Visitor Center

Old Trail Town

Visitor Center★ 4.7
Old Trail Town at Yellowstone National Park features historic wooden storefronts and moored wagons along a dusty street.

Old Trail Town in Cody, WY preserves 1879–1901 era buildings, including cabins, a saloon, a schoolhouse, and a blacksmith shop, with outlaw hideouts and gravesites. It offers a quiet, limited-service stop for a bathroom break and a quick map consult, not a Yellowstone permit center.

Quick facts

Daily Hours
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Seasonal Hours
May 1 – Sept 30
Seasonal Operation
Open May 1 to Sept 30; closed outside season.

Hours & contact

Daily Hours
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Seasonal Hours
May 1 – Sept 30
Seasonal Operation
Open May 1 to Sept 30; closed outside season.
Phone Available
0
Best Contact Method
In-person at Old Trail Town desk

Services

Rangers Available
0
Free Park Maps
0
Trail Maps
0
Permit Issuance
  • Not issued here; see official Yellowstone Visitor Centers
Permit Types
Not issued here; see official Yellowstone Visitor Centers
Backcountry Permits
0

Facilities

Restrooms
Unconfirmed
Restroom Type
Unconfirmed
Water Fountain
0
Bookstore
0
Wi-Fi Available
0
Cell Service
Limited
Accessibility
Accessible for individuals with disabilities.
ADA Compliant
1

Exhibits & nearby

Has Exhibits
1
Exhibit Topics
Historic cabins, a saloon, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop; Wyoming frontier artifacts; outlaw hideouts; gravesites
Junior Ranger
0
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby Cody camping options; lodging and dining in Cody.
Nearby Lodging
Lodging in Cody, WY.

Planning advice

Best For
Bathroom break and quick map consult.
Highlights
1879–1901 era buildings (cabins, a saloon, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop), outlaw hideouts, gravesites of notable figures like John Johnston.
Why Visit
Experience Old West history with authentic period buildings and gravesites; a compact stop before Yellowstone.
Parking Reality
On-site parking details not documented; main lot capacity not published; expect limited on-site parking and plan for Cody options.
Facility Intel
Outdoor museum with historic buildings; restrooms and water availability unconfirmed; accessibility noted; no public WiFi.
Best Time To Visit
Arrive early or late in the day to avoid peak-season crowds.
Tips Advice
  • Hours: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM (May 1–Sept 30).
  • Outdoor site—wear sturdy shoes.
  • Restrooms and water unconfirmed; plan accordingly.

More details

Park Area
Cody, Wyoming
Parking Availability
Varies
Parking Capacity
Varies
Parking Notes
Parking details not documented; anticipate Cody-area options.
Operating Hours
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Seasonal Variations
Open May 1 to Sept 30; closed outside season.
Accessibility Features
Accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Exhibits Displays
Historic cabins, a saloon, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop; Wyoming frontier artifacts; outlaw hideouts; gravesites
Has Bookstore
0
Ranger Talks
0
Film Presentations
0
Park Newspapers
0
Safety Info Available
0
Park Maps Available
0
Permit Protocol
Not an NPS facility; no park permits issued here. See official Yellowstone Visitor Centers for permits.
Climbing Permits
0
Nearest Trailheads
Not applicable (historical site, not a trailhead).
Nearby Dining
Dining options in Cody, WY.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby Cody offers dining and lodging; Old Trail Town does not provide park services.
Notable Features
1879–1901 era cabins, a saloon, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop; outlaw hideouts; gravesites.
Best Visit Time
Shoulder seasons; early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Insider Tips
  • Arrive early or late in the day to beat crowds.
  • Outdoor site—wear sturdy shoes.
  • Check Cody status; it’s separate from Yellowstone.
Family Friendly Notes
Family-friendly for kids interested in the Old West; compact visit.
Current Conditions Info
Open May 1–Sept 30; outdoor site; seasonal status can change.
Recent Updates
Seasonal operation May 1–Sept 30; no major changes reported.
Stop If Skip If
✅ STOP IF: You need park permits or official Yellowstone services. ❌ SKIP IF: You want standard NPS facilities.
Review Summary
Visitors appreciate the historical authenticity and immersive vibe; it’s a quiet, low-key stop with limited services. It isn’t a substitute for official park facilities in Yellowstone.

Location

Bronze equestrian statue atop a stone pedestal at Old Trail Town in Yellowstone National Park.Old Trail Town interior at Yellowstone National Park, a rustic log cabin with antler chandelier and bear rug.Interior at Old Trail Town in Yellowstone National Park, showing a rustic classroom with wooden desks, curtains, and an American flag.Black ornate wagon on display at Old Trail Town in Yellowstone National Park, with antler decor and wooden walls nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a restroom at Old Trail Town?

Restroom availability is not publicly confirmed; plan accordingly by using Cody facilities nearby.

Are park maps or Unigrid maps available here?

There is a desk with maps, but Unigrid map availability is not guaranteed; this is not an official Yellowstone visitor center.

Is Old Trail Town open year-round?

No. It operates seasonally from May 1 to September 30.

Does Old Trail Town offer ranger talks?

Ranger talks are not offered here since it is a historical site, not an NPS facility.

Can I get backcountry permits here?

Backcountry permits are not issued at this site; go to official Yellowstone Visitor Centers for permits.

Cody Firearms Museum

Cody Firearms Museum – firearms history in Cody; not a Yellowstone permit center.

Fairy Falls

Trailhead to Fairy Falls/Grand Prismatic Overlook; no restrooms, water, or on-site maps.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.