The Pahaska Tepee was built for Buffalo Bill Cody as a hunting lodge and tourist inn for travelers to Yellowstone National Park. Buffalo Bill wore his hair long and Pahaska is a Crow Indian word for long hair and another word for lodge is tepee, so Buffalo Bill’s lodge become Pahaska Tepee. The lodge was completed in 1901. The lodge is a two story building constructed of logs. The building is 83.5 feet long and 60 feet wide with gabled roof reaching a height of 29 feet. Inside the building contains a two story lobby with large free standing native stone fireplace, a dining room, and 14 bedrooms.
With the entry of auto into Yellowstone in 1915, Pahaska became a natural stopping place and many additional buildings have been constructed, including gas station, dining room, kitchen, and many overnight units. The original lodge now stands as a point of interest.
Above information comes from the Historic District Registration Form on the NPS website: (
visit link) and it includes many other details and background information of Buffalo Bill Cody.
Building tours are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day.