Charming spring getaway: Cody, Wyoming
There are 5 main entrances to Yellowstone National Park, but the one to the east, about 50 miles from Cody, has the most scenic drive.
Depending on the weather, it will open in April or May, but this is a magnificent time to go if you want to avoid the summer tourist rush. The park aside, Cody makes for a charming spring getaway. It’s a small town with a big personality.
The wide Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which houses the Plains Indian Museum, the Whitney Western Art Museum, and the Cody Firearms Museum, is the main attraction.
At the Cody Nite Rodeo, you can watch bucks gone wild and junior barrel racing at the world’s longest-running nightly rodeo. While here, be sure to try the Fat Racks BBQ for a finger-licking-good meal like Texas-style brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.
And in the evening, tap your reserve of Oregon Trail nostalgia by sleeping in an authentic sheepherder’s wagon from 1897 at the K3 Guest Ranch Bed and Breakfast! But don’t worry! Modern-day upgrades like running water and air-conditioning ARE available.
The interior looks much as it did 100 years ago. The family-run dude ranch is the ideal base for exploring downtown Cody or excursions further away, like hiking in Shoshone National Forest or watching the mustangs of McCullough Peaks run free.
Reminiscing about my visits to your “7 Small Towns”. I’ve been to all of them except Holland Michigan. My FAVS? Cody, WY and Pella, IA. To others reading this make sure you get to the tulip festival at Pella and be sure to take in a rodeo & shopping at Cody, WY.