Buffalo Bill Center of the West — Attraction in Cody

I visited the Buffalo Bill Center of the West recently, and it far exceeded my expectations. I originally came for the Firearms Museum, since my son is deeply interested in the history and mechanics of firearms, and I was blown away by the depth, organization, and sheer scale of the collection. You could spend hours in just that one wing, it’s a world-class archive of American firearm history, and it doesn’t shy away from the technical, cultural, and ethical complexities.

The other museums are equally compelling. Each one feels like a complete experience, whether you’re exploring Plains Indian culture, the Draper Natural History Museum, or the Whitney Western Art Museum. You can tell that the curators care about nuance and authenticity. The entire center gives space to both the mythology of the West and the realities, honoring Indigenous history while acknowledging the contradictions of frontier life.

I’m a member, and my experience with the staff was mixed. Some staff members were helpful, others seemed disengaged. Still, the campus is well laid out: clean, clearly labeled, and easy to navigate. I also appreciated having a comfortable snack area and coffee shop on site. It’s a great place to take a break between museums, especially if you’re spending a full day exploring. The educational programs and volunteer opportunities are another plus, reflecting the center’s broader commitment to learning and community.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or traveling with family, this center offers something rich and meaningful. If you’re anywhere near Cody, Wyoming, don’t miss it. It’s not just a museum, it’s a place that invites you to think, feel, and engage with the complicated history of the...

Wow, this place should take you a full day and you could spend two days if you really looked at everything carefully.

Absolutely one of the best museum type outfits you will ever go into, especially if you're into the West

5 museums in one! The Firearms Museum alone is worth the price of admission and you will go gun blind and become numb to all the amazingly cleaned up and displayed firearms in this Museum

although they only claim to display less than 1/3 of the total collection what's on display is more than I probably seen in all the different museums I've been to put together, I've never seen so many perfect condition firearms in one place!

If the Acres of glass display cases and wall cases Aren't Enough, throughout the museum there are drawers you can pull out that have even more displayed and labeled firearms.

The Wild Bill Cody Museum is also well worth the time, the old black-and-white videos of the original show are more than amazing and would be well-attended if you could actually put on this kind of Extravaganza today. With all the rules regulations I don't think you could possibly put this kind of show on in today's world. The history of Buffalo Bill the American Road show ,the International Road Show and all the amazing things that we're accomplished, is far more than I ever imagined and well worth the read and the time.

There is also a natural history museum with dinosaurs and a plains Indian museum

Plan a day or more if you can spare it as there is lots and lots and...

Thankfully your admission is good for 2 days, because this place is very big. 5 museums in 1 location. If you need the restroom upon arriving, forget the one in the dining area, just head downstairs from the Buffalo Bill Entrance, it's just as close and no standing in line. In one of the garden areas there is a small show about raptors (birds, not dinosaurs) that was very informative, that was on 3 times a day while I was there. This museum is a MUST SEE for any firearms enthusiast, the firearms museum is a day trip in itself. All other aspects of the museum are just as spectacular. We started with the Buffalo Bill museum, I have been here a few times in years past but I always learn or see something new. The scope of his show is unfathomable in today's world. Next we went to the Draper Natural history museum, this may have been the kids favorite. We next went to the Plains Indian museum, again an exceptional display. A stroll through the firearms museum main floor area, and a quick peek into the library, you could spend days here just to see everything. We finished with the Whitney western art museum. Lots of beautiful art. This is where the wife went after a frapuccino in the Kuyper dining pavilion when I was spending extra time in the gun museum. A quick trip through the Center Store (gift shop) for some take home memories concluded our open...