weapons were developed and used at the time. Even details about clothing and hairstyles can be gleaned from studying these petroglyphs.

Animals as well as humans are depicted in the rock art at Legend Rock. One image you will see is a bird that has been identified stylistically as a “Ghost Dance” bird. This is a popular image in rock art of Wyoming. However, the Ghost Dance era was from 1890 to 1892, and scientists now believe the bird petroglyph dates to a much earlier period.

Another interesting petroglyph you will see at Legend Rock is a Rabbit. This rabbit is stylistically similar to images painted on Mimbres Mortuary ceramic items that date from 900 to 100 A.D. The Mimbres culture was centered in New Mexico. There are no other Mimbres-style rabbits depicted on rock art in the state of Wyoming.

Legend Rock is administered by Hot Springs State Park, and you will need to pick up a key and permit from the State Bath House at the State Park to access the site. In order to preserve the petroglyphs and enable further research at Legend Rock, it is very important that visitors do not touch the paintings, or move any rocks or artifacts at the site. Hotel accommodations are available on HotelsCombined.com in Thermopolis.

Legend Rock, Thermopolis, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

A Wyoming vacation has to start with an adventure in the Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks  – showcasing high plains and desert sands to mountains and beautiful rock formations.

Adventure begins in Wyoming – whether it is a organized corporate or family retreat at a dude ranch or performing arts in a four star resort or hotel.  Wyoming has much to offer the family vacation or corporate event.

Wyoming Vacation is a post from: Wyoming Tourism