On a recent brutally hot July day I ditched my hot pink summer boots for a pair of toe-pleasing Tevas and headed for the “Alpine-to Plains Trail.” There I saw, heard and even smelled some of the critters and plants in their alpine, forest, meadow and plains environment. All in the air-conditioned comfort of the Draper Natural History Museum.
This is one of my favorite exhibits in one of my favorite Buffalo Bill Center of the West museums. As I descended down a sloped rotunda, I saw wolves, bison, elk, badgers and even a rare wolverine. Or at least lifelike facsimiles of these precious park critters in realistic settings that reflect their habitat and behavior.
The Alpine-to-Plains Trail in the Draper Natural History Museum showcases the animals and plant life in the various landscapes of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
And when I finally completed my descent, I lingered at the dramatic, 30-foot tile mosaic floor of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and pondered the diversity and beauty of one of the most diverse landscapes on the planet. And it is in my own backyard.
Corrie learned that one of her favorite park critters, the pronghorn, is only distantly related to deer and antelope. Commonly found in Lamar Valley in the northern region of Yellowstone National Park, the pronghorn is the second-fastest mammal on land, behind only the cheetah.
The Draper Natural History Museum focuses exclusively on the ecology and natural history of the park and the region, so it is one of the places I always suggest visitors stop before they head to the park. The museum is especially favored by traveling families for its interactive exhibits like the Harold and Roberta Byrd Naturalist Cabin. There, visitors can watch an orientation video and pick up an Adventure passport at the Expedition Trailhead. There are stamping stations throughout the museum, so kids can go home with a free souvenir of their adventure.
Cody is home to many air-conditioned museums, and they are especially popular on hot summer afternoons. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West has five museums in all, and there are several other interesting, educational and entertaining options – like the new Cody Heritage Museum – throughout the region.
The afternoon flew by, and I realized that it was almost time for the Dan Miller Cowboy Music Revue. Naturally, I stuck around to hear some of my very favorite Teva-tapping tunes, like “You’ve Worn Out Your Welcome, Matt” and “It Takes a Whole Lot of Liquor To Like Her.” As I exited the building, I walked right into a puddle, giving my Teva toes an extra treat. A light rain had cooled my beloved town, resulting in a perfectly pleasant summer evening.
After exploring the exhibits, Corrie caught up with Dan Miller and his crew for a toe-tapping performance of Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue.
Until next time, I’ve loving life and stamping my passport here in Cody Yellowstone Country.
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