Cody Trolley Tours – Best of the West Trolley Tour

Starting at just $35 per person for around an hour, this Cody-based trolley tour offers a lively, informative way to get acquainted with one of Wyoming’s most charming towns. With stops along the way at the dam, Old Trail Town, the Cody Mural, and the rodeo, plus stories about Buffalo Bill, the tour packs a lot into a short ride. Guides like Chuck, Wade, Aili, Stacy, and Larry keep things lively with humor and local knowledge, making the history accessible and fun.

Two things we really appreciate: First, the hassle-free pickup from local hotels and campgrounds means you can start your tour relaxed and ready. Second, the option to upgrade your ticket and visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West adds depth for those wanting a more immersive experience. That said, a potential consideration is the small seats on the trolley, which might be less comfortable for taller travelers.

This tour is perfect if you’re short on time but want a broad overview of Cody’s highlights. It suits travelers who enjoy storytelling and insider tips on dining and attractions, especially those curious about Buffalo Bill, local history, or just looking for a fun, engaging way to spend an hour.

Key Points

• Concise and informative: An hour-long tour covers many highlights efficiently.
• Expert guides with humor: Guides like Chuck and Wade make the history approachable and entertaining.
• Flexible options: Multiple tour times during peak season and upgrade choices for additional sights.
• Hassle-free logistics: Pickups from hotels and campgrounds save time.
• Authentic sightseeing: Drive-bys include important landmarks and local stories.
• Great for quick orientation: Ideal for first-time visitors wanting a snapshot of Cody.

An In-Depth Look at the Best of the West Trolley Tour

Visiting Cody, Wyoming, with its cowboy charm and storied past, calls for a way to get your bearings. This trolley tour offers just that—an easy, engaging introduction to the town’s most notable sights and stories. For $35, you’ll spend about an hour on a mobile ticket, riding along in a small group, with several departure times available during peak season. The tour is designed to be informative and fun, blending history, local culture, and practical tips.

The Journey Begins: From Meeting Point to the Dam

The adventure kicks off at 1119 12th St in Cody, with pickups arranged from local hotels and campgrounds—no fuss, no hassle. The first stop is a drive-by of the dam, with insightful commentary on its history, purpose, and the reservoir it creates. The guides’ explanations transform a simple view into a story of engineering and community effort, giving you context that you might miss on your own.

Exploring Cody’s Iconic Landmarks

Next, the tour drives past Old Trail Town, a recreated frontier town filled with historic buildings and artifacts from the Old West. While you’re not allowed to explore inside during the trolley ride, the guide’s narration fills you in on its significance as a preservation site for frontier history and the stories of Old West outlaws.

The Cody Mural and Museum is another drive-by highlight. The mural itself is a colorful tribute to Cody’s cowboy roots, and the nearby museum offers riches for those wanting to delve deeper. Guides talk about the town’s connection to Buffalo Bill, emphasizing his role in shaping Cody’s identity—both as a town and as a symbol of the American West.

Landmarks, Entertainment, and Local Tips

As the trolley makes its way through town, it passes the Cody Rodeo, a highlight for rodeo fans. While the ride itself is brief, the guides offer inside tips on where to catch rodeo shows, local eateries, and other attractions. They also mention the Cody Firearms Experience—a popular local attraction—adding a flavor of Cody’s rugged history.

Further along, your guides describe the Cody Cattle Company, known for its shows and meals, and the Wild West Spectacular, which offers a lively recreation of frontier life. Many visitors find that the drive-by narration makes these sites more meaningful, even if they don’t stop for a full look during the tour.

The Final Stops and Optional Upgrades

If you’re eager for a deeper dive into Buffalo Bill’s legacy, the tour offers an upgrade to include a ticket to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West—a must-visit for history buffs. This addition transforms your brief overview into a comprehensive exploration of Cody’s most famous son and his influence.

Authenticity and Insider Tips

One of the most common praises from travelers is the knowledgeable guides. Multiple reviews mention how guides like Stacy, Larry, Wade, and Aili bring history to life, peppering their stories with humor and local insights. As one visitor noted, “The guides were very informative and welcoming,” making the experience not just educational but also personable.

Practical Considerations

The trolley is a small, open-sided vehicle, which means seats can be tight—the front rows are best for shorter travelers, while taller guests are advised to sit toward the back for more legroom. The tour runs with a maximum of 38 travelers, creating an intimate atmosphere without feeling crowded.

A small downside cited by some is the short duration—an hour flies by quickly, and some wish they could linger longer at certain sites. However, the flexibility of tour times and the option to explore sites on your own afterward helps balance this.

Overall Value

Given the price point of $35 and the wealth of information packed into the tour, it offers excellent value. It’s a perfect way to orient yourself in Cody, especially if you’re short on time but still want to get a flavor of the town’s history and culture. The tour’s hassle-free logistics, coupled with friendly guides, make it accessible and enjoyable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations (noting that guests leave wheelchairs at the booth for assistance).

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trolley experience appeals most to first-time visitors eager to get a quick yet meaningful overview of Cody’s key sights and stories. It’s also great for history buffs, families, and groups wanting an entertaining introduction with insider tips on where to eat and explore afterwards. If you appreciate knowledgeable guides who can share local lore with humor and warmth, this tour will hit the mark.

However, if you’re looking for a longer, more immersive experience or want to explore sites at your own pace, you might find the hour-long drive-by format a bit limiting. It’s best suited for those who value entertaining storytelling combined with a quick orientation to Cody.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Dam and Reservoir

The tour starts with a drive-by of Cody’s dam, where the guide explains its history and importance. You’ll get to see the reservoir and learn how it plays a vital role in the region. Travelers appreciated this stop because it frames the surrounding landscape within a story of engineering achievement.

Old Trail Town

While you don’t get to step inside, driving past Old Trail Town triggers images of the Old West. Guides fill in the background, describing its history as a frontier town and its collection of historic buildings. Visitors have noted that the narration makes this drive-by feel more meaningful—an efficient way to understand this preservation effort.

The Mural & Museum

The colorful Cody Mural is a photo-worthy highlight, and the nearby museum offers a chance for those interested to explore more. Guides talk about the mural’s significance and the town’s cowboy legacy, giving context that enriches photos taken during the drive.

Rodeo and Local Entertainment

As the trolley passes the rodeo grounds, guides shed light on Cody’s reputation as a rodeo hub. They also mention the Cody Nite Rodeo, which ticket sales are available at the tour booth. Many reviews remark on how the guides’ descriptions make these attractions more enticing, especially if you want to attend a rodeo during your visit.

Cody Firearms Experience & Cattle Company

Drive-bys include mentions of Cody Firearms Experience and the Cody Cattle Company, two popular local attractions. While not stops, the guides’ commentary helps you decide if these sites are worth exploring further. Several travelers appreciate the practical tips provided.

The Wild West Spectacular

The tour wraps up with a mention of the Wild West Spectacular, a theatrical show of frontier life. Though not included, the mention encourages visitors to consider attending, especially after hearing the guides’ enthusiastic descriptions.

Practical Info and Tips

• Meeting Point: 1119 12th St, Cody, WY.
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
• Price: $35, with options to upgrade for more in-depth visits.
• Availability: Several tour times during peak season, booked on average 25 days in advance.
• Accessibility: Most travelers can participate; guests with wheelchairs leave them at the booth for assistance.
• Group Size: Up to 38 travelers, fostering a friendly, small-group atmosphere.
• Extra: The tour staff also sells tickets for local attractions and offers gunfight chair rentals, making it a convenient starting point for planning your day.

The Sum Up

The Cody Trolley – Best of the West Tour offers a balanced mix of entertainment, education, and practical tips that make it a strong choice for visitors wanting a quick but meaningful overview of Cody. The knowledgeable guides and their stories weave history into an engaging narrative, making the town’s landmarks come alive. The hassle-free logistics and optional upgrade to the Buffalo Bill Center are added perks that elevate the experience.

It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors, families, and those interested in Buffalo Bill and cowboy culture, who appreciate a fun, friendly guide and a lively, visual introduction to Cody. If you prefer a more leisurely exploration or more in-depth site visits, you might want to supplement this tour with additional time at local museums or attractions.

For budget-conscious travelers looking for a value-packed, entertaining overview, this trolley tour hits the mark. It makes a charming start to your Cody adventure, bringing the town’s stories to life with humor and local insights.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about one hour, making it a quick and efficient way to see the highlights.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 1119 12th St in Cody and returns to the same meeting point after the ride.

Can I upgrade my ticket?
Yes, there’s an option to include a ticket to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which offers a more in-depth look at Buffalo Bill’s legacy.

Is the trolley accessible for wheelchairs?
Most wheelchair guests leave their chairs at the booth and are assisted onto the trolley. The tour staff is accommodating in this regard.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll get drive-bys of the dam, Old Trail Town, the Cody Mural, Rodeo, Firearms Experience, and more—all with accompanying stories.

Are there multiple tour times?
Yes, especially during peak season, with several departures available.

Can I buy tickets for local attractions during the tour?
Absolutely. The staff sells tickets for the Cody Cattle Company, Cody Nite Rodeo, and Gunfight Chair rentals.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers of all ages can participate, but consider seat size if you’re tall, as seats can be tight in the front.

In short, this trolley tour offers a friendly, informative, and fun way to get to know Cody. It’s perfect for those who want a quick overview with plenty of local flavor, guided by guides who know how to make history memorable. If you enjoy stories, humor, and insider tips, this is a ride worth taking.