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Engineering work · Cody, Wyoming
Buffalo Bill Dam
A 1910 concrete dam in the Shoshone River canyon west of Cody, with a visitor center and a walkway over the canyon, on the route to Yellowstone.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Buffalo Bill Dam
Buffalo Bill Dam was completed in 1910 in the Shoshone River canyon west of Cody, and at the time was one of the world’s tallest concrete dams. It was one of the first major projects of the federal irrigation agency, and Buffalo Bill helped promote the project, which brought water to regional lands.
The visitor center on the dam crest has exhibits about the construction and the region’s natural environment. From the top, the view shows the narrow canyon on one side and the reservoir on the other, with the Absaroka Mountains in the background.
The road to Yellowstone’s east entrance passes the dam and tunnels cut into the rock, then follows the Shoshone valley, which Theodore Roosevelt called one of the country’s most scenic stretches of road.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to one hour.
Best time
From May to September, when the visitor center is usually open.
How to get there
About 10 km west of Cody via US-14/16/20, the road to Yellowstone. Parking is available.
Tip
Stop on the way to Yellowstone. Outside summer, the visitor center may be closed, but you can still see the canyon view from the road.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Buffalo Bill Dam
Where is Buffalo Bill Dam located?
About 10 km west of Cody, on the road to Yellowstone’s east entrance.
When was Buffalo Bill Dam built?
It was completed in 1910.
Is the dam visitor center open year-round?
It usually opens only from May through September; check ahead.