Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center | Cody

Information

Landmark: Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center
City: Cody
Country: USA Wyoming
Continent: North America

Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center, Cody, USA Wyoming, North America

Buffalo Bill Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam located on the Shoshone River near Cody, Wyoming. It impounds the Buffalo Bill Reservoir and is part of the Yellowstone Project.

Visual Characteristics

The dam is constructed of concrete. It stands 325 feet (99 meters) high and has a crest length of 200 feet (61 meters). The dam's spillway is located on the north abutment. The reservoir, Buffalo Bill Reservoir, is a body of water with varying shoreline depending on water levels.

Location & Access Logistics

The dam is situated approximately 8 miles (13 km) west of Cody, Wyoming, along US Highway 14/16/20. Access is via a paved road. Parking is available at the visitor center and designated areas near the dam. No public transport directly serves the dam.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the original dam began in 1905 and was completed in 1910. It was designed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The dam's original purpose was to provide irrigation water for the arid lands of the Big Horn Basin and generate hydroelectric power. The dam was later enlarged between 1986 and 1993.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk across the dam crest for views of the reservoir and the canyon. The visitor center provides exhibits on the dam's construction, operation, and the Yellowstone Project. Photography of the dam structure and surrounding landscape is a primary activity. Fishing is permitted in the reservoir.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the visitor center. Limited shade is present near the visitor center. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located directly at the dam; visitors should bring their own provisions or utilize facilities in Cody.

Best Time to Visit

Daylight hours are optimal for viewing the dam and reservoir. Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer moderate temperatures. Summer months (June-August) can be hot. Water levels in the reservoir fluctuate seasonally.

Facts & Legends

The dam was named after William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the town's founder. The original dam was one of the highest dams in the world upon its completion. A unique tip for visitors is to look for the original spillway structure, now submerged, visible during periods of extremely low reservoir levels.