Bighorn Basin (Summer)

Located to the east of Yellowstone National Park, the Bighorn Basin is not nearly as discovered as its neighbor, but is definitely worth more than a drive-through visit. The cultural and economic center of the area is Cody, named for William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and home to one of the best museums in the Rocky Mountain region in the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. The town is geared towards the tourist trade and has plenty to see and do and just as many options for lodging and dining. On the south side of the basin, Thermopolis is named for its bountiful hot springs, which supply numerous man-made pools and are also part of a state park. ...

Located to the east of Yellowstone National Park, the Bighorn Basin is not nearly as discovered as its neighbor, but is definitely worth more than a drive-through visit. The cultural and economic center of the area is Cody, named for William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and home to one of the best museums in the Rocky Mountain region in the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. The town is geared towards the tourist trade and has plenty to see and do and just as many options for lodging and dining. On the south side of the basin, Thermopolis is named for its bountiful hot springs, which supply numerous man-made pools and are also part of a state park. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation area is spectacularly scenic, and home to a sacred and ancient site in Medicine Wheel. Outdoor-recreation aficionados pursue just about every imaginable activity in the Bighorn Basin, from fly-fishing to hiking to whitewater rafting.

About the Expert

Eric Peterson has written and contributed to numerous Frommer’s guidebooks covering the American West, including Montana & Wyoming, Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, and Texas.