Although the 84-mile stretch from Thermopolis to Cody, Wyoming, isn’t the longest ride, the route offers plenty to do and see in the area. Fill up a day of adventuring in this famed area near Bighorn Basin. The total ride time is only about an hour and a half, but you could easily spend all day visiting museums, hot springs, hiking, and observing the area’s stunning geological formations.
Experience the Beautiful Drive
The route is simple. You’ll take State Highway 120 out of Thermopolis to the west, then jaunt northwest around curves and bends through Meeteetse, arriving in Cody after about an hour and a half with no stops.
The route offers stunning views of the Big Horn Basin, Wind River Canyon, Roundtop Mountain, natural hot springs, rivers, creeks, and more. The dry, grassy plains around the area feature several irrigation structures, including reservoirs, canals, and holding ponds.
Make It an Amazing Trip When You Visit These Attractions
Before leaving Thermopolis, don’t miss a visit to the Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center. The museum describes the history of the area with original and replica artifacts of the pioneers, Old West settlers and gunfighters, early 20th century industry, and the natural history of the area.
The Wyoming Dinosaur Center & Dig Sites that displays fossils and models with informational plaques to describe how each species of dinosaur lived and interacted with the world around it. The Center also hosts separate dig tours, where you can locate fossils from the nearby quarry.
Hot Springs State Park includes several geothermal pools and structures, as well as the Hot Springs State Park Bath House, which features indoor and outdoor hot water mineral baths sourced from the local hot springs. The park is also home to two water parks, including Star Plunge and Teepee Pools. The park is also home to a herd of American bison and Legend Rock, a historical petroglyph site.
Near the middle of the route is Meeteetse, a small town with a famous chocolate shop owned and operated by Tim Kellogg, a saddle bronc rider on the rodeo circuit. The town also boasts three main museums, including the Charles Belden Museum of Western Photography, the Meeteetse Museum, and the First National Bank Museum.
In Cody, you can visit Old Trail Town between May and September. This historical Western site features buildings, wagons, and local historical artifacts from when “Buffalo Bill” Cody helped in founding the town of Cody in 1895.
Plan your visit to Cody during the summer to catch a viewing of the Wild West Spectacular at the Cody Theatre. The show typically runs from late June to early August.
Support the Local Restaurants and Fuel Stations
While still in Thermopolis, visit Dairyland & Hot City Coffee for a cup of coffee, sandwich, ice cream, and other grab-and-go favorites. Or pick up a slice at P6 Station Stone Fired Pizza Co, which also offers salads, appetizers, desserts, and more. For breakfast, lunch, or dinner favorites, visit the 7 Lazy S Café and Bar.
In Meeteetse, you’ll find some classics at the Elkhorn Bar & Grill or Cowboy Bar and Café, including burgers, fries, sandwiches, sodas, and cold beers.
When you arrive in Cody, find breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, bakeries, barbecue, and more at sit-down restaurants, takeout spots, and food trucks. Visit Hungry Bear Restaurant, Noon Break 2 Go, Fat Racks BBQ, and Wy Thai.
Contact Us at Law Tigers for Motorcycle Legal Help
When riding through Wyoming, trust our team at Law Tigers to help with any motorcycle case. We’re a nationwide network of lawyers who ride. Call for a free case evaluation at 1-888-863-7216, and never leave home without your free rider benefit card.
