With all the splendid scenery of British Columbia and Alberta, one might think that's a fitting end to a journey. On the contrary, returning to the U.S. simply gave us new opportunities. Two days in Cody, the town founded by Buffalo Bill Cody in 1896, made for a great change of pace. Always a showman, Buffalo Bill built the town on the only eastern access road to Yellowstone National Park. It is, and always has been, dependent on tourism. It's a great stopping point on the long drive to Yellowstone and has an Old Town of restored buildings where daily gunfights attract visitors.
It's top attraction is one of the finest western museums with five extensive parts, and takes more than a day to see it all. The Irma Hotel, named for Bill's daughter, offers excellent accommodations. The Shoshone River and Canyon provide a venue for kayaking, rock climbing, bouldering and mountain biking.
Buffalo Bill realized the low average precipitation was a problem, so he hired Mormons to come build a dam and irrigation canals. The river and the lake behind the dam are very popular among fishermen.
With Yellowstone attracting huge numbers of RVers, Cody also provides ample campgrounds to accommodate them as they stop over. One of the early models is on display.
The meanest sneer in the West.
The Chief Joseph Highway outside Cody has some nice mountains and badlands.
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