Watch this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Sip, Savor & Travel” Podcast with Linda Kissam and Katrina Southern, the marketing manager for Cody Yellowstone. Scroll down to read Linda’s article, and try the accompanying recipe.
This destination article aims to inspire travelers seeking a blend of Western heritage, wild landscapes, and iconic national park experiences.
Located in the heart of Wyoming’s spectacular Yellowstone region lies Cody Yellowstone — a captivating destination that stretches across three poetic Western towns, vast stretches of primeval forest, and some of the most famous landscapes in America. Comprising the towns of Cody, Powell, and Meeteetse, along with a large portion of the Shoshone National Forest and about half of Yellowstone National Park, this region offers visitors an authentic taste of the Old West intertwined with breathtaking nature. Rest assured, Cody Yellowstone promises an unforgettable adventure.
Bison and babies. Photo: CodyYellowstone.org
The Towns — Gateways to Western Heritage
Cody: The Rodeo Town
Founded by legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody, the town of Cody pulses with Wild West history and vibrant cowboy culture. Visitors can explore:
Buffalo Bill Center of the West: A world-class museum complex with five museums covering everything from Native American art and natural history to firearms and Western art. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to grasp the spirit of the American West.
Old Trail Town: Step back in time among authentic historic buildings, relocated log cabins, and artifacts from frontier days.
Cody Stampede Rodeo: Experience authentic rodeo action from June through August. There’s nothing quite like watching cowboys and cowgirls compete under the big Wyoming sky.
Downtown Cody: Enjoy Western-themed shops, local eateries serving hearty fare, and summer evening events like concerts and markets.
Cody also serves as a main access point to Yellowstone’s East Entrance, making it ideal for combining cultural exploration with park adventures.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Photo: CodyYellowstone.org
Powell: The Gem of the Big Horn Basin
Located about 25 miles west of Cody, Powell offers a quieter small-town atmosphere with rich agricultural roots. Highlights include:
Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center: Learn about one of the West’s first major irrigation projects and enjoy sweeping views of the dam and Bighorn River.
Local galleries and cafés: Friendly spaces that offer a glimpse into everyday life and serve as excellent base camps for outdoor activities in nearby wilderness areas.
Wildlife Watching. Photo: CodyYellowstone.org
Meeteetse: Wildlife and Arts Haven
Situated south of Cody, Meeteetse is a quaint community known for its dedication to wildlife conservation and the arts.
Meeteetse Museums: Explore local history, Native American culture, and the region’s unique legacy of wildlife preservation.
Wildlife Viewing and Trails: Meeteetse sits near critical habitats for bighorn sheep, deer, and birds — perfect for nature watchers and photographers.
Artisan Shops: Discover handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and Western art created by local makers.
Fall Fishing. Photo: CodyYellowstone.org
Shoshone National Forest — America’s First National Forest
Covering nearly 1.4 million acres, Shoshone National Forest surrounds Cody with dense pine forests, crystal-clear rivers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks.
Hiking and Backpacking: With over 1,300 miles of trails, the forest offers everything from leisurely riverside walks to challenging multi-day treks. The Absaroka Mountains showcase dramatic volcanic geology and diverse wildlife habitats.
Fishing and Boating: Streams and lakes teem with trout, ideal for anglers seeking solitude.
Wildlife: Elk, moose, black bears, mountain lions, and even elusive wolves roam these wildlands.
Camping and Scenic Drives: Well-maintained campgrounds welcome both tent and RV campers. Scenic byways — including the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway — wind through stunning vistas linking Cody to Yellowstone.
Shoshone is an untouched wilderness playground, perfect for those who appreciate vast open spaces and the call of the wild.
Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Photo: CodyYellowstone.org
Yellowstone National Park — Half in Cody Yellowstone
Roughly half of Yellowstone National Park lies within the Cody Yellowstone region, including the famous East Entrance. This gateway makes Cody an excellent starting point for exploring lesser-visited yet equally magnificent parts of the park.
Iconic Geothermal Features: Discover colorful hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and spectacular geysers, including Old Faithful, just a scenic drive from the East Entrance.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Marvel at towering waterfalls plunging into a deep volcanic canyon painted in vibrant yellow and ochre hues.
Wildlife Watching: Elk, bison herds, bears, and wolves roam freely. Lamar Valley — often called the “Serengeti of North America” — offers unmatched predator-prey viewing.
Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, fishing, photography, and guided tours year-round. Winter brings snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Historic Sites: Explore old lodges, ranger stations, and learn about the park’s pioneering conservation history.
Since the East Entrance is less congested than the popular West Entrance near Jackson Hole, visitors often enjoy a more tranquil and immersive experience.
Downtown Cody at Night. Photo: CodyYellowstone.org
Why Visit Cody Yellowstone?
Diverse Experiences: From cowboy culture in Cody to artistic charm in Meeteetse, plus untamed nature in Shoshone and Yellowstone.
Less Crowded Routes: The eastern side of Yellowstone sees fewer tourists, offering peaceful encounters with nature and authentic local life.
Wildlife Encounters: A premier region for observing iconic wildlife in their natural habitat without overwhelming crowds.
Rich History and Culture: Dive into the legacy of the American frontier and Indigenous cultures through museums, historic sites, and festivals.
Endless Outdoor Activities: Hiking, fishing, rafting, horseback riding, camping, and winter sports abound.
The Cody Cattle Company. Photo: CodyYellowstone.org
Practical Tips for Traveling Cody Yellowstone
Cody Ice Fest. Photo: CodyYellowstone.org
Best Time to Visit:
Summer (June–September) offers the most amenities and open roads.
Fall brings beautiful foliage and fewer crowds.
Winter offers unique snowy adventures, though some roads close seasonally.
Getting There: Cody Regional Airport has seasonal flights; otherwise, driving from Yellowstone’s West Entrance or airports in Montana and Idaho works well.
Accommodations: Options range from rustic lodges in Cody and cozy inns in Powell and Meeteetse to remote forest cabins and campgrounds.
Packing Essentials: Weather varies widely. Bring layers, hiking boots, sunscreen, binoculars, and bear spray if exploring wilderness areas.
Old Trail Town. Photo: CodyYellowstone.org
Final Thoughts
Whether you arrive craving cowboy tales, pristine wilderness, or iconic Yellowstone wonders, Cody Yellowstone delivers it all in a uniquely intimate setting. This blend of spirited towns, ancient forests, and geothermal spectacle invites travelers to step off the beaten path and connect deeply with the land where history and nature intertwine. Start your journey here and let the rugged beauty and rich heritage of Cody Yellowstone reveal the true heart of the American West.
Plan Your Visit at: CodyYellowstone.org
Cody Steakhouse. Photo: CodyYellowstone.org
Classic Cowboy Stew Recipe
This warm, filling dish is made from simple, robust ingredients that reflect the rugged lifestyle and flavors of the Western frontier. It’s perfect for evoking the spirit of the Wild West, where cowboys needed nourishing meals after long days on the range.
Adapted from traditional Western cowboy cooking, embodying the hearty, rustic flavors of the American frontier.
Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck stew meat, cut into bite-size cubes
3 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon fat
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
1 cup water
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Brown the Beef:
Heat the oil or bacon fat in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches (avoid overcrowding) and brown on all sides, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.Combine Ingredients:
Return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir well.Simmer:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let the stew simmer gently for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.Season and Finish:
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Worcestershire sauce if desired.Serve:
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for a satisfying meal.
Linda Kissam is a professional travel, food, and wine writer based out of Arizona and the Pacific Northwest, who specializes in easy, breezy destination stories sharing her favorite things about the places she visits. Visit https://foodwinetravelchix.com/
Check out the new Big Blend “Sip, Savor & Travel” Digital Podcast Magazine featuring Linda’s podcast episodes and articles: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/bssg/
