47 Lakeside Road
Cody, WY 82414
(307) 587-9227 (Office)Brief History
The history of Buffalo Bill Reservoir and "Cody Country" is rooted in the rich
lore of the old West. Buffalo Bill State Park was named for Colonel William F.
"Buffalo Bill" Cody, famous as a wild west showman, promoter and developer. He
first came to the region in the 1870's as a guide for a survey expedition and
spent the next 20 years guiding and sponsoring hunting parties in the area.
"Buffalo Bill" Cody was influential in bringing irrigation and agricultural
development into the area and founded the town that bears his name. Some of the
land now occupied by Buffalo Bill State Park was originally owned by Colonel
Cody and was acquired from him by the federal government to implement the
reservoir project. Work began on the dam in 1905. When completed in 1910, it was
the highest dam in the world at 325 feet. Buffalo Bill State Park was
established in 1957 and provided recreational areas and facilities along the
original shoreline. In 1993 an eight-year project was completed which raised the
crest of the dam 25 feet and increased the reservoir storage capacity. The
enlarged reservoir inundated the former recreation areas which required the
removal of the old park facilities. Buffalo Bill State Park has been redeveloped
as part of the project.
Things to Do
* Fishing
* Boating
* Camping
* Picnicking
* Relaxing
* Sightseeing
* Photography
* Wildlife viewing
* Windsurfing
* Walking/Hiking
* Bicycling
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