Cody Wyoming as seen by KassDays | Highly Recommend

Discovering the Heart of the West: My Visit to Cody, Wyoming

A couple of years ago—nearly two full years now, with the anniversary coming up this June, I found myself in Cody, Wyoming, and it quickly became one of those places that sticks with you. Sure, its proximity to Yellowstone National Park is a huge draw (just a scenic hour's drive to the east entrance), but Cody has its own authentic Western charm that goes far beyond being a gateway town.

One of the first things that caught my eye was this vibrant mural on the side of the Cody Heritage Museum building. Painted on a classic red-brick wall is a striking mountain scene with a lone pine tree, the words "CODY HERITAGE MUSEUM" proudly arched across it, and a row of American flags standing tall in front like silent sentinels. There's even an old-fashioned mailbox and a whitewashed planter box with flowers adding that perfect touch of small-town nostalgia. I snapped this photo on a crisp day, and every time I look at it, I’m transported back to that sense of stepping into real cowboy country.

Cody isn’t just about history museums (though the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, with its five incredible museums under one roof, is a must-see for anyone into Western art, Native American culture, firearms, and natural history). What really made the trip memorable was the nightly entertainment that feels straight out of the Old West.

The Cody Nite Rodeo runs every evening from June through August at Stampede Park, two hours of thrilling action with bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, and crowd favorites like the kids' calf scramble. It’s family-friendly, high-energy, and the perfect way to cap off a day of exploring.

For something more laid-back but equally fun, I loved the dinner-and-show vibe at The Cody Cattle Company. It’s a chuckwagon-style dinner followed by a lively live music performance featuring award-winning Western entertainers, think foot-stomping cowboy tunes, humor, and audience interaction. Pair that with a ticket to the rodeo, and you’ve got an unforgettable evening of food, music, and rodeo thrills all in one go.

Cody left me with that rare feeling of wanting to return soon to dig deeper—maybe hit more trails, revisit the rodeo grounds, or just soak in the wide-open skies again. If you’re planning a Yellowstone trip, make time for Cody. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why the West still captivates the soul.

What about you—have you been to Cody? Drop a comment below with your favorite memory!
Safe travels on your next adventure. 🚗🌄

A Glimpse into Buffalo Bill's Legacy Cody Wyoming

A Glimpse into Buffalo Bill’s Legacy at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Last year, in May 2024, Kass, the male YouTuber from Calgary, Alberta, behind the KassDays YouTube channel, visited the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. Known for its five museums under one roof, the Center offers a deep dive into the life of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the legendary Wild West showman. During his visit, Kass captured a fascinating exhibit featuring a holographic display of Buffalo Bill, standing alongside a portrait of his younger self, and shared some unique insights with his audience about this iconic figure.

The hologram, a highlight of the Buffalo Bill Museum, brought the showman to life in a ghostly, larger-than-life projection. It depicted Buffalo Bill in his later years, with a white beard and his signature wide-brimmed hat, contrasting with the portrait of a young Cody, dressed in 19th-century attire. Kass learned that this technology was used to bridge the gap between Buffalo Bill’s early days as a frontiersman and his later role as a global entertainer, giving visitors a sense of his evolution over time.

Buffalo Bill, born in 1846 in Iowa, earned his nickname for his prowess as a buffalo hunter, supplying meat to railroad workers. But it was his Wild West show, launched in 1883, that made him a household name. Kass discovered that the show was a spectacle of trick riding, sharpshooting, and reenactments of frontier life, featuring stars like Annie Oakley and Sitting Bull. It toured the U.S. and Europe, introducing millions to a romanticized vision of the American West. At the Center, Kass was

Buffalo Bill Dam - Cody Wyoming Architectural Wonder

The Buffalo Bill Dam, located in Cody, Wyoming, is a marvel of engineering and a testament to human ingenuity. Completed in 1910, this concrete arch-gravity dam stands at a towering 325 feet tall and spans the beautiful Shoshone River. It was the tallest dam in the world at the time of its completion and remains an impressive sight to this day.

Visitors to Cody, Wyoming, have the opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Buffalo Bill Dam and learn about its rich history at the nearby visitor centre. The dam not only serves as a source of hydroelectric power and irrigation for the surrounding area, but it also provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking.

Rescued Bald Eagle at Buffalo Bill Centre in Cody Wyoming

The Buffalo Bill Center in Cody, Wyoming, is home to a remarkable resident - a rescued eagle. This magnificent bird serves as an ambassador for its species, educating visitors about the importance of conservation and the role of eagles in the ecosystem.

The eagle’s story is one of resilience and hope. Rescued from a traumatic injury that left it unable to survive in the wild, the eagle found a new home at the Center where it is cared for by dedicated staff and volunteers. Its presence offers a unique opportunity for people to connect with and learn about these iconic birds up close.

Visitors to the Buffalo Bill Center can witness the eagle’s daily activities and behaviours, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by eagles in the wild and the efforts being made to protect and preserve their populations. Through educational programs and informational displays, the Center strives to raise awareness about the importance of eagle conservation and inspire action to support these majestic creatures.

By providing a safe and nurturing environment for the rescued eagle, the Buffalo Bill Center is not only helping to rehabilitate and care for an individual bird, but also contributing to broader efforts to promote the conservation of eagles and their habitats. The eagle’s presence serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect and respect the natural world and all its inhabitants.

In sharing the story of the rescued eagle, the Buffalo Bill Center invites visitors to join in the effort to safeguard the future of eagles and other wildlife. Through education, advocacy, and responsible stewardship, we can all play a role in ensuring that these magnificent birds continue to soar in the skies for generations to come.