William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody is best known for his Wild West Shows but he was also a soldier, scout, frontiersman, actor, entrepreneur, town founder and bison hunter.  He was born in the Iowa Territory (Iowa state now) in the small town of LeClaire.  He lived in Canada prior to his family moving to the Kansas Territory.  He received the Medal of Honor in 1872 for service to the US Army as a scout. 

The Buffalo Bill Museum is the flagship to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center (closed for renovations until May of 2012 but his items are on display in other parts of the Center).  The Museum first opened its door to the public in 1927 in a log cabin style building which was modeled after Cody’s house at his TE Ranch.  This remained the museum until 1969 when it was relocated to the Center.

In addition to documenting the life and interests of William F. Cody, and the history and operations of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, the Buffalo Bill Museum collection interprets the history of the American cowboy, dude ranching, western conservation, frontier entrepreneurship, and the source of our concepts about the West.

At the Center you will also have an opportunity to learn about Yellowstone Natural History from their collections.  As part of the Historical Center you have the opportunity to see a wide range of different areas of interest for those that want to learn about the west.  There are taxidermy mounts, skins, skeletal material, and still and moving images in the gallery exhibits as well as interpretive programs.  The Draper Museum of Natural History will be an interesting stop on your tour.

You will have the opportunity to learn about the wildlife of the Yellowstone area and how they interact with each other, how the wolf population has gone up and down, how the elk population has become stronger due to the culling of the weak by the wolves for their food.  You will also be able to learn about eh grizzly bears that live int he region.  It is estimated that there are around 600 bears living here.

The Cody Firearms Museum houses the most comprehensive assemblage of American firearms int he world.  The Winchester Collection, the hear of this museum, was transported from new Haven, Connecticut, to Cody in 1975.  You will see Winchester-made arms but there is also every significant manufacturer in the world of firearms.  You will be able to trace the evolution of modern firearms technology from its earliest days through today’s variations.

PLEASE NOTE: The Cody Firearms Museum staff is able to respond to general questions regarding firearms and firearm-related issues beyond the scope of the Records Office on a limited and complimentary basis. Contact Curatorial Assistant Daniel Brumley at 307.578.4117 or danielb@bbhc.org. Response times to such inquiries vary with the workload of the curatorial staff. We are unable to respond to gunsmithing, highly technological, or hand-loading inquiries.

The Plains India Museum tell the story of the lives of the Plains Indian peoples.  It tells the story of their cultures, traditions, values, and histories as well as the contexts of their lives today.

Senior Curator Emma Hansen said, “Visitors to the Plains Indian Museum learn, not only about the beautiful objects made by Indian people, but the stories of the people behind the objects and the special contexts in which these objects were made and used in daily and ceremonial life.”  The Museum sponsors the Plains Indian Museum Powwow in June each year.

The Western Art Collections of the Whitney Gallery of Western Art will show you art about the American West.  It commemorates the events, people and landscape of the Rocky Mountains region.  There is also outdoor sculpture for you to enjoy.  View this stunning work while you stroll through the gardens of the Center.

Location: 720 Sheridan Ave Cody, WY 82414-3428

Hours: January – February     10 a.m. – 5 p.m.     Thursday – Sunday
March – April     10 a.m. – 5 p.m.     Daily
May – September 15     8 a.m. – 6 p.m.     Daily
September 16 – October 31     8 a.m. – 5 p.m.     Daily
November     10 a.m. – 5 p.m.     Daily
December     10 a.m. – 5 p.m.     Thursday – Sunday

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Days.

Admission price includes visitation to the entire Historical Center for two consecutive days.

Buffalo Bill Historical Center patrons are always admitted free!
Adults     $18
Senior (65 & older)     $16
Students (18 & older with valid student ID)     $13
Youth (ages 6 – 17)     $10
Children (ages 5 & under)     Free

AAA members receive a $2 discount off the adult price, limited to 2 adults per group.

Summer Combination Ticket: Cody Trolley Tour & Historical Center admission: Adults $37; Youth $20.

Phone: 307.578.4061

gretchenh@bbhc.org

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

They are owners who guide and they have chosen to keep Dave Hansen Whitewater small so they can make your trip as enjoyable and personalized as possible, and it’s that personal touch that sets them apart from the other companies. Their crew takes great pride in making sure everyone is having a great time. Whether you’re six years old and want a turn on the oars, to 86 years old and want to ride the bull, They want you smiling and laughing your way down Jackson Hole’s Snake River.

They pride themselves on having the most hard-working and experienced guides in the valley and your safety is always their top concern. The guides are not simply Snake River guides, but they are all river enthusiasts with experienced gained from rafting thousands of miles of river throughout the United States. All of the guides have CPR and First Aid certification, and many have earned their advanced wilderness and river safety certifications. Whether it is sharing a good story about a Jackson Hole tall tale or spotting a bald eagle, the guides will help make your trip something you will remember for years to come.

You may want to take the 8 mile whitewater journey down the class II-III intermediate Snake River.  You will see stunning canyon scenery, calm stretches, and fun rapids, including the two biggest waves on the river.

You may choose the 16 mile continuous combo trip where you go 8 miles, take a short break, and then do another 8 miles.  You will experience a touch of nature that you will remember for years to come.  You may see wildlife such as deer, otters, moose or elk as wella s eagles, kingfishers, and osprey.

Maybe you would prefer the 21 mile combo trip.  The first 13 miles offer beautiful views of the Grand Tetons and some of the best eagle-nesting habitat in the lower 48.  You will then do 8 miles of exciting whitewater and a well deserved deli lunch.  There is a bus ride between the sections on this trip.

Location:
265 W Boradway
Jackson Hole, WY

Phone: 307-733-6295

Email: info@davehansenwhitewater.com

Dave Hansen Whitewater; Jackson, Wyoming. is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

The Grand Teton Music Festival has been bringing classical music to Jackson Hole for fifty years and . For seven weeks every summer the finest musicians from around the word collaborate with Maestro Donald Runnicles and other world-renowned conductors and guest soloists bring the greatest classical music performances to the residents and visitors of Jackson Hole. Distinguished guests include Sarah Chang, Yefim Bronfman, Lynn Harrell, and Christine Brewer.

The festival also offers kids concerts, free concerts Tuesday, and Spotlight Concerts that offer an alternative to classical music with artists such as Sarah Jarosz and Doc Severinsen & The San Miguel Five.

After the summer season ends the Grand Teton Music Festival offers winter chamber concerts, family events, and The MET Live in HD Broadcasts to keep the passion for music performance alive in Jackson Hole. The Grand Teton Music Festival performances are held in Teton Village at the Walk Festival Hall which is known for superb acoustics and intimate atmosphere.

The ticket office is located at the north side of the hall and is open throughout the summer season. There are a number of free events (such as the Fourth of July concert, some free Tuesday night concerts and more, the average charges for the summer concert series programs range anywhere from $3 to $52.

Open Weekdays 9am-5pm

For tickets and more information call 307-733-1128 or email gtmf@gtmf.org

4015 North Lake Creek Drive, #100
Wilson, Wyoming 83014
(307) 733-3050

Grand Teton Music Festival, Jackson Hole Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

Are you one of the thousands that want to take a Dude Ranch Vacation but don’t know where to go?  Then check out those available in the great state of Wyoming!  You will be able to have the Western experience that you have always yearned for and your family will think you are just the best ever!

Although there are a number of different Dude Ranches in Wyoming, you should know that no two experiences will be the same.  Some are at working ranches where guests participate in cattle drives and performing daily chores.  These are perfect for the “wanna be” cowboy or cowgirl.  Remember when you thought you wanted to grow up to be a cowboy?  Now is the chance to capitalize on that dream and make it a reality.  Other ranches provide a totally different experience where you don’t have the labor chores that you do at a working ranch but will still be a vacation you will treasure for a lifetime.

The ranches have horses that fit everyone’s riding ability.  If you have never been on horseback you will have a horse that will tolerate your just learning.  If you have ridden your whole life you will find a horse that fits your style and comfort zone. 

Along with riding horse, working on the ranch and eating great food you will be able to choose some of the other activities that would appeal to you such as an overnight fishing trip to a secluded, trout-filled mountain lake, spending the afternoon getting pampered with a massage, take a swim in the pool or discover hidden talent in an archery.  Evening activities are an Old West ranch tradition and range from square dancing to sing-a-longs with a couple of the Ranch hands, or maybe even a pickup game of softball against some of the Ranch Crew.

While on your Wyoming vacation you will make friends that will last a lifetime.  You will get to know the owners, ranchers, cowboys and other guests in a way that other vacations just don’t offer.  Many dude ranches have roots extending back 100 years or more.  Just imagine the history waiting for you to explore.  Look at the old pictures, talk to the people around you and enjoy the experience.

 A Wyoming Guest Ranch offers creature comforts that you would expect to see at a fine resort only very family oriented. Hearty western cooking with a gourmet touch, fine wine lists, hot tubs, pools, fireplaces, and even a Ranch massage in a setting that only helps to relax you further.

 There are many, many Dude Ranches in Wyoming.  You can find one that is just right for what you are looking for with the ability to make memories.

 To find the ranch that is just right for you Contact the Wyoming Dude Ranch Association at 888-996-9372.

Dude Ranch Vacation – Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

If you are looking for something different for your vacation excitement you might want to consider going hand gliding.  You can be towed up to 2000 ft with an instructor and then the glider is released to let you soar through the air getting a birds eye view of the Rocky Mountains.

If you are really brave you can go up to 4,000 ft and fly looking over the Teton Mountain Range, seeing the snow capped Grand Teton and Jackson Hole below you, how exciting would that be?

Hand gliding, done correctly and conservatively, is a safe, enjoyable way to spend some time.  Children as young as 6 have actually gone hand gliding and enjoyed it.  The hand gliders that you would be using a two-team glider so that you have an instructor with you.  The weight for the passenger can not exceed 200 lbs.

You can go gliding any time of the year, weather permitting so whenever you are in the Jackson Hole area you can check out someplace like Cowboy Up Hand Glider to give you the instruction and enjoyment you are looking for.

You launch and land on wheels, you don’t have to run and jump to take off.  You will have a short training session prior to flying.  They usually take 1 to 1 1/2 hours for one person and add another 30 minutes if there are two of you going at the same time.

The world record flight is in excess of 400 miles, straight line distance, without landing.  No, you won’t be doing that.

Hand gliders can go up to 18,00 feet, however they are capable of much greater altitude.  More typically, however, pilots in the summer in the western US will frequently achieve altitudes of 5,000 to 10,000 ft above ground level and fly for over 100 miles.  Typically pilots will stay up all day just enjoying the freedom, quiet and beauty of flying.

If you are interested in lining up an experience of hand gliding you can call to make a reservation with Cowboy Up at 303-413-4164 or

Email: fly@cyhanggliding.com

Wyoming Hang Gliding Experiences – Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

The site of the Fetterman Fight is just 25 miles from Sheridan where you can take a self-guided tour of the area.  The battle took place in December 1866.  This fight was the result of the US Government wanting to take back the land they had granted to the Indians when they discovered that the miners, settlers and military needed to travel through the area knows as the Bozeman Trail.  The Indians did not want the infringement on their land and yet the military was taking it over. 

Fort Phil Kearny was located in an area which was in low ground and the Indians could watch everything going on in the fort.  During the winter the fort needed more wood to keep warm and so trains were sent out to get the wood.  They were frequently attacked by the Indians.  Due to this Captain William J. Fetterman and 80 men were sent out to rescue a besieged wood-wagon train.  The Sioux and Cheyenne had gathered together in large war parties and prepared to battle the military.

The Indians sent decoy riders to entice Fetterman to go beyond the area that the commander had told him to do.  He didn’t think he would have any problem fighting back the Indians.  On the far side of Lodge Trail Ridge there were as many as 2,000 warriors waiting to attack the military.  The battle was furious at first but the single-shot carbines that were used by the military were no match for warriors with thousands of arrows.  The infantry consisting of 40 men didn’t have a chance and didn’t last long.  The battle ended up being a hand to hand combat situation as the military took cover behind a rough circle of boulders.  The bugler even swung his bugle against the Indians that came to kill him.  Many years later the bugle was given to the Gatchell Museum in Buffalo, Wyoming by Jim Gatchell of Buffalo who had been given the bugle by an Indian.

Red Cloud’s War was effectively over and although the army remained in their two forts along the Bozeman Trail, fighting tow tough battles with the Sioux at the Wagon Box fight and the Hayfield fight near Fort Smith, the Indians has won the war.

You can get information on visiting the site at the Fort Phil Kearny Information center.

The Fetterman Fight – Sheridan, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

This fort, Fort Phil Kearny was named for a popular Union General.  It was established by Colonel Henry B. Carrington in 1866.  The purpose of the fort development was to protect the miners and the settlers that were traveling through this are of the state (territory at the time.)  This land had been given back to the Indians in the Treaty of 1865 but, as with many of these treaties by the government, they decided that they had given away too much of the land and wanted it back.  The belief was that they would be able to just build forts and take the trail land back without a problem.  This proved to be very wrong.  The Indians did not want the land overtaken by the military, settlers and miners and fought back.  Fort enclosed 17 acres.  The fort had 8 ft high walls and ran for 1,496 feet i length, and tapered in width from 500 feet on the north to 240 feet on the south.

The dramatic story of Fort Phil Kearny tells the tale of the future of the West and the problems the Indians and the Military that went on for years, leading up to the events at the Little Big Horn a decade later.

During its two year existence the fort was the focal point of a violent war between the US Arm and the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Indians.  With the coming of the Union Pacific Railroad to the area the Bozeman Trail and the three forts were abandoned in the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. The Union Pacific Railroad enabled the travelers to bypass the Bozeman Trail route by going to Montana through Idaho which meant that the Bozeman Trail was no longer and the forts unnecessary.  Not long after it was closed the fort was burned, assumptions are that the  Cheyenne Indians burned it down.

The interpretive center is located at the fort with exhibits, videos, bookstore, and self-guided tours of the fort and outlying sites.  On the tour you will see the building locations, archaeological remains, and interpretive signs pinpointing the surrounding landmarks.  One of the sites you will see is a Civilian Conservation Corp Cabin which as been refurbished in the style of an Officer’s wife and Mon-Commissioned Officer’s Quarters.  There are restroom facilities in this area.

Fort Phil Kearny was desginated a Naitonal Historic Landmark in 1963.

Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site – Sheridan/Buffalo, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

Looking for a shortcut from the main trail for the gold-rush-trail between the North Platte River and the gold fields of Montana the Bozeman Trail was chosen.  There were several routes of the Trail which overlaid an earlier Indian, trader and exploration routes in Wyoming and Montana.  The Trail cut through the Powder River Basin which was the last and best hunting grounds of the Northern Plains Indians.  As a result of the 3,500 emigrants using the Trail the military occupied the area which ultimately caused the Indian wars on the Northern Plains.

The use of the Bozeman Trail for the gold rush was mostly between 1864 and 1866.  When the emigrant use ceased, the Trail served as a military road to the forts of the area until it was abandoned in 1868 following the Fort Laramie Treaty and then was used again in 1876 by the forces of General George C. Crook, and shortly after the Battle of the Little Bighorn the route was opened and used by the settlers coming to the area.

Taking the time to visit the Bozeman Trail you will find much of the landscape to be very much like it has been for hundreds of years.  What an opportunity to re-visit the past and imagine what it was like for the settlers and military to be in this area.  You may be able to visualize yourself traveling the Trail by wagon or horseback, unless you are Native American and this area would have been home to your ancestors.  The diet of the settlers consisted primarily of flour, bacon, coffee and the foods that you brought with you from where you left.  You might have learned to eat the berries along the way and the buffalo that at that time were plentiful.

Today the Bozeman Trail is a historic transportation corridor and a major transportation corridor in this area of the state.

The Museums and Interpretive Centers along the Bozeman Trail consist of the following in Wyoming:
Fort Laramie National Monument

• Pioneer Museum at Douglas

• Fort Fetterman State Park near Douglas

• Fort Caspar near Casper

• Hoofprints of the Past Museum at Kaycee

• Dull Knife Fight Site, near Kaycee (on private property)

• Fort Reno (not developed) near Kaycee

• Crazy Woman Fight Site, between Kaycee and Buffalo

• Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum in Buffalo

• Mountain Plains Heritage Park at Buffalo

• Fort Phil Kearny, Fetterman & Wagon Box Fight sites near Story (between Buffalo and Sheridan)

• Bozeman Trail Museum at Big Horn (weekends)

• Bradford Brinton Memorial Museum, Art Gallery and Historic Ranch near Big Horn

• Rock Pile Museum at Gillette

• Kings Western Museum at Sheridan

• Trail End Historic Center at Sheridan

• Connor Battlefield State Park at Ranchester

• Sawyers’ Battle near Ranchester
There are a number of historic sites to visit while you on the the Bozeman Trail Corridor.  If you are going form Southeastern Wyoming to the North you will be able to visit the following:
* Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Located off U.S. Hwy. 26, three miles from the town of Fort Laramie, the site is open year around. Built in 1834 as a fur trading post (named Fort William), the U.S. Army purchased the post in 1849 to guard the Oregon Trail. It later protected the California, Pony Express, Mormon, Bozeman, and Bridger Trail; and the Pacific Telegraph. It was an important post in campaigns again Sioux and Cheyennes in 1876. It was abandoned in 1890 and became a National Park Service area in 1938. Fort Laramie was the site of several very important treaties. Over 21 building are standing and the post headquarters and bachelor officers quarters, Old Bedlam, has been completely restored and refurnished. See Calendar of Events for activities at the old post in 2000.
* Horseshoe Station
John “Portugee” Phillips sent a telegram from Fort Phil Kearny Commander, Henry B. Carrington, from here to Fort Laramie and to the Mountain District headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, alerting them as to the loss of Capt. Fetterman and his entire command in a battle with Lakota (Sioux), Cheyennes and Arapahoes, near Fort Phil Kearny, Dec. 21, 1866.
* Bridger’s Ferry
From 1866 into ’67 Bridger’s ferry was an important starting point for Bozeman Trail traffic. In 1865, the government furnished materials and equipment to Jim Bridger and associates to build a cable ferry across the dangerous North Platte River. Bridger left the ferry with others and went with Carrington in 1866 as chief guide and interpreter.
* Deer Creek Station
* Richard’s Bridge
* Cooke’s 17 Mile Stage Station
* Powder River Crossing, 1878-1892
* Townsend Wagon Train Fight
A large train of 467 people and 150 wagons was attacked on July 7 a few miles west of the Powder River Crossing by a large Sioux and Cheyenne war party. The Indians came to the camp, asking to accompany the wagon train and requesting food. They were not allowed to accompany the train, but were given food. John Boyer and Rafael Gallegos tried to talk to them. According to historian Robert A. Murray, “as one man was missing, Townsend sent a small force out to look for him. The Indians, knowing the man had been killed by one of them, threw down their food, and hand-to-hand fighting ensued. Three emigrant men were killed in the fight …an estimated thirteen Indians were killed.”
* Fort Fetterman State Historic Site, near Douglas
* Fort Caspar and Platte Bridge Station at Casper
* Dull Knife Battlesite, near Kaycee, Wyoming
* Fort Reno and Cantonment Reno, northeast of Kaycee
* Crazy Woman Fight site
* Historic TA Ranch, near Buffalo
* Mountain Plains Heritage Park at Buffalo
* Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site
* Fetterman Fight Site
* Wagon Box Fight Site
* Lt. E.R.P. Shurly’s Fight, 1867, near Sheridan
* Bozeman Trail Stage Station at Big Horn
* Crook’s Camps near Big Horn and Sheridan
* Connor Battlesite near Ranchester
* Sawyers Expedition Camp & Fight Site, between Dayton and Ranchester
* Skirmish at Tongue River Heights, near Sheridan

The Trail also crossed into Montana so when you visit Montana you can continue the exploration of the life and times of the early gold-rushers and the settlers that came after the gold-rush ceased.

Today, a modern highway route consisting of Interstate 25 runs from Douglas, Wyoming to Sheridan, Wyoming. Interstate 90 from Sheridan, Wyoming to Three Forks, Montana (30 miles west of Bozeman, Montana) and U.S. Route 287 from Three Forks to Virginia City, Montana cover roughly the same general route as the historic Bozeman Trail.

Bozeman Trail – Bozeman, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

Covering about 310,000 acres in northwest Wyoming this area of the Wild West preserve is the ideal get away for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.  Most of Jackson Hole is part of the Grand Teton National Park and offers a huge array of outdoor activities in all the seasons for you to enjoy.

If you want to hike to “the top of the Tetons” then you can do that on the 13,770 foot tall Grand Teton Mountain.  The range is covered with lush green growth, stunning views, challenging hikes, unspoiled rivers, streams and lakes.  The land is teeming with all sorts of wildlife such as moose, elk, bison, bears, hummingbirds, bald eagles, and hundreds of other species all calling this rich abundant place their home.  Now, remember, these are wild animals, not your domesticated friendly puppies, and can be dangerous so when you are doing your backcountry camping make sure you take the necessary precautions.

There are over 200 miles of hiking trails for you to explore.  Along with the hiking trails are the snow trails in the winter.  With the Tetons getting an average of 180 inches of snow a year this is an ideal place to do some cross-county skiing, snowshoeing, as well as downhill skiing by Jackson Hole.

The Grand Tetons are a contrast in environments with the mountains and their jagged edges and height in contrast to the lush valley at the base with the lakes and wonderful views.

Located at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Rockefeller Parkway connects Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.  Take the summer and visit both of the parks or make numerous trips so you can enjoy them in all different weather and activities.

There are over 100 miles of roadways for bikers to use to see the splendor of the area.  To enter or leave the valley, bicyclists may need to cross one or more mountain passes. Some roads in the park predate today’s bicycling popularity. Most roads have paved marked shoulders, providing limited space for safe bicycling. Some roads have only a very narrow shoulder, or lack one altogether. Use extreme caution.

If you are a rock climber you will go crazy with all the options available here.  There is a wide array of rock, snow and ice, mixed routes are available that range from easy outings to very difficult undertakings. Nearly all of the peaks have been climbed in one day. The higher and more remote routes and the longer and more difficult routes are usually climbed from a high camp or with a bivouac, however, and can take two or more days. There are many inherent risks and hazards associated with climbing and mountain travel (hiking, skiing etc.) Risks include, but are not limited to: lightning, rockfall, avalanches, crevasses, and extreme weather conditions (even during the summer months). Falls on steep snow and the subsequent inability to use an ice axe to preform a self-arrest have been the number one cause of accidents and deaths over the years. Any person pursuing these activities assumes all risks of and responsibility for any injury, including death, that may result. Competent technique, experience, safety equipment, physical fitness and good judgment are essential to preventing or minimize the chances of an accident occurring.

If you want to stay in a less rustic environment when you are visiting the park you may want to check into the Grand Teton Climber’s ranch which provides low-cost accommodations for registered climbers.  You can also tent camp so make your choice and then contact the rangers to get the permits to do either.

Visitors can reach the park through U.S. 191.

Grand Teton National Park – Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

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

Attention to those inquirying about the goats on the dam.  This is the response received from the management of the dam: 

The photos are not of the Buffalo Bill Dam in Cody, Wyoming.

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