Buffalo Bill Historical Center

Buffalo Bill Historical Center – See the West in a Whole New Way

At the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming, located just 52 miles from Yellowstone National Park’s east entrance, you can find out all about the Park, the Greater Yellowstone region, and the American West. The stories we tell weave a tapestry of the area in nature, history, art, and culture. Whether you have two hours or two days, we’re sure you’ll be happy you stopped here on your trip to the West.

Here’s a sample of what visitors have told us:

“Best in the West! Everyone should see this. What a great place to visit.”
—Jim and Gertrude, Sierra Vista, Arizona

“This was a great adventure before venturing to Yellowstone.”
—Katy, Alexandria, Virginia

“Such a marvelous experience – educational and cultural!”
—Kay, West Point, Missouri

“Unforgettable tribute to the people who made this country great.”
—Robert, Garden Grove, California

“Great! Gives a good view of the everyday life of the Plains Indians. Fascinating firearms collection. Very nice gardens. Very good value and enjoyed it very much.”
—Rob and Christine, Nannup, Western Australia

“Really helped complete our Yellowstone visit.”
—David, Corsicana, Texas

You can navigate the sights, sounds, and even smells of the Greater Yellowstone region in the Draper Museum of Natural History. You’ll learn about what to expect when you reach Yellowstone, including the area’s wildlife, plant life, thermal areas, and geology. If you’ve already been to Yellowstone, what you find in the Draper will add to your understanding of what you’ve already seen.

And that’s just the beginning.

Buffalo Bill Cody—arguably the most famous American of the early 1900s—knew exactly what today’s visitors are talking about. In 1896, he founded the town that bears his name, and there’s no better place to meet the legendary showman and see authentic artifacts of the American West than the Buffalo Bill Museum.

The West’s fascinating landscape, varied peoples, and unique wildlife have historically provided ideal subjects for many artists. In the Whitney Gallery of Western Art—which was renovated and reinterpreted in 2009—you can marvel at the masterworks of those who chronicled the Yellowstone area the West. You’ll find works by familiar artists such as Charles M. Russell, Frederic Remington, Albert Bierstadt, and Thomas Moran, as well as outstanding artists of today who capture the ongoing drama and beauty of the land, wildlife, and people of the West.

Northern Plains Indian tribes have lived for hundreds of years in this part of the West, and Yellowstone held special significance for many of them. The Plains Indian Museum features their art, traditions, and culture, much of it told in their own voices. And they don’t talk just about the “old days.” They share stories of today as well, helping to keep their history and cultures alive.

Whether you’re a cowboy, trapper, Native American, or modern traveler, the story of the American West is incomplete without firearms. Housing the most comprehensive collection of American firearms in the world, the Cody Firearms Museum puts these fascinating—and beautiful—pieces into the context of the West of yesterday and today. The museum also features many military firearms from around the world.

The center also has a research library, a museum store, and a fine eatery. We’re a perfect “one-stop-experience” about the American West. Special events at the center include traveling exhibitions, daily educational programs for both children and adults, and the Plains Indian Museum Powwow every June.

Not to be missed is one of the West’s premier social events—the Patrons Ball in September. This outstanding black-tie event is held in conjunction with the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale and the Cody High Style design conference. The entire week is a celebration of the arts in Cody, and serves as a major fundraiser for the institution.

We’re open year-round, but we’re closed New Year’s, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Days. Open days and daily hours vary seasonally, but you can check our schedule at www.bbhc.org.

For 2009, adult admission is $15; seniors and students 18 and older are $13; youth 6-17 are $10; and children 5 and younger are free. If you’re part of a tour group, or are considering joining a tour to the area, we do offer special group rates. Locally, the “Experience Cody Inside & Out” package includes historical center admission and a Cody Trolley Tour for $32.

While a two-hour visit gives you a general overview of the center and the nature, history, art and culture of the American West, admission is good for two consecutive days to provide you with as much time as possible to enjoy all our outstanding stories.

For the latest information, visit our Web site at www.bbhc.org, or call 307-587-4771.