Vote for Cody in “Best Of” Contests
Cody’s back in the running for more “best of” contests. These media mentions bring positive attention to the area, and making our summer season more vibrant (and more profitable). Not only has Cody itself been nominated, but so has Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch and Wyoming River Trips.
- Vote by March 9 for Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch for USA Today’s “Best Dude Ranch” award. They are one of 20 competitors.
- Vote by March 18 for Wyoming River Trips in Newsweek’s Reader’s Choice Awards for “Best Whitewater Rafting 2026.” They are up against 14 other competitors.
- Vote by March 30 for Cody for USA Today’s “Best Small Town in the West” contest. At the writing of this, Cody is ranked #4, being beat out by Grants, NM, Breckenridge, CO, and Big Bear, CA.
Supporters can cast online votes daily until the contests end.
“The destination of Cody Yellowstone and its many top-notch attractions work diligently to provide a robust and attractive destination for our visitors, and these nominations prove that diligence pays off,” said Katrina Southern, marketing manager for Cody Yellowstone, the marketing arm for the region that includes the towns of Cody, Powell and Meeteetse, a large swath of the Shoshone National Forest and about half of Yellowstone National Park. “We urge everyone who loves Cody to show their support and cast their votes.”
Past “Best Of” Contests Including Cody
The destination of Cody Yellowstone as well as local attractions are often included in “best of”-type contests. For example, in 2025 USA Today named Cody among the
- “Best Small Towns in the West” – USA Today
- “Best Summer Travel Destinations” – USA Today
- “Top Small Town Arts Scenes” – USA Today
- “Best Small Town Beer Scene.” – USA Today
In addition, Newsweek named the Whitney Western Art Museum the “Best Art Museum.” True West Magazine named Cody the “Best Western Town,” called the Irma Hotel the “Best ‘Who Slept Here’ Hotel” and named the Cody Trolley Tour the “Best Historic Town Tour.” Additionally, the American Bus Association’s Destinations Magazine awarded the Cody Cattle Company the “Best of the Best” Award.
[The basis of this article came from a PCTC Press Release.]
📸 Header image © Rick Blanchard Photography – used with permission
Janet Jones
Owner, Publisher, Editor
Janet has a rich history in Cody with her grandparents moving here in the late 1930s. Her grandfather started Wyoming Well Service. Janet is a writer, photographer, graphic designer and webmaster. Cody Journal and Cody Calendar blends her skills and talents with her love of the area.
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