CODY, Wyo., Dec. 21, 2023 – The town that one of history’s quintessential Westerners founded – Cody, Wyoming – has been named the “Top Western Town” by the editors of True West magazine.
Founded in 1896 by Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the town was also named “Best Old West Art Town” while the Smithsonian-affiliated Buffalo Bill Center of the West was named “Best American Indian Collection” with special mentions of the Plains Indian Museum and the Whitnet Western Art Museum, and the Irma Hotel was recognized as the “Best ‘Who Slept Here’ Hotel.” In addition to the editors’ choices, readers named the Cody Trolley the “Best Historic Town Tour.”
“We are very pleased – but not very surprised – that our town received this recognition,” said Ryan Hauck, executive director of Cody Yellowstone, the marketing arm for the region that includes the towns of Cody, Meeteetse and Powell and the valley east of Yellowstone National Park. “Cody is a shining example of a place that has retained its authentic Western culture with cowboys, rodeo, history and a self-sufficient attitude.”
In recognizing Cody as a Top Western Town, the magazine said “As a preeminent Western destination and eastern gateway to Yellowstone, Cody is a city that can be returned to year after year—in all seasons—to explore the magnificent natural wonders, historic sites and world-class museums. From the historic Irma Hotel founded by Buffalo Bill Cody in downtown Cody to nearby guest ranches and lodges with trail riding and fly fishing, the Wyoming city of 10,000 is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the West.”
Being named the “Best Old West Art Town” is a continuation of a recent trend. The town was recently lauded by USA Today in a list of Top Small Town Arts Scenes and a top art town by Travel + Leisure. True West made special note of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West’s Whitney Western Art Museum, the month-long Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale and the Rendezvous Royale Western art celebration.
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West took home “Best American Indian Collection” with special mentions of the Plains Indian Museum and the Whitney Western Art Museum.
Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel received the “Best Who Slept Here Hotel.” The Irma was built in 1902 by Buffalo Bill Cody and named after his daughter. Historic rooms include those used by Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane, Frederic Remington and Cody, himself.
