Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a more affordable option for travelers looking to experience the western frontier days that Cheyenne offers every summer. There is also easy access to the eastern and northern entrances to Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone’s east entrance from Cody opens Friday, May 2. Visiting our nation’s first national park at the beginning of the season is the best time, since there are no crowds but an active wildlife.

Cody’s summer activities begin June 1 with a rodeo every night, live cowboy music, and trolley tours. There are also free gunfight reenactments at the historic Irma Hotel, which was built by Buffalo Bill and named after his daughter Irma. The world-renowned Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Old Trail Town, and historic downtown district provide knowledge about local art, culture, wildlife, and artifacts. Lodging prices are not peak-season rates and room availability is better this time of year. Rates for the Irma hotel start at $85 a night. For more information or to book, click here.

Getting There: Cody’s Yellowstone Regional Airport is served by United and Delta jet service through Denver and Salt Lake City. For eight weekends, beginning the last weekend in June, they will have non-stop weekend jet service from Chicago to Cody via United Airlines.

Next: The Canadian Rocky Mountains