Hotels in Cody

Cody: Wyoming's Gateway to Yellowstone's East Entrance

Cody, Wyoming sits 52 miles east of Yellowstone National Park's East Entrance, making it the closest full-service town on that approach. William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody founded the town in 1896, and his legacy runs through the Buffalo Bill Center of the West — five museums under one roof on Sheridan Avenue covering Plains Indian art, natural history, and frontier firearms. The Shoshone River cuts through town, and the Buffalo Bill Reservoir, formed by a dam completed in 1910, stretches west toward the Absaroka Range.

Where to Stay in Cody

Most hotels cluster along Sheridan Avenue and the US-14/16/20 corridor heading toward Yellowstone. Options range from roadside motels to mid-range properties with mountain views. Summer occupancy peaks between June and August when Yellowstone traffic is heaviest, so advance booking is advisable for that window.

Practical Tips

• Yellowstone access: The East Entrance is open typically late April through early November — confirm dates with the NPS before booking.
• Nightly rodeo: The Cody Nightly Rodeo runs June through August at Stampede Park, one block from downtown hotels.
• Altitude: Cody sits at 5,095 feet — allow a day to acclimate before hiking at higher elevations.
• Getting around: A car is essential; no public transit connects Cody to Yellowstone.