Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center - Cody, Wyoming

Address: 4808 N Fork Hwy, Cody, WY 82414.
Phone: 75276076.
Website: bbdvc.com
Specialties: Historical landmark, Museum, Souvenir store, Tourist attraction, Tourist information center, Visitor center.
Other points of interest: Onsite services, Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Good for kids.
Opinions: This company has 1815 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.8/5.

📌 Location of Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center

Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center 4808 N Fork Hwy, Cody, WY 82414

☎️75276076

⏰ Open Hours of Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center

Monday: 9 AM–6 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM–6 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM–6 PM
Thursday: 9 AM–6 PM
Friday: 9 AM–6 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM
Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM

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Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center

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Located near Cody, Wyoming, the Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center stands as a significant historical landmark and a key destination for tourists exploring the region. This site offers a blend of historical significance, educational exhibits, and recreational information, making it a noteworthy stop for visitors to the area. The dam itself is an engineering marvel constructed in the early 20th century, playing a crucial role in water management and hydroelectric power generation in northern Wyoming. The Visitor Center complements this historical site by providing information, exhibits, and services for tourists.

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Historical Significance and Engineering

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The Buffalo Bill Dam, officially known as the Henry M. Byrd Dam, was completed in 1910 and is one of the oldest federal multipurpose dams in the United States. It was designed by the renowned engineer Herbert Hoover, who later became the 31st President of the United States. The dam's construction was part of a larger effort to manage water resources in the arid western United States. Its historical importance is underscored by its designation as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors interested in civil engineering achievements and early 20th-century infrastructure can appreciate the dam's structure, particularly elements like the massive wooden plug used during its construction, which is still visible.

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Visitor Center and Amenities

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The Visitor Center is the primary hub for information and engagement. It houses exhibits detailing the dam's construction history, its impact on the local environment and communities, and the life of Buffalo Bill Cody, whose name is closely associated with the area. The center is equipped to accommodate a wide range of visitors. Its facilities include a souvenir store, selling locally themed items, books, and memorabilia related to the region's history and wildlife. For those seeking convenience, the center provides a free shuttle service that transports visitors from the parking area up to the dam itself, offering accessibility options for individuals who prefer not to walk the distance.

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The site is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that all visitors can fully experience the site. Recognizing that travelers often visit with families, the location is considered good for kids, offering educational content presented in an engaging manner suitable for younger audiences. Onsite services may include restrooms, water refill stations, and potentially guided tours or interpretive programs, although these can vary with time and staffing.

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Location and Accessibility

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Addressed as 4808 N Fork Hwy, Cody, WY 82414, the Visitor Center is situated along the North Fork of the Shoshone River, creating a scenic backdrop. Its proximity to Cody, a town known for its Wild West heritage and outdoor activities, places it strategically between major attractions like Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Reaching the site is straightforward, with designated parking facilities available. For direct contact, visitors can reach out using the provided telephone number, 75276076, or explore more details and updates on the official website, bbdvc.com.

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Visitor Experience and Recommendations

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Considering the overwhelmingly positive feedback noted (with a high average rating of 4.8/5 based on over 1800 Google My Business reviews), the Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center is highly recommended for tourists. Key highlights include the breathtaking view of the dam's gorge, the depth and drama of the river below, and the educational value of the exhibits inside the Visitor Center. The site is particularly praised for its beauty, historical insights, and the convenience of the free shuttle. It is suggested that visitors allocate sufficient time to explore both the dam and the Visitor Center fully. The site's accessibility features make it welcoming for families and individuals with mobility challenges. For those interested in the local history, geology, or the story of early 20th-century engineering, this location offers a unique and enriching experience. It is an excellent point of interest for anyone traveling through the Cody area, providing both information and inspiration.

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Facility/Service	Details
Historical Landmark	National Historic Landmark, showcasing early 20th-century engineering by Herbert Hoover.
Museum	Exhibits detailing dam construction, impact, and regional history.
Souvenir Store	Sells locally themed items, books, and memorabilia.
Tourist Attraction	The dam itself is a major draw, admired for its structure and the scenic gorge.
Tourist Information	Center provides regional information, maps, and guidance.
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot.
Family Friendliness	Considered good for kids due to engaging exhibits and accessibility.

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Practical Information

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When planning a visit, checking the official website or contacting the center directly via phone is advisable for the most current information on operating hours, specific exhibits, or any temporary closures or events. The location is easily accessible from major highways near Cody. The surrounding landscape offers opportunities for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The Visitor Center serves as a valuable resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the region's past and present, making it an essential stop during a trip to Wyoming's northwest corner.

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"summary": "Buffalo Bill Dam is a historical landmark and visitor center offering exhibits, souvenirs, accessibility features, and scenic views near Cody, Wyoming.",
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👍 Reviews of Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center

Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center - Cody, Wyoming

Andrea S.

5/5

We were traveling from Cody to Grand Teton National Park and just stumbled upon this National Historic Site. Even though it's just a dam, it's beautiful. You park at the reservoir, and they have some displays, I liked the wooden plug. They have a free shuttle to take you up to the visitor center if you don't want to walk. The Gorge at the dam is so deep and dramatic. Inside the center, they have lots of information about how it was built. Definitely recommend stopping.

Denise M.

5/5

We visited the Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center, and watched the video about the troubled construction history. It was an enjoyable visit to this dam. The cliffs surrounding the dam are phenomenal! The Shoshone River gave the construction contractors quite a challenge. The end construction result has many positive outcomes for the people of this area. I would recommend a visit. The admission is FREE!

Glenn B.

5/5

Great place to visit.
They have a ‘golf cart’ shuttle service to take you from parking lot to visitor center which is great.
The drivers are friendly and informative.
The visitor center has plenty of information on the dam, lake and surrounding area.
The views from the dam are beautiful.
Amazing spot to visit and spend some time.
No charge to visit.

Jill G.

5/5

Made a quick stop while driving from the east entrance of Yellowstone to Cody. There is a short walk from the parking lot to the dam visitor center, but there are a couple volunteers who drive golf carts to the entrance if needed. There is a small gift shop and informational video (less than 15 min). You can walk on top of the dam which our boys especially enjoyed. One of the most interesting things is that there is no rebar in the dam concrete. If you’ve never seen a mega dam, I recommend this stop.

Roberta P.

5/5

You go through the tunnels in the mountains to get here which is cool. Parking is plentiful and there were free golf cart rides to the dam/visitor center from the parking lot and back. Though it's not terribly far it was nice on a hot day not to walk. Tips are appreciated though not expected. The views of the dam and surrounding areas are spectacular. And the visitor center is very neat with lots of information and videos about the dam and surrounding area, history and such. Also a cute gift shop with lots of unique items. And they have a smooshed penny machine which I love. Very friendly people working/ volunteering. Worth a stop.

Matt F.

4/5

Such an incredible feat of engineering. The gift shop also nice and they had a small education video center. We didn't get a chance to check that out because they were closing when we arrived. Be aware of their hours on Google as they do close early, hours were 9 to 6 when we stopped through. It's free to enter and check out the Dam and the water jets on the other side. Worth the quick stop on the way to or from Cody and a GREAT stop in for kids. Be prepared for two vending machines on site also if that's a thing for your kids 😉

maleana P.

5/5

Don't just drive past - stop at the Dam - the views are fantastic. There's a small shuttle to take from the car park with a friendly helpful driver or you can walk - It's not far. The visitor centre & restrooms are spotless. Friendly staff & exhibition on how the dam was built. Well worth a visit

Joseph G.

5/5

Fun experience stopping by on the way to Jellystone, ladies were very nice in the shop giving me two copper pennies to smash, golf carts were pretty dam fun and the view was magnificent.