Buffalo Bill Center of the West | Cody

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, located in Cody, Wyoming, is a world-class museum complex dedicated to the history, culture, and natural heritage of the American West. Established in 1917 to honor William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the center has grown into one of the most comprehensive Western heritage institutions in the United States. It houses five distinct museums under one roof, blending art, history, natural science, and Native American culture into a unified and immersive experience.

Buffalo Bill Museum

The centerpiece of the complex, the Buffalo Bill Museum, explores the life and legend of Buffalo Bill himself-showman, scout, and entrepreneur. Exhibits trace his transformation from a frontier scout to an international icon through artifacts, costumes, posters, and interactive displays from his famed Wild West Show. Visitors gain insight into both the myth and reality behind the man who shaped the world’s image of the American West.

Whitney Western Art Museum

The Whitney Western Art Museum showcases more than a century of Western-themed fine art, featuring paintings and sculptures by artists such as Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, Albert Bierstadt, and Thomas Moran. The galleries highlight dramatic landscapes, frontier life, and Native American subjects, offering a visual journey through the evolving artistic interpretations of the West.

Plains Indian Museum

The Plains Indian Museum honors the cultures and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains. Exhibits include ceremonial clothing, beadwork, tools, and sacred artifacts, alongside multimedia presentations that share oral histories and modern perspectives. The museum emphasizes cultural continuity and resilience, presenting Native American history as a living, ongoing story rather than a relic of the past.

Draper Natural History Museum

The Draper Natural History Museum explores the ecology and geology of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Immersive dioramas, soundscapes, and interactive exhibits take visitors through regional habitats-from alpine peaks to river valleys-introducing the diverse wildlife that inhabits them. It’s both educational and sensory, offering context for understanding the landscapes surrounding Cody and Yellowstone.

Cody Firearms Museum

The Cody Firearms Museum contains one of the world’s largest collections of firearms, spanning over 800 years of history. More than 7,000 firearms and 30,000 related artifacts illustrate the evolution of weaponry from early European designs to modern sporting arms. Exhibits explore craftsmanship, innovation, and the social impact of firearms throughout American and world history.

Atmosphere and Experience

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West combines the feel of an art museum, history archive, and interactive learning space. Its architecture echoes the natural tones of the Wyoming landscape, and its design encourages exploration across interconnected galleries. Visitors can easily spend an entire day wandering between museums, pausing to enjoy rotating exhibitions, films, and demonstrations. The center captures the complexity of the American West-its beauty, challenges, and enduring myths-making it a cornerstone of cultural heritage in the region.