The town of Cody has always been known as a gateway to Yellowstone, and the western town that Buffalo Bill Cody built for tourists and Wyomingites alike. Today, the town is famous for the small businesses that line Sheridan Street and the gorgeous hiking opportunities in the surrounding wilderness, plus the world renowned, historic Irma Hotel. Many Wyomingites feel like the town is a bit hokey and touristy - and while that may be true, there is one spot where you'll find a world class museum that's the farthest thing from a tourist trap. No matter how long you've lived in Wyoming, visiting the Buffalo Bill Center of the West will blow you away.
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a world-class Smithsonian affiliate museum located right here in Cody, Wyoming.
This enormous museum is actually a collection of five different venues, each one highlighting one part of the Wild West story.
In the common areas, you'll find information about how the West was settled by emigrants moving across the land in Conestoga wagons, and by the scouts that led the way.
The namesake Buffalo Bill Museum is dedicated to Bill Cody himself. The brilliant scout, officer and showman is responsible for the way the world perceives the wild west to this day.
He was the most famous man in the world in 1900, known for his international Wild West Show. In the museum, you'll find artifacts from his life on the road, as well as the story of his family and the town of Cody itself.
The Draper Natural History Museum is one of the best ways to learn the stories of Wyoming's wildlife.
Every year, thousands of animals make their way through Wyoming, and you'll learn about their migratory patterns as well as the history of conservation in the state, and in Yellowstone National Park.
You'll be able to get up close and personal with hundreds of taxidermied animals. There's nothing like seeing a bison or grizzly bear up close without having to fear for your life!
The Plains Indian Museum is my favorite part of the Center for the West. It is full of gorgeous artifacts and tragic stories of the people who called Wyoming home long before we came along.
One of the most interesting exhibits is a collection of modern day art from Native Americans. These pieces tell their stories, from the past to present, in a way that will captivate you.
The Cody Firearms Museum covers one part of Western history that's often ignored - the history and evolution of firearms, from rifles to pistols and everything in between.
There are incredible, one-of-a-kind pieces of history here, and seeing them up close is truly a humbling and impressive experience.
Finally, be sure to visit the Whitney Western Art Museum for a unique interpretation of history over the years.
Exhibits from local and national artists are on display, and the collection of paintings, photographs, sculptures and statues is breathtaking.
Your ticket to the Buffalo Bill Center for the West is good for two days, because you will need all that time to truly explore every nook and cranny of this world class Wyoming museum.
You can find the Buffalo Bill Center of the West at 720 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414. It's open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission good for two days costs just $19.50. There are discounts for seniors ($18.50), students ($18) and children under 17 years of age ($13). Kids 5 years old or younger get in for free.
For more on the town of Cody itself, read about how This Town In Wyoming Has A Little Bit Of Everything.
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