Day 1
Heart Mountain Interpretive Center
Powell, Wyoming
The site of the WWII Heart Mountain “Relocation Center” attained National Historic Landmark status in 2007. Now, with the establishment of the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, visitors can delve deeper into the history and legacy of the 14,000 individuals who were forcibly relocated from the West Coast and sent to Heart Mountain following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Managed by the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the confinement site and educating the public about Japanese American incarceration during WWII and contemporary social justice and civil rights issues, the site features a museum, walking trail and original “camp” structures. The center is open daily from May through September, and Wednesday to Saturday from October through April, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Cody, Wyoming
In the small town of Cody, Wyoming, visitors might not expect it, but the Buffalo Bill Center of the West accommodates five world-class museums and a research library within a single establishment. The Center is committed to showcasing various aspects of the American West, including its history, art, Native American heritage, the natural science of the Yellowstone region and the evolution and significance of firearms to the West. All of these attractions can be found at the Center. Don’t be surprised if one day is not enough to explore this amazing place.
Cody Firearms Experience
Cody, Wyoming
Experience the West like never before! The state-of-the-art indoor range allows visitors to immerse themselves in history by shooting real firearms from the era of the Wild West. From Flintlock to Full Auto, the range offers a comprehensive array of options. Additionally, patrons can enjoy indoor arcade games and participate in ax throwing activities for a complete western-themed experience.
Old Trail Town
Cody, Wyoming
Old Trail Town, situated where William F. (“Buffalo Bill”) Cody laid out Cody, Wyoming, features 26 historic buildings from 1879 to 1901, 100 horse-drawn vehicles, and a vast collection of Native American artifacts. Assembled by Western historian Bob Edgar and friends, these structures were relocated from remote areas of Wyoming and Montana. Notable features include the cabins of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, a Wyoming saloon frequented by Cassidy’s gang and the log cabin home of “Curley,” a Crow Indian scout. Old Trail Town serves as a living memorial to the Old West’s unique American experience.
Dinner option: Cody Cattle Company
Cody, Wyoming
Dinner and a live music show. Experience a night of legendary family entertainment with The Cody Cattle Company! This venue in Cody offers a foot-stomping cowboy music show from award-winning entertainers and a delicious family-style dinner. There is even an option to bundle this event with others in the area to save money. With three entertainment packages to choose from, you’ll find the perfect fit for the whole family.
Cody Night Rodeo
Cody, Wyoming
Since 1938, The Cody Nite Rodeo has been offering two hours of real wild, western, family-friendly action. Experience a part of why Wyoming is referred to as the “Cowboy State.” Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to meet the cowboys and bullfighters and even get their picture taken on Mongo the bull. Nightly performances run from June 1 through September 4 at 8:00 pm.
Lodging option: Chamberlin Inn
Cody, Wyoming
Located just steps from Cody’s historic main street and only an hour away from Yellowstone Park, the Chamberlin Inn comprises an elegant boutique hotel, the Court House Residence, the Garden Cottage and the Garden Apartments. Nestled within a charming brick and wrought iron enclosure, this setup creates an idyllic garden setting, perfect for enjoying a leisurely cup of tea, a glass of wine or a game of croquet. This family-owned and operated 21-unit boutique property underwent a complete renovation from 2005 to 2007 and is affiliated with Small Elegant Hotels and Top 10 Inns. Amenities include wireless high-speed internet, courtyard and gardens, library, sunroom, and parlour. Meeting rooms and the courtyard are available for special events, while a cocktail lounge is open in the evenings. Each room is furnished with organic linens, Italian amenities, Belgian chocolates and fresh flowers.
Day 2
Breakfast Option: The Station by Cody Coffee
Cody, Wyoming
Whether patrons opt for the convenience of the drive-through or prefer to dine in, they are sure to savor the ambiance, flavors and aromas of The Station. For those who choose to linger and soak in the modern nostalgic atmosphere, the establishment provides retro indoor seating and expansive Wyoming-style outdoor seating, complete with a fire pit. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of Cody Coffee, where they can engage in conversations, forge connections, unwind with family and relish in excellent coffee and eats.
West Thumb Information Station
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Situated at the beginning of the West Thumb Geyser Basin boardwalks, a small facility offers visitors the opportunity to interact with a park ranger, obtain park information, browse souvenirs in the park store and participate in ranger programs. Constructed in 1925, with the open breezeway enclosed in 1966, the West Thumb Information Station serves as a noteworthy specimen of historic architecture linked to ranger stations in Yellowstone National Park.
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Exploring the remarkable geyser landscape ranks among the top activities for visitors to Yellowstone National Park. However, it may come as a surprise to learn that each geyser has its own distinct features. Nestled along the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake, the West Thumb Geyser Basin offers a particularly unique panorama, showcasing hypothermal pools juxtaposed against the lake’s chilly waves.
Old Faithful Visitor and Education Center
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Explore the Old Faithful Visitor Center. The new center boasts four interactive exhibits explaining the science behind Old Faithful Geyser and other geothermal features. The Young Scientist Program engages children and teenagers in hands-on learning, while visitors of all ages can enjoy the multimedia theater, bookstore, and resource room. The 26,000-square-foot environmentally friendly facility, with its huge windows providing front-row seats to Old Faithful’s eruptions, is expected to enhance the Yellowstone experience for 2.6 million visitors annually.
Old Faithful
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Erupting approximately 20 times each day, the reliable Old Faithful Geyser’s frequency can be forecasted with a remarkable 90 percent accuracy, typically within a window of about 10 minutes. Its iconic eruptions, shooting scalding water up to 180 feet into the air, captivate spectators from around the world, drawing them to Yellowstone National Park in awe of nature’s spectacle. The geyser’s consistent performance has made it a symbol of reliability and natural wonder, earning its name “Old Faithful” as a testament to its unwavering predictability amidst the dynamic forces of the geothermal landscape.
Upper Geyser Basin
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park has approximately half of the world’s geysers—and most of them are located at the Upper Geyser Basin. One square mile contains at least 150 of these hydrothermal wonders, making this area the most densely concentrated geyser region in the world. Five major geysers—Old Faithful, Grand, Castle, Daisy, and Riverside are located here.
Midway Geyser Basin
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Midway Geyser Basin, also known as Hell’s Half Acre for the vaporous clouds enveloping its banks, boasts the main attraction of Grand Prismatic Spring. As the third-largest hot spring globally, this vibrant pool surpasses the dimensions of a football field and extends 10 stories deep. Its captivating spectrum arises from various species of heat-loving bacteria inhabiting the spring.
Dinner at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The Obsidian Dining Room is adorned with exquisite custom chandeliers, adding to its beauty. In the evening, guests can unwind and share reflections on the day with friends and family at the Firehole Lounge, conveniently situated just off the Obsidian Dining Room. For a cozy experience, consider securing one of the comfortable chairs positioned in front of the large fireplace.
Lodging option: Old Faithful Inn
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
As a national historic landmark, Old Faithful Inn stands as one of the most sought-after lodging facilities in the park. Constructed in 1903-1904 using local logs and stone, the Inn is recognized as one of the largest log-style structures globally. Its towering lobby showcases a monumental stone fireplace and a meticulously crafted clock crafted from copper, wood, and wrought iron, serving as prominent focal points.
Day 3
Breakfast Option: Old Faithful Inn Bear Paw Deli
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Ideal for those with a busy schedule, the establishment offers morning coffee options and breakfast, allowing visitors to witness an Old Faithful eruption before the majority of people are awake. Additionally, quick-service deli-style sandwiches and snacks are available for lunch.
Afternoon Wildlife Safaris
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is well known for its iconic winter wildlife, including moose, bison, elk, bald eagles, trumpeter swans and maybe even wolves. While driving around and looking for wildlife on your own is a great way to spend a day, hiring a wildlife guide can help maximize your viewing experience.
Explore Downtown Jackson
Jackson, Wyoming
Visitors are invited to experience the heart and soul of the old Western town at Jackson Town Square. Officially known as George Washington Memorial Park, this tranquil green space is strategically positioned amidst the array of shops, restaurants, and businesses that define the town’s uniqueness, offering a convenient and peaceful escape from a day of adventure. Upon entering the park through one of its four distinctive elk antler arches, guests will discover a comfortable spot to unwind and bask in the sunlight.
Dinner option: The Kitchen
Jackson, Wyoming
The concept for The Kitchen originated from a vision of creating a restaurant that offers something distinct—a refined yet casual establishment serving modern cuisine with a comforting twist. The cuisine at The Kitchen embraces Asian influence and features the freshest fish, meats and seasonal vegetables. The presentation style is characterized by cleanliness, simplicity, naturalness and lack of complication. The beautiful and elegant architecture of the building reflects the contemporary concepts embodied in the food. Patrons can enjoy the large outdoor deck during the long summer nights or warm up in the cozy main dining room during winter.
Lodging option: The Lodge at Jackson Hole
Jackson, Wyoming
Located in the heart of Jackson, just a short drive from bustling Town Square, stands one of Jackson’s luxurious hotels. In early 2012, this well-known hotel completed a multimillion-dollar renovation project, showcasing lavish room enhancements and state-of-the-art amenities. Whether visitors are in the area to experience world-renowned skiing, snowmobiling and sledding during the winter months or exceptional fly fishing, hiking, or rafting during the summer, The Lodge at Jackson Hole serves as the premier lodging choice for the adventurous soul.