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The Big Horn Basin, named for the bighorn sheep that scale the local cliffs, lies in northern Wyoming and stretches from Shell and the Big Horn range in the East to Cody and the Absaroka range in the West. These are the traditional homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Crow, and Shoshone tribes, and this region’s world-renowned geological formations reveal billions of years of natural history.

Cody will be the center of the weekend. It’s a “country mile” from Saturday’s Y’all Come party at the O’Neals’ Cloud 9 Ranch in Shell, and our Sunday ceremony and reception at the Double Diamond X Ranch, not to mention Yellowstone National Park. Amateur paleontologists, history buffs, horse girls, cowboys, and outdoorsy folk will love it here - just like us.

 

LODGING and camping

Cody is a popular summer destination with tourists worldwide due to its proximity to two of the country’s most iconic national parks. We strongly encourage booking lodging early if you know you will attend. Call either of these two hotels and mention the O’Neal/Franks wedding to book at a discounted rate:

While we suggest booking with one of our two room blocks above, Cody has plenty of hotels and vacation rentals to choose from. For those renting RVs, there are several options offering full hook-ups. These hotels and campgrounds have especially great locations for participating in our wedding weekend:

gear up

For those of you looking to enhance your Western wardrobe or get the right tools for recreation, we recommend Wayne’s Boot Shop, the Cody Boot Barn, and Sunlight Sports, all in downtown Cody.

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Air Travel

We strongly encourage booking airfare once you know you will attend. While our area is “small on people, big on nature,” the local airports, hotels, and vehicle rental services serve thousands of tourists and recreationalists each summer. Rideshare availability is very limited in these parts. Transportation to the events outside downtown Cody will be provided, but depending on your plans you may want to rent a car.

Cody (COD), Wyoming

You can fly directly into Cody/Yellowstone Regional Airport from Denver. United typically operates three small flights into Cody from Denver per day this time of year. Explore Cody Transportation taxi company (307-254-7459) can be called between 4:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. for rides around town or to and from the airport. Reservations are not required, but can be helpful, especially for larger parties or airport connections.

Billings (BIL), Montana

You can also fly into Billings and take a scenic drive through the high desert about 2 hours south to Cody without having to drive through mountains. BIL usually has the most flight options, and it offers both car and RV rentals. Bozeman (BZN) also offers rentals, as well as North Gate access to Yellowstone, but is a much lengthier drive to Cody. BZN is best reserved for folks flying out multiple days early.

Sheridan (SHR), Wyoming

The 3-hour route from Sheridan to Cody starts with an incomparably beautiful drive up mountain roads, down through the Big Horn National Forest and Shell Canyon, and past the O’Neal’s ranch in Shell (where Saturday’s Y’all Come Party will be). Flights into SHR may be more affordable due to its relative distance from summer tourism hotspots.

road trip

The approach to the Big Horn Basin is scenic from all directions. If you want to hit the open road from wherever you live, you can’t go wrong.

FREE TIME

Whether you’re exploring between wedding events or making a longer vacation out of your trip to see us, here are some family favorites.

Cody’s Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Great for those looking for an indoor activity. With five museums on one campus, you could spend multiple days here.

Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon and Old Faithful in the Upper Geyser Basin

If you’re passing through America’s largest national park and you must be selective, these are some must-sees. Cody connects to the East Gate of Yellowstone through the Shoshone National Forest, and the South Gate connects to Grand Teton National Park. You’ll pass the impeccable Yellowstone Lake on your way in.

Ten Sleep canyon’s Rock Climbing

Ten Sleep Canyon is home to 700+ sport routes generously bolted in Big Horn Dolomite. Guiding services are available for novices and 5.13’s are available for the crushers. After climbing you can grab a beer at Ten Sleep Brewery. Come pull some pockets and pet some rocks!

Cody’s Nite Rodeo

Cody earned its “Rodeo Capital of the World” title by hosting the most rodeos per year. You may want to stay in town to see the opening of the Best Outdoor Rodeo’s summer season on June 1, though the professional circuit doesn’t hit the town until early July.