As we traveled west, I felt an excitement about the Old West. I wanted to see the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming. Much to my surprise, it housed five awe-inspiring collections. I could have spent a whole day there browsing, learning and enjoying the easy-to-read placards and fascinating artifacts. In fact, I’d like to go back to see the latest displays since they rotate the collections in order to preserve them.
The Buffalo Bill Historical Center, located in Cody, Wyoming, is actually 5 museums under one roof. The museums include the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Whitney Gallery of Western Art, the Plains Indian Museum, the Cody Firearms Museum, and the Draper Museum of Natural History.
The Buffalo Bill Museum displays exhibits both related to the personal and public lives of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, and is a great resource as a research center for the life and times of Buffalo Bill.
The Whitney Gallery of Western Art, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, reopens to the public on June 21, 2009, with extensive renovations. The reopened museum will display a stunning collection of modern artworks and old masterworks, and strive to present an “innovative way of interpreting western American art that gives context, encourages discovery, and presents the artwork in a beautiful, quiet and contemplative space.”
The Plains Indian Museum depicts the stories of the Plains Indian people, including their culture, traditions, values and histories. With multiple events and educational programs available, the Plains Indian Museum also offers a variety of online experiences you may enjoy.
The Cody Firearms Museum is THE place to view American firearms. With “the most comprehensive assemblage of American firearms in the world,” the Cody Firearms Museum houses the Winchester Collection, as well as firearms from virtually every well-known manufacturer in the world. The staff is also very helpful with questions of a general and historical nature.
The Draper Museum of Natural History is the newest addition to the Historical Center, and strives to present a broad perspective on the American West. With various programs, conferences, field tours and other outreach initiatives, the museum is one of the first to present humans as a part of nature and focus on conservation areas of global interest. Per visitor testimonials, the museum houses some of the “most engaging and informative natural history presentations in the nation.”
Hours of operation vary depending on the time of the year. Check their website calendar for the latest information.
Admission prices vary: See website for admission details. Special group rates may be available. Wheelchairs and strollers are available free at admissions desk. Eatery and gift shop on main level.
720 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 82414
http://www.bbhc.org
Enjoy your RVing!
Bernice
Maxine Mougeot
Go to Cody for the 4th of July celebration. It is totally awesome – finish off with a visit to the museum. Take a week – you will not regret a single moment.
oldminer
Yes. We have been to Cody. It was well worth the time. I think that one could spend upwards of a week in the museums and still miss something.
This is a stop that I recommend.
Ty
My daughter and I went there when she was about 10 or so. We both enjoyed it VERY much. Neighter one of us are gun people but that was our favoriate part. Yes be sure you check their hours before you go. They close alot earlier in the winter and I missed another visit because of it. Cody is a very cool town to visit also.
Jack & Linda
Do yourself a favor and allow at least a full day. In fact your purchased admission ticket allows for two days in the museum. If you had the time, you could fill two days there. If you are a firearms enthusiest you could easily spend an entire day in the Cody firearms museum.
Kate
We spent a week there during their fund raiser. GREAT!! Lots of one-of-a-kind furniture, studio tours and of course the museum. Can’t say enough good things about this place.
bob
Ever been to Cody State Park, North Platte, Nebraska? I was there, on my way our West, June, 1966, and it was quite nice.