Old Trail Town in Cody, Wyoming: A Step Back Into the Real Wild West 🤠🌵
If you're road-tripping through Wyoming or heading toward Yellowstone National Park, there’s one place that brings the Old West to life like nowhere else: Old Trail Town in Cody. This open-air museum isn’t a staged reproduction—it’s built entirely from authentic 19th-century frontier buildings relocated from across Wyoming and Montana. You don’t just learn about Western history here—you walk straight into it.
Whether you love history, photography, cowboy culture, or you're simply looking for something unique to add to your Yellowstone itinerary, Old Trail Town is a stop you shouldn't miss. Here’s everything you need to know before you go: what it is, when to visit, how long you need, and insider tips to make the most of your time in Cody.
🚏 Table of Contents
- What Is Old Trail Town? 🏜️
- Highlights & Must-See Stops 🤩
- When to Visit Old Trail Town 🗓️
- How Long Does a Visit Take? ⏱️
- Tickets, Hours & Practical Info 🎟️
- Is Old Trail Town Good for Families? 👨👩👧👦
- Tips for Visiting Like a Pro 💡
- How to Fit Old Trail Town Into a Larger USA Road Trip 🗺️
What Is Old Trail Town? 🏜️
Old Trail Town is one of the most impressive—and most atmospheric—historical sites in the entire American West. Located at the original 1890s site of Cody, just outside today’s modern town center, it preserves the spirit, grit, and raw authenticity of frontier life.
The museum is a collection of more than 25 original Old West buildings, each carefully moved from locations across Wyoming and Montana. These aren’t reconstructions—they’re real saloons, cabins, shops, and homesteads from the days of cowboys, outlaws, settlers, fur traders, and mountain men.
- Inside and between the buildings, you'll find:
- Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid cabins
- A frontier saloon
- A classic blacksmith shop
- Homesteader buildings from the 1870s–1890s
- One of the largest collections of Old West wagons in the U.S.
- A rustic cemetery with notable Western figures
It feels like a movie set—but everything here is completely real.
Highlights & Must-See Stops 🤩
If your time is limited, make sure you don’t miss these top attractions within Old Trail Town:
🏠 Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid Cabins
These cabins belonged to the famous “Wild Bunch” gang. The history inside them is incredible—and the bullet holes are real.
🍺 The Old West Saloon
One of the best-preserved Western saloons you’ll ever see, straight out of 1880. Every inch tells a story.
🛠️ The Blacksmith Shop
This is where locals repaired wagons, built tools, and kept frontier life running. The smell of old timber and metal feels frozen in time.
🚂 Wagon Collection
Old Trail Town has one of the most impressive assemblies of original pioneer and freight wagons in America. Perfect for photography lovers.
⛪ The Pioneer Cemetery
Here you'll find the graves of mountain men, frontier sheriffs, and early settlers. Their stories are heartbreaking, inspiring, and sometimes unbelievable.
The best part? You can walk right up to everything—nothing is “behind glass.”
When to Visit Old Trail Town 🗓️
Because Cody sits at 1,500 meters (around 5,000 ft) elevation, weather matters a lot. Old Trail Town is open seasonally, usually May through September.
Here’s how each month feels:
- May: Cool mornings, minimal crowds, great photography light
- June: Warm, sunny, ideal temperatures
- July–August: Hot afternoons but still enjoyable; busiest season
- September: Mild weather, fewer tourists, one of the best months of all
If you can choose, June or September offer the best weather and the most pleasant experience.
How Long Does a Visit Take? ⏱️
Most travelers spend 1–2 hours exploring Old Trail Town. But depending on your interests, your timing may vary:
✔️ 1 hour
- Quick walk through the cabins
- Photos of wagons and saloon
- Brief stop at the cemetery
✔️ 2 hours (recommended)
- Read all interpretive signs
- Visit each building interior
- Slow photography walk
- Time to absorb the atmosphere
✔️ 3 hours (history lovers & photographers)
- Deep dive into every cabin
- Sunrise or sunset photos
- Extra time at the cemetery and wagon collection
If you're traveling with kids, plan closer to 1 hour—there’s plenty to see, but little shade during summer.
Tickets, Hours & Practical Info 🎟️
(Exact prices may vary slightly each year, but this will give your readers a good idea.)
- Adults: around $12–$15
- Kids: reduced price
- Season: May to late September
- Hours: Typically 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Parking: Free and easy
- Restrooms: Available on-site
- Accessibility: Some uneven ground, gravel paths, and steps into cabins
Bring:
- Comfortable shoes
- Water (especially in summer)
- A hat or sun protection
A charged phone or camera—this place is incredibly photogenic
Is Old Trail Town Good for Families? 👨👩👧👦
Absolutely. Kids generally love Old Trail Town because it feels like stepping into a cowboy movie. There are wagons, cabins, and lots of open space to explore.
Just keep in mind:
- Many items are fragile—supervision is necessary
- There's little shade, so bring hats and sunscreen
- Young children usually enjoy 45–60 minutes here
If you’re traveling between national parks, this is a great break from long driving days.
Tips for Visiting Like a Pro 💡
📸 Best time for photos:
- Early morning for soft light
- Late afternoon for warm, golden tones
🥤 Stay hydrated:
Wyoming summers can be dry and hot even when temperatures feel mild.
👟 Wear proper shoes:
The ground is uneven, historic, and dusty—leave sandals in the car.
🔗 Pair it with:
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- Scenic drive to Yellowstone East Entrance
- Cody Nite Rodeo (June–August)
🚗 Perfect for road trippers:
Old Trail Town sits right on major routes leading into Yellowstone—it’s an easy, high-value stop.
How to Fit Old Trail Town Into a Larger USA Road Trip 🗺️
Old Trail Town is perfectly positioned for road-trippers traveling between Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Yellowstone National Park.
Popular road trip segments that pair well with Cody include:
- Beartooth Highway → Cody → Yellowstone
- Black Hills → Bighorn Mountains → Cody → Yellowstone
- Billings → Cody
- Yellowstone East Entrance → Cody
If you’re driving long distances across the northern USA, this is one of the most immersive, memorable stops you can add.
🌟 Explore the West the Right Way — With the Chicago to Seattle RoadBook! 🚗📘
Planning a legendary road trip across the northern USA? Want to explore authentic Western history, small towns, national parks, and hidden gems along the way?
It includes:
✨ A complete day-by-day itinerary
✨ Food stops, hikes, photography spots
✨ Google Maps routes included
✨ Historical stops like Old Trail Town to make your trip unforgettable
Don’t just travel across America—experience the stories, landscapes, and spirit of the Wild West.
Your adventure starts here!