The Longest Tunnel in Wyoming Feels like a Portal to Another Dimension

Wyoming is a beautiful state home to Yellowstone National Park and countless mountains. About 7.5 million visitors come to Wyoming every year, mainly to enjoy the state’s natural beauty. Apart from the state’s natural beauty, you can also visit some amazing landmarks and structures, including many tunnels and bridges.

Can you guess how long the longest tunnel in Wyoming is? Follow along to find out!

What is the Longest Tunnel in Wyoming?

The longest tunnel in Wyoming is the Shoshone Canyon Tunnel. It’s almost 3 miles long. Another common name for the Shoshone Canyon Tunnel is the Buffalo Bill Tunnel. This tunnel looks like something out of a movie. The Utah Construction Company constructed this tunnel in about two years starting in 1937.

Shoshone Canyon Tunnel is located just west of Cody, Wyoming, and is easy to spot. This spectacular tunnel was carved out of a large rocky mountain. When entering the tunnel, you can see the rocky mountain above you. The U.S. Reclamation Service built the tunnel through the canyon to access the dam site. You can take this beautiful tunnel while heading to Yellowstone National Park.

About the Buffalo Bill Dam

Without the Buffalo Bill Dam, the Shoshone Canyon Tunnel wouldn’t exist. The Buffalo Bill Dam is an arch-gravity dam on the Shoshone River in Park County, Wyoming. Construction for this unique dam began in 1905 and it was completed five years later, making this dam at least 113 years old.

The Buffalo Bill Dam is about 350 feet tall and 200 feet long. The dam is close to Cody, a town named after William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Previously, the dam was named the Shoshone Dam. This impressive dam, at the time of completion, was the tallest in the world.

Animals Near the Shoshone Canyon Tunnel

Many animals call Wyoming home, especially near Cody. Listed here are some animals you may encounter while visiting the longest tunnel in Wyoming.

Black Bear

In Wyoming, there are about possibly about 500 to 1,000 North American black bears in the state, most of whom live in Yellowstone National Park. The exact number is unknown. Black bears aren’t entirely black though. Some black bears have a cinnamon or reddish coat. These large bears are the smallest bear species in North America, still, they can weigh over 300 pounds. Black bears live in mountains, prairies, and wooded areas, and sometimes travel to neighborhoods searching for food. While black bears can eat meat, they mainly consume berries, nuts, and other plant matter.

Bald Eagle

While visiting the longest tunnel in Wyoming, you may also see a bald eagle soaring above or perched on a tree. Bald eagles are large and majestic birds. They are the national symbol of the United States representing freedom. You can find these large birds in Yellowstone National Park eating fish. Bald eagles also nest in northwestern Wyoming. Interestingly, some bald eagles are permanent residents in the state, while others migrate. Bald eagles nest and hunt along rivers and lakes.

Bison

The next animal on our list is the bison, a large mammal that can weigh over 1,800 pounds. Bison in Wyoming are most common in Yellowstone but are found throughout the state. The Yellowstone population though is interesting since it’s the largest herd of bison on public land. Did you know baby bison are called red dogs? They are born during the springtime with bright red/orange fur. However, as they age, their fur darkens brown and they develop shoulder hump and horns. Despite their heaviness, bison can run up to 35 mph. They are also strong swimmers.

Elk

Another magnificent mammal on our list is the elk. In Wyoming, there are over 100,000 elk. They live in different environments including prairies and forested areas. Elk are easy to see in Wyoming. You can find these lovely animals in the National Elk Refuge. While it’s unlikely you’ll find them in the tunnel, they live around Cody. Elk are one of the largest deer species in the world. They have heavy antlers and are vocal animals. They can also reach about 10 feet tall.

American Goldfinch

While driving through the longest bridge in Wyoming, you’re more likely to see bird species like the American goldfinch. This tiny vibrant bird is common in the state. They are found in gardens, woods, and mountains. You can easily attract these lovely colorful birds to your yard with a bird feeder and bath. Native milkweed also attracts these beautiful birds. They molt twice every year and during the process look patchy.

Where is the Shoshone Canyon Tunnel Located on a Map?

The Shoshone River flows from the Buffalo Bill Dam through a breathtaking canyon bordered by Cedar and Rattlesnake Mountains, passing through Cody, Wyoming.

Here is the Shoshone Canyon Tunnel on a map:

The photo featured at the top of this post is © waterarchives / CC BY-SA 2.0 – License / Original