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Cities and Towns in Park County, Wyoming

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Founded in 1909, Park County is one of 23 counties in the state of Wyoming. Historically, Park County was formed from part of Big Horn County. The city of Cody is the county seat. With FIPS code of 29, Park County has a population of 30,108 and area of 6,943 square miles (17,982 km²).

Map_of_Park_County_Wyoming

List of all cities in Park County, WY alphabetically

  • Cody, WY
  • Frannie, WY
  • Meeteetse, WY
  • Powell, WY
  • Ralston, WY
  • Wapiti, WY
  • Yellowstone National Park, WY

Major Cities and Towns in Park County, Wyoming

Cody

  • Area: 10.43 square miles
  • Population: 9,885 (as of the 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 82414
  • Latitude and Longitude: 44.5263° N, 109.0565° W

Location and History

Cody, the county seat of Park County, is located in the northwestern part of Wyoming, near the eastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The town was founded in 1896 by the legendary showman and Wild West figure William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, who envisioned it as a gateway to Yellowstone. Cody’s location along the Shoshone River, surrounded by rugged mountain ranges, made it an ideal spot for both settlement and tourism. The town quickly grew as a center for ranching, tourism, and commerce, attracting visitors from around the world who were eager to experience the “Wild West.” Today, Cody is known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and access to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Cody is served by Park County School District #6, with Cody High School being the primary educational institution. The town is home to several significant landmarks, including the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a complex of five museums dedicated to Western history, Native American culture, and art. Another key site is Old Trail Town, a collection of historic buildings and artifacts that recreate an authentic Western town from the late 19th century. Cody’s proximity to Yellowstone National Park makes it a popular base for exploring the park’s geothermal features, wildlife, and natural beauty. The annual Cody Stampede Rodeo, held each summer, is one of the longest-running rodeos in the country and draws thousands of visitors to experience the town’s Western heritage. Cody’s blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure make it a vibrant and welcoming community.

Powell

  • Area: 4.22 square miles
  • Population: 6,314 (as of the 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 82435
  • Latitude and Longitude: 44.7541° N, 108.7576° W

Location and History

Powell is a small city located in the Bighorn Basin, northeast of Cody. The town was established in 1909 as part of a federal reclamation project that aimed to transform the arid land of the Bighorn Basin into productive farmland through irrigation. Powell was named after John Wesley Powell, the famed explorer and geologist who advocated for the development of the American West. The town quickly became a center for agriculture, particularly sugar beet farming and livestock production. Over the years, Powell has grown into a vibrant community with a strong focus on education, agriculture, and small-town living.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Powell is served by Park County School District #1, with Powell High School being the primary educational institution. The town is also home to Northwest College, a community college that serves the region and offers a wide range of academic programs and cultural events. A key landmark in Powell is the Homesteader Museum, which preserves the history of the early settlers who transformed the Bighorn Basin through irrigation and hard work. The nearby Heart Mountain Interpretive Center tells the story of the Japanese American internment camp that was located near Powell during World War II, offering insights into a difficult chapter in American history. Powell’s annual events, such as the Powell Country Fair and the Homesteader Days celebration, reflect the town’s agricultural heritage and strong sense of community. Powell’s combination of history, education, and rural charm make it a welcoming and vibrant place to live.

Meeteetse

  • Area: 0.60 square miles
  • Population: 327 (as of the 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 82433
  • Latitude and Longitude: 44.1564° N, 108.8710° W

Location and History

Meeteetse is a small town located along the Greybull River in the southern part of Park County. The town’s name comes from a Native American word meaning “meeting place,” reflecting its long history as a gathering spot for various tribes. Meeteetse was founded in the late 19th century and quickly grew as a center for ranching, with cattle and sheep ranches established in the surrounding area. The town also became known for its connection to notorious outlaws, including Butch Cassidy, who is said to have frequented the area. Today, Meeteetse is known for its historic charm, rich ranching heritage, and proximity to the rugged beauty of the Absaroka and Owl Creek mountain ranges.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Meeteetse is served by Park County School District #16, with Meeteetse School providing education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The town is home to several historic landmarks, including the Meeteetse Museums, which consist of three separate museums that explore the area’s history, including its Native American heritage, ranching history, and connections to Western outlaws. The nearby Pitchfork Ranch, one of the oldest working cattle ranches in Wyoming, is another significant site that reflects the town’s deep ties to the ranching industry. Meeteetse’s annual events, such as the Meeteetse Labor Day Rodeo and the Buffalo Bill Cody Days, celebrate the town’s Western heritage and bring the community together for festivities. The town’s small size, historical significance, and connection to the surrounding natural landscape make Meeteetse a unique and welcoming place in Park County.

Clark

  • Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
  • Population: N/A (Unincorporated community)
  • Zip Codes: 82435 (Powell)
  • Latitude and Longitude: 44.9056° N, 109.1561° W

Location and History

Clark is a small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of Park County, near the Montana border. The community is named after William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, who explored the region in the early 19th century. Clark has a rich history as a ranching and farming area, with settlers drawn to the fertile land and access to water from the Clarks Fork River. Over the years, Clark has remained a small, close-knit community with a strong connection to the surrounding wilderness and agricultural traditions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

As an unincorporated community, Clark does not have its own schools; students typically attend schools in nearby Powell. The community is known for its stunning natural surroundings, with the Absaroka Range to the west and the Pryor Mountains to the north. The nearby Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River provides opportunities for fishing, rafting, and enjoying the scenic landscape. A key landmark in the area is the Clark’s Fork Canyon, a dramatic gorge that offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities. The community’s rural setting and proximity to public lands make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat. Clark’s annual events, such as local rodeos and community picnics, reflect the area’s strong sense of community and connection to the land. The town’s small size, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation opportunities make Clark a unique and inviting place to live or visit in Park County.