Affordable Vacation Idea: Cody, Wyoming

This budget-friendly town is just 52 miles from the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park ( -- Yellowstone being one of the country's , and the world's, most outstanding destinations -- but that's another story.) Families can extend a visit to Yellowstone with some affordable Old West-themed fun in Cody, just a short scenic drive away.

On summer evenings, free fun includes Western-style skits outside the historic Irma Hotel, which was built by Buffalo Bill Cody. Also free is a visit to the Buffalo Bill Dam, and a museum with an Old West miniature village. Not free but nicely-priced is the Cody Trolley Tour and a cowboy music revue. Meanwhile, the big attraction in town is the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, which has several different museums.

Check out more about Cody, Wyoming and also have a look at other affordable vacation towns.

Photo courtesy of Cody, Wyoming.