Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave | Denver

Information

Landmark: Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave
City: Denver
Country: USA Colorado
Continent: North America

Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, Denver, USA Colorado, North America

The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is a historical site located atop Lookout Mountain in Denver, Colorado.

This site preserves the legacy of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed in a rustic, log-cabin-style building constructed from rough-hewn timber. The grave site itself is marked by a simple, weathered stone monument. The surrounding area features native prairie grasses and scattered ponderosa pines.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at 27000 Colorado 74, Golden, CO 80401, approximately 16km west of downtown Denver. Access is via Colorado State Highway 74 (Evergreen Parkway). Parking is available in a designated lot adjacent to the museum. Public transport is not directly available; a private vehicle is required.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The museum was established to commemorate William F. Cody, a prominent figure in the American West, known for his Wild West shows. He died in 1917, and his remains were interred on Lookout Mountain in 1917, chosen for its commanding views. Lookout Mountain is part of the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains, characterized by sedimentary rock formations.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore exhibits detailing Buffalo Bill's life and career, including artifacts from his Wild West shows. The grave site offers a vantage point for observing the Denver metropolitan area and the Front Range. Photography of the exhibits and the landscape is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the museum building. Limited shade is provided by trees around the grave site. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are present at the immediate site; visitors should plan to bring their own provisions or dine in nearby Golden.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting for photography of the distant landscape, early morning or late afternoon is recommended. The best months for weather are typically May through October, avoiding winter snow and ice. The site is accessible year-round during daylight hours.

Facts & Legends

A local legend states that Buffalo Bill himself chose Lookout Mountain for his final resting place because he wanted to "see the country he loved." His burial was a significant event, attended by thousands.