A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Glacier National Park vs. Cody, Wyoming for Backpackers, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and gorgeous park. Glacier National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a historic, fascinating, and activity-filled town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cody, Wyoming travel costs.

Glacier National Park and Cody, Wyoming: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glacier National Park. Although Glacier National Park and Cody, Wyoming are both popular with visitors, Glacier National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Glacier National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cody, Wyoming is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Cody, Wyoming and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. It is also home to Going-to-the-Sun Road. Cody, Wyoming is popular for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill.

How is Glacier National Park different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cody, Wyoming and Glacier National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

Cody, Wyoming is notable for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Cody, Wyoming offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.

Is the Food Better in Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

Cody, Wyoming offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cody, Wyoming. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for Resorts?

Glacier National Park is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a resort destination.

Glacier National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Cody, Wyoming is not a resort destination.

Is Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Glacier National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Cody, Wyoming to see the historical old town. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.

Glacier National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

Glacier National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Glacier National Park. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Cody, Wyoming has hiking trails worth exploring. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

Cody, Wyoming is notable for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

Cody, Wyoming is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in town.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming More Beautiful?

Glacier National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a destination known for its beauty.

Glacier National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is one of the most stunning national parks in the United States with its many pristine lakes, striking mountain peaks, and breathtaking views.

Cody, Wyoming is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Cody, Wyoming is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cody, Wyoming is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly park. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Glacier National Park is a very popular place for romance. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

Cody, Wyoming makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.

Is Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glacier National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Glacier National Park. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

Cody, Wyoming is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of campgrounds and cheap motels in the area.

Is Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Glacier National Park is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.

Is Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

Cody, Wyoming is somewhat walkable. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require a car.

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable park. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Cody, Wyoming Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or Glacier National Park?

How long in Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Glacier National Park and Cody, Wyoming. In our opinion, Cody, Wyoming has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cody, Wyoming than Glacier National Park. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glacier National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cody, Wyoming.

Families should spend more time in Cody, Wyoming than Glacier National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cody, Wyoming, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Glacier National Park than Cody, Wyoming. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Glacier National Park that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the gorgeous destination of Glacier National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Cody, Wyoming is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cody, Wyoming, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glacier National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cody, Wyoming. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Glacier National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Cody, Wyoming is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Glacier National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

You'll find around the beautiful park of Glacier National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Glacier National Park and Cody, Wyoming, we can see that Cody, Wyoming is more expensive. And not only is Glacier National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glacier National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glacier National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cody, Wyoming would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cody, Wyoming than you might in Glacier National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Glacier National Park Expensive? and Is Cody, Wyoming Expensive?.