A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wisconsin Dells vs. Cody, Wyoming for Families, Attractions, Nightlife, and Food

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a fascinating, activity-filled, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Wisconsin Dells and Cody, Wyoming: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cody, Wyoming. Although Wisconsin Dells and Cody, Wyoming are popular destinations, Cody, Wyoming has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cody, Wyoming is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Wisconsin Dells attracts visitors for its nightlife and resorts. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Cody, Wyoming and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Cody, Wyoming is famous for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill. It is also well known for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming?

Wisconsin Dells
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.


Is the Food Better in Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wisconsin Dells
Cody, Wyoming

Foodies will find both Wisconsin Dells and Cody, Wyoming both to be nice destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wisconsin Dells. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Cody, Wyoming is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells
Cody, Wyoming

Wisconsin Dells is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Wisconsin Dells has a large number of nightlife venues. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

Cody, Wyoming has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells
Cody, Wyoming

Wisconsin Dells is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a resort destination.

Wisconsin Dells has a handful of resorts to choose from. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Cody, Wyoming is not a resort destination.


Is Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Wisconsin Dells
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place for its old town. However, Wisconsin Dells does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Cody, Wyoming to see the 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.

Wisconsin Dells does not have a historic old town.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells
Cody, Wyoming

If you're looking to go hiking, Wisconsin Dells and Cody, Wyoming both have nice trails.

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for hiking. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cody, Wyoming. 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 Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming?

Wisconsin Dells
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Cody, Wyoming is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.


Is Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells
Cody, Wyoming

Wisconsin Dells is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Wisconsin Dells is one of the most popular family destinations. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Cody, Wyoming is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Wisconsin Dells
Cody, Wyoming

With fun activities for couples, both Wisconsin Dells and Cody, Wyoming make for a nice place to visit.

Wisconsin Dells makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Cody, Wyoming is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Wisconsin Dells
Cody, Wyoming

Neither Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Public transit is quite limited in Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.


Is Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Wisconsin Dells
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting? and Is Cody, Wyoming Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wisconsin Dells and Cody, Wyoming. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than in Cody, Wyoming. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wisconsin Dells, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cody, Wyoming.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cody, Wyoming than Wisconsin Dells if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cody, Wyoming.


  • How many days in Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4 
    Cody, Wyoming 1-3

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lighthearted destination of Wisconsin Dells. 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wisconsin Dells. 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.

Cody, Wyoming might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. This city 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 great place to explore. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming?

You'll find food and nightlife around the city of Wisconsin Dells. 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.

Since Cody, Wyoming is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cody, Wyoming or Wisconsin Dells?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Wisconsin Dells is $142, while the average daily cost in Cody, Wyoming is $157. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Wisconsin Dells and Cody, Wyoming in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wisconsin Dells $70
    Cody, Wyoming $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wisconsin Dells $140
    Cody, Wyoming $156
Compare Hotels in Wisconsin Dells and Cody, Wyoming

Looking for a hotel in Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Wisconsin Dells


Hotels in Cody, Wyoming


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices and Cody, Wyoming Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wisconsin Dells $35
    Cody, Wyoming $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming?

Prices for flights to both Cody, Wyoming and Wisconsin Dells change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Wisconsin Dells $43
    Cody, Wyoming $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wisconsin Dells $46
    Cody, Wyoming $33

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $24
  • Haunted Downtown Tour of Baraboo: $16
  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25

Tours and Activities in Cody, Wyoming

For Cody, Wyoming, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cody Trolley Tours - Best of the West Trolley Tour: $34
  • Surfin In The Rockies Duckie Tours!: $40
  • Red Canyon River Trip’s all inclusive Half Day Tour! : $85
  • Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tour 5:00: $89
  • Red Canyon Mustang Tour 8am: $89
  • Cody Wyo-Wild Mustang Safaris and Tours/Red Canyon Wild Mustangs : $99
  • All-Inclusive Yellowstone”The Volcano” *FAMILY FRIENDLY* Tour: $259
  • From Cody: Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour: $260
  • Guided Upper Loop of Yellowstone Tour from Cody, WY: $269
  • Guided Lower Loop of Yellowstone Tour from Cody, WY: $269
  • Yellowstone Nat'l Park Full Day Tour From Cody, WY : $275
  • Wild Mustang Half Day Tour - Cody Wyoming - Private: $298

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14
    Cody, Wyoming $18


When comparing the travel costs between Wisconsin Dells and Cody, Wyoming, we can see that Cody, Wyoming is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Cody, Wyoming?

Cody, Wyoming has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells and Cody, Wyoming, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

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