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Old Trail Town museum in Cody, WY
Photo: Dam
View of Old Trail Town in Cody, WY
Photo: Steve Kolibri
View of Old Trail Town in Cody, WY
Photo: Samuel Wyss

Old Trail Town

4.7(1,724 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1.5-2 hours👶 Best for ages 5-14. Elementary and middle school-aged kids particularly enjoy the self-guided exploration and connecting history lessons to the tangible buildings, while the outdoor museum format keeps them engaged. Younger children may tire more quickly but will still enjoy the novelty of old buildings and wagons.

About

Old Trail Town brings the Wild West to life with 26 authentic historic buildings relocated from around Wyoming, including Butch Cassidy's cabin and a fascinating collection of horse-drawn wagons. Kids can walk through real frontier structures, peek into old saloons and cabins, and see genuine artifacts that tell the stories of cowboys, outlaws, and pioneers who shaped the American West.

Highlights

  • Butch Cassidy's actual hideout cabin where the famous outlaw once stayed
  • The Rivers Saloon, an authentic frontier drinking establishment with period details
  • Cemetery with graves of notable Old West figures and fascinating headstones to read
  • Impressive collection of horse-drawn wagons and stagecoaches kids can examine up close
  • Authentic log cabins that kids can enter and imagine frontier life

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Visit in the morning when it's cooler and less crowded,there's minimal shade between buildings during midday summer heat
  2. 2.Bring a camera for unique photo ops in front of authentic Western structures that kids will love sharing
  3. 3.Wear comfortable walking shoes as the grounds are uneven dirt paths typical of an old frontier town
  4. 4.Stop by the museum building first to get context about the buildings' history, which makes exploring more meaningful for kids
  5. 5.Allow kids to lead the exploration,the self-guided nature lets them discover at their own pace and follow their curiosity

Best Time to Visit

Visit on weekday mornings during June or September for pleasant weather and smaller crowds. Summer mornings (8-10am) offer cooler temperatures before the Wyoming sun gets intense, making the outdoor walking experience more comfortable for families.

What to Know

Admission is budget-friendly with family rates available. The venue is entirely outdoors on natural terrain, so it's not ideal for strollers,baby carriers work better. No food service on-site, but picnic tables are available if you bring snacks.

Seasonal Notes

Open mid-May through September only. This seasonal schedule aligns with Cody's tourism season and optimal weather. Plan visits for summer months when the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and other Cody attractions are also in full swing.

Nearby Eats

The Irma Hotel Restaurant (1192 Sheridan Ave) offers family-friendly Western fare in Buffalo Bill's historic hotel just minutes away. For quicker options, Dairy Queen (1710 Sheridan Ave) is close by and perfect for post-visit ice cream treats.

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