Buffalo Bill Center of the West

 

 Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Buffalo Bill Cody is a name that is synonymous with the image of the Wild West. Cody preserved the west and took it out into the world. His Wild West Show visited all over America and Europe. Traveling with cowboys, Native Americans, sharpshooters, and even buffalo, he told the stories of the frontier way of life. Ever the showman, much of it was embellished but entertaining non the less.

I’ve visited many Buffalo Bill museums over the years, but I have to say my favorite is the Buffalo Bill Center in Cody. I’ve enjoyed seeing it change and evolve over the years. Grandma took me there for the first time back in the late eighties and it’s grown so much since then.

The museum is located in the heart of Cody, Wyoming, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a museum complex that offers an extraordinary look at the history, art, cultures, and nature of the American West. Established in 1917 to honor the life and legacy of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, it has grown into a sprawling, state-of-the-art facility comprising five interconnected museums and a research library, all under one roof.

 

1. Buffalo Bill Museum

This museum tells the life story of Buffalo Bill Cody—the showman, scout, soldier, and entrepreneur who became a global symbol of the American frontier. Here you’ll find:

• Artifacts from his Wild West shows
• Original posters, photographs, and costumes
• Personal belongings and letters
• Exhibits exploring myth vs. reality in his legendary persona

It also dives into the founding of Cody, Wyoming, and how Buffalo Bill helped bring irrigation, the railroad, and tourism to the region.

Living in Wyoming my entire life, I still learn a lot I never knew about each time I visit the museum.

2. Whitney Western Art Museum

This museum features one of the most significant collections of Western art in the U.S., including works by:

• Frederic Remington
• Charles M. Russell
• Albert Bierstadt
• Thomas Moran

The collection spans historic and contemporary works, showcasing the evolution of how the West has been represented in visual art.

A side suggestion, visit the Charles M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montanna. It's a great museum dedicated to the man and his work.

3. Plains Indian Museum

This deeply moving and beautifully curated museum honors the cultures, histories, and contemporary lives of Plains Indian peoples. Notable features include:

• Traditional regalia and beadwork
• Oral history listening stations
• Interactive displays and contemporary Native art
• Thoughtful insights into spirituality, warfare, family life, and resistance

It is created in collaboration with Native advisors and communities, offering an authentic, respectful representation.

The Native American's was a huge part of the Wild West shows. Even Sitting Bull toured with Cody for a while.

4. Draper Natural History Museum

Unlike traditional natural history museums, Draper presents an immersive, multi-sensory experience focused on the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. You’ll walk a spiraling trail from alpine peaks to the plains, learning about:

• Wildlife and geology of the region
• Realistic dioramas and animal soundscapes
• Conservation efforts and human impact on the environment

It’s an excellent choice for nature lovers and young learners alike.

5. Cody Firearms Museum

Home to over 10,000 firearms, this is the largest collection of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Highlights include:

• Historic guns from the American Revolution to modern-day
• Firearms used in Hollywood Westerns
• Weapons of war, hunting, and sport
• Gun-making technology and craftsmanship displays

The museum doesn’t just celebrate firearms—it also addresses their cultural impact, legal context, and technological evolution.

The firearm section is HUGE!!! It takes a long time to get through, but it's interesting to see how they have evolved through the years.

 

McCracken Research Library

For scholars and serious researchers, the McCracken Library offers a vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and archives focused on the American West, Buffalo Bill, and Native history.

 

 

Location:
720 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414

centerofthewest.org

 Open all year long.

Though the iconic Pony Express rider is said to not be a specific rider, many believe it was molded after William F. Cody.


A visit to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is more than a walk through history. The museum is a deep dive into the spirit, struggle, and artistry that shaped the American frontier. Whether you're retracing the footsteps of Buffalo Bill, admiring masterful Western paintings, you’ll come away with a richer understanding of the West.

It is a fascinating place and I can't recommend it enough. Plan on spending a full day there. Maybe even two days. 

Of course, a stop at the Irma hotel for dinner is a must as well.