Park County, located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, is one of the most scenic and historically significant counties in the state. Established in 1909, it is named after Yellowstone National Park, a significant portion of which lies within the county’s borders. Park County is a gateway to Yellowstone, and its landscapes range from towering mountain peaks to rolling prairies. The county is deeply rooted in the traditions of ranching, exploration, and the conservation of its natural wonders.
As of the most recent census, Park County has a population of around 29,000 people. It is home to several cities and towns, including Cody, Powell, and Meeteetse, as well as smaller unincorporated communities. Tourism, agriculture, and outdoor recreation are major economic drivers in the area, with the county’s proximity to Yellowstone attracting visitors from around the world.
Cody
Geography and History
Cody is the largest city and the county seat of Park County, located just 50 miles east of Yellowstone National Park. Founded in 1896 by the famous showman William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the town was designed as a gateway to Yellowstone and quickly became an important stop for travelers. With its strategic location near the Shoshone River and the Absaroka Mountains, Cody has long been a center for ranching, tourism, and western culture.
Cody’s downtown area is a blend of historic buildings, western-themed shops, and museums, including the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which showcases the region’s history. The city celebrates its western heritage with events like the Cody Stampede Rodeo, a tradition that dates back to the early 1900s.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Rodeo Capital of the World”
- Area: 10.43 square miles
- Population: Approximately 10,000
- Elevation: 5,016 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82414
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Cody is a major transportation hub in Park County, with U.S. Highways 14, 16, and 20 running through the city, connecting it to Yellowstone to the west and other parts of Wyoming to the east. Cody is also served by the Yellowstone Regional Airport, which offers commercial flights to Denver and other regional destinations. The city’s well-developed road network makes it an accessible gateway for tourists heading to Yellowstone, while local public transportation services cater to residents and visitors.
Famous People
- William “Buffalo Bill” Cody: Founder of the town and renowned showman
- Jackson Pollock: Famous abstract expressionist painter, born in Cody
Powell
Geography and History
Powell is a small city located about 25 miles northeast of Cody in the northern part of Park County. The city was established in 1909 as an agricultural hub, part of the federal irrigation project that turned the surrounding desert into fertile farmland. The name “Powell” honors John Wesley Powell, a renowned explorer of the American West and advocate for irrigation in the arid regions of Wyoming.
Powell is known for its strong agricultural economy, with sugar beets, barley, and alfalfa being some of the main crops grown in the area. The city is also home to Northwest College, a community college that serves students from across the region. Powell’s history is deeply connected to farming, and the town maintains a rural charm while offering a range of modern amenities.
City Facts
- Nickname: “The Heart of the Big Horn Basin”
- Area: 4.25 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,400
- Elevation: 4,374 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82435
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Powell is located along U.S. Highway 14A, which connects the town to Cody and other regional destinations. The highway also provides access to the Big Horn Basin and beyond. Powell does not have its own commercial airport, but the Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody is just a short drive away. The town is served by local bus services, and its well-maintained roads make it an easily accessible community in the heart of the basin.
Famous People
- Clint Black: Country music star who lived in Powell for part of his career
- Richard I. Bong: World War II fighter ace, who spent part of his early years in Powell
Meeteetse
Geography and History
Meeteetse is a small town located about 30 miles south of Cody, along the Greybull River. The name “Meeteetse” comes from a Native American term meaning “meeting place,” and the town has long been a crossroads for travelers and ranchers. Meeteetse was founded in the late 1800s and developed as a ranching community. The area is known for its wide-open landscapes, ranches, and rich history, including ties to legendary outlaws like Butch Cassidy.
Meeteetse has maintained much of its old-west charm, with historic buildings lining the streets and local museums highlighting its past. The town is a gateway to the beautiful Wood River Valley and the Absaroka Mountains, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Where the West Remains”
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Elevation: 5,740 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82433
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Meeteetse is located along Wyoming Highway 120, which connects the town to Cody to the north and Thermopolis to the south. Although Meeteetse does not have its own airport, the nearby Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody provides commercial air service to the region. The town is remote, and residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for transportation, though it is a popular stop for tourists exploring the surrounding wilderness areas.
Famous People
- Butch Cassidy: Famous outlaw who spent time in Meeteetse
- Nate Champion: Cowboy involved in the Johnson County War who had ties to the area
Frannie
Geography and History
Frannie is a small town located in the northern part of Park County, near the border with Montana. It was founded in the early 1900s as a railroad town, named after Frannie Morris, a relative of a prominent railroad executive. The town played an important role in the development of the railroads in the region and was once a bustling stop for freight and passenger trains.
Today, Frannie remains a small, rural community, with a close-knit population and a strong connection to agriculture. The town’s residents primarily work in farming and ranching, with the surrounding land used for crops like barley and sugar beets. Although small, Frannie has maintained its sense of community and rural lifestyle.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Small Town, Big Heart”
- Area: 0.25 square miles
- Population: Approximately 150
- Elevation: 4,301 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82423
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Frannie is located at the junction of U.S. Highway 310 and Wyoming Highway 114, making it a convenient stop for travelers passing through the region. The highways connect the town to nearby communities in both Wyoming and Montana. The nearest commercial airport is in Cody, which is about 45 miles away, providing residents with access to air travel. As a rural community, residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for transportation.
Famous People
- Frank E. Lucas: Wyoming politician and former state governor, born in Frannie