Northwestern Wyoming’s Cody Yellowstone has been a road-trippers’ classic since families first loaded up the car to go see the USA—wide skies, big stories, and the kind of scenery that makes you forget to check your phone. Cody Yellowstone has always been built for that kind of trip—esepcially this year as we mark the 250th birthday of the U.S. with an array of special events leading up to July 4.
And yes, gas prices can take the shine off a summer drive. The good news: Cody Yellowstone is still a place where you can do a lot without spending a lot, as long as you plan with a little frontier common sense.
Cody Yellowstone covers nearly 7,000 square miles, with huge stretches that still feel untouched. Between Yellowstone National Park, Shoshone National Forest, scenic byways, museums, historic sites, and Cody’s can’t-miss rodeo culture, you can build a full itinerary that doesn’t revolve around constant driving.
If you’re chasing an Untamed & True experience, you don’t always need to be inside Yellowstone’s boundaries. Cody Yellowstone has vast wilderness and trail systems just outside the park. You can catch the same kind of scenery—and sometimes the same kind of wildlife—without the stop-and-go traffic.
Make a day of it: hiking, camping, cycling, rafting, rock climbing. And if horseback is on your list, the Wapiti Valley—between downtown Cody and Yellowstone’s East Gate—has ranches offering trail rides.
Some days don’t need a steering wheel.
Cody is walkable, plain and simple. Sheridan Avenue packs in restaurants, galleries, shops, hotels, museums and historic buildings. If you like a little narration with your wandering, the free TravelStorys downtown Cody walking tour gives the town’s story as you go.
Cody Yellowstone is home to tour companies running day-long and multi-day guided adventures. Experienced driver guides navigate scenic byways and park roads while sharing the human history, geothermal context and wildlife stories that most visitors drive right past.
Cody Yellowstone has a deep bench of museums and historic sites. Some are free (including By Western Hands Museum & Gallery, Meeteetse Museums, Pahaska Tepee, Cody Heritage Museum, Dug Up Gun Museum, Historic Cody Mural & Museum, Homesteader Museum and the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center). Mix those with a couple paid options—Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Old Trail Town & Museum of the West and Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center—and you’ve got a full day with very little driving.
Is Cody Yellowstone a good destination if I’m watching my budget?
Yes. You can build a great trip here with plenty of free and low-cost days, plus a few big experiences you choose on purpose.
What are some free things to do in Cody Yellowstone?
Walk downtown Cody along Sheridan Avenue, use the free TravelStorys walking tour, visit free-admission museums, and stop by the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center.
What’s one paid attraction that still feels like a good deal?
Old Trail Town. It’s a walk-through slice of frontier history with authentic buildings brought in from around the region.
How can I save on gas while still seeing Yellowstone?
Use Cody as your base for a couple days, plan one full Yellowstone day instead of several short drives, and consider a guided tour when you want to cover more ground without driving.
Here in Cody Yellowstone, you don‘t need to drive far, or spend much, to have an unforgettable vacation. Start by getting your free 2026 Vacation Guide, then sketch out your Untamed & True adventure.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you here in Cody Yellowstone.
April 22, 2026
March 9, 2026
Start planning your wild adventure with the help of our free guide.