Buffalo Bill sculpture- photo: Park County Travel Council
Buffalo Bill sculpture- photo: Park County Travel Council

The summer is flying by, but there is still time to plan a getaway to Yellowstone National Park and the region it calls home. In addition to soaking in breathtaking Yellowstone, why not broaden your visit with some other unforgettable stops in this  majestic and historical Wyoming territory?

Northwestern Wyoming is more commonly known as Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country. The towns of Cody, Powell and Meeteetse, Wyoming and East Yellowstone Valley make up a region that offers natural beauty and an array of experiences unique to this part of the U.S. Famous for being the playground of Buffalo Bill Cody, this region is still greatly influenced by this western legend as seen in the streets, towns and museums that pay homage to him.

 

 

Here Four ways to get the most out of your visit to Yellowstone Country:

1. Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

Five museums make up the Buffalo Bill Center of the West where visitors learn about the life and adventures of Buffalo Bill Cody. You can also check out the Plains Indians Museum, Whitney Western Art Museum and Cody Firearms Museum. The Draper Natural History Museum is the newest of the five. The Draper features interpretative displays showing native people and wildlife of the area, how forest fires actually help the environment and the reintroduction of wolves into the Yellowstone ecosystem.

Cody, Wyoming -photo: Park County Travel Council
Cody, Wyoming -photo: Park County Travel Council

2. The Cody Trolley Tour. 

The one-hour Cody Trolley Tour brings the town of Cody to life. During the 22-mile tour, narrators share the compelling story of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody as you drive through the town he created. You will learn about the town as it was 100 years ago; learn how the dam influenced agriculture in the region and find out about the tremendous construction feat building the road to Yellowstone.

3. Heart Mountain Interpretive Center.

Learn about the history of Heart Mountain at the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center through photographs and interactive exhibits. This center explores history through the eyes of the Japanese and Japanese-Americans who were held here during WWII.

Kayaking at Yellowstone -photo: Park County Travel Council
Kayaking at Yellowstone -photo: Park County Travel Council

4. Yellowstone National Park.

Of course the star of the region is Yellowstone National Park. The world’s first national park also has the world’s largest collection of Geysers. The outdoor activities are endless — whether you prefer a strenuous hike, kayaking, observing wildlife, camping or picnicking next to a waterfall. Outdoor enthusiasts, from the most casual to the most extreme find a visit to Yellowstone a perfect fit.

If you need local help planning your trip- The Park County Travel Council is a good place to start. Make the most of your visit to Yellowstone by complimenting the main attraction with a new knowledge of the region and history of the famous wild Wild West.