FEATURED DESTINATION

“We don’t just put on a show for tourists here. We’re living and breathing the Western lifestyle, so we’re always one of the best places to do it. And everybody knows Cody as the rodeo capital of the world,” Hauck says.

No wonder such an area can also be the home base for some of the west’s most talented cowboys. Take bullfighter Dusty Tuckness, the ten-time PRCA Bullfighter of the Year who recently celebrated his 400th performance. Tuckness, whose sponsors include Justin Boots, Montana Silversmiths, Renewal by Andersen of Wyoming, American Hat Company, CINCH Jeans, Wyoming Downs Racetrack, Wilderness Athlete supplements, The Wag Bar beef snacks, Travel Wyoming, Hooey, and Cody Yellowstone, is from nearby Meeteetse. Many of those 400-plus performances took place right there in Cody.

Tuckness represents Cody Yellowstone with pride and says the Cody Nite rodeo was a “building block” for his career.

“I have a special place in my heart for it,” he says of the Cody rodeo community. “It’s been a big part of my career, especially being a part of the Nite rodeo and the Stampede. It’s home.”

For Tuckness, Cody is about memories, history, and home.

“It’s a great place for the summer, for people to come and work on their craft or try to improve their skills to where they can pursue a career in rodeo if that’s truly what they want,” Tuckness says. “And, the Cody Yellowstone Area, there’s something unique and special about it, from the scenic views around there to all the history and mindset. Rodeo’s a big part of that.”

To learn more about visiting Cody, Wyoming, this summer, check out www.codyyellowstone.org for a complete listing of activities and events, including the Cody Nite Rodeo, PBR Xtreme Bulls, the Cody Stampede, and the Wild West Arts Festival. •