For centuries, Buffalo Bill's Yellowstone Country has been a natural gathering place. Buffalo Bill's legacy remains in Cody, Wyoming, east gateway to Yellowstone National Park, as do the natural wonders and wildlife that make a visit here so exciting. Visitors to Cody, Powell or Meeteetse will enjoy abundant outdoor recreation opportunities such as hunting, fishing, golf, river rafting, rock and ice climbing, hiking, mountain biking and camping. Attractions include the world-renown Buffalo Bill Historical Center, the Cody Nite Rodeo and of course Yellowstone National Park and Old Faithful.
Buffalo Bill's Yellowstone Country is the geographic area of northwest Wyoming including Yellowstone National Park. The heart of Buffalo Bill's Yellowstone Country is the community of Cody, Wyoming, founded by "Buffalo Bill". His regard for the wildlife, scenery and the wonders of Yellowstone can be appreciated by all who visit Buffalo Bill's Yellowstone Country.
Parks
Yellowstone National Park - The world's first national park contains more than two million acres of steaming geysers, crystalline lakes, thundering waterfalls, and panoramic vistas, as well as a remarkable diversity of mammals, birds and fish. People visit Yellowstone National Park from every state and many other countries, speaking different languages...And they are proud of the treasure that is Yellowstone.
Old Faithful Geyser is as famous as Yellowstone itself. It was given its name because of the regularity of its eruptions. Old Faithful Geyser erupts about every 63 to 75 minutes, 3,700-8,400 gallons of water are discharged during an eruption, and the temperature is 204 degrees F. One of the first people who saw Old Faithful Geyser wrote: "We emerged from the woods opposite Old Faithful just as it was giving vent to its internal motion. From that time our spirits rose and all our personal woes and sufferings were forgotten." We hope the same happens to you!
Yellowstone Lake is one of the world's largest natural fresh water lakes. The lake covers 136 square miles and is 20 miles long by 14 miles wide, and also, has 110 miles of shoreline. The lake has the largest inland population of cutthroat trout in North America, which is an exciting challenge to every fisherman.
To many, Norris Geyser Basin is the most exciting thermal area in the park. Hundreds of geysers, pools, and hot springs are located in two basins that comprise Norris, Porcelain Basin and Back Basin. The hottest and most active geyser area in Yellowstone has a subsurface water temperature of 700 degrees F. Because of the extreme temperature and the mixed chemistry of acid and alkaline the Norris Geyser Basin changes more than any other place in Yellowstone. Norris Geyser Basin is also home to the world's tallest geyser, Steamboat, which can go as high as 380 feet.
Communities
Cody - Cody is located in beautiful Park County, Wyoming, which takes its name from Yellowstone National Park (52 miles from Cody). The town is famous for its proximity to spectacular scenery, exciting history, and for its world-class museum, The Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Cody was founded in 1896 by the living legend, Colonel William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, who at the age of 41 was one of the most famous men in the world. Cody, variously known for his exploits as Pony Express rider, scout, hunter, entrepreneur and showman had become the friend of presidents and kings, senators and governors and many of the country's most influential business people as a result of his genius and showmanship.
Powell - Powell, home of Northwest College, is located in eastern Park County. Powell was named for Major John Wesley Powell, famed proponent of western land reclamation and an explorer of the Rocky Mountain West. Powell adds diversity to Buffalo Bill's Yellowstone Country in that it has an agricultural economy. The area has been enriched by the control of water through the Buffalo Bill Dam. These irrigation waters transformed the sagebrush and hardscrabble of the area into abundant grain, sugar beet fields and pasture.
Meeteetse - Meeteetse is one of the oldest settlements in the Big Horn Basin. There is no question that the area was frequented by the Indians. Many Indian-killed buffalo skulls, arrowheads, and even the remains of Sheepeater tepee poles have been found. Meeteetse also was visited by the armed desperados of the past. The likes of Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid and other "Hole-in-the-Wall" gang members undoubtedly strode down its boardwalks, and frequented the eating and drinking establishments there. The town's real importance is as a major ranching center. Once the largest town in Park County, Meeteetse has clung to its roots and today is just about as it was at the turn of the century. Today you can experience natures finest in excursions around the area, including a mining ghost town, abundant wildlife, wooden sidewalks and watering troughs and local characters who would be happy to share a tale or two.
Current Events
Yellowstone Jazz Festival (July) - Jazz festival. Performances at varies times and locations in Powell and Cody.
Wild West Balloon Fest (August) - Hot-air balloon glow and competition. Located at Mentock Park.
Buffalo Bill Art Show (September) - Sale and Quick Draw. Exhibit and live auction sale of the finest contemporary Western art. Located at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center.
