Buffalo Bill Center of the West

About

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming, is one of the country's most comprehensive museum complexes dedicated to the American West. Housed in a striking 300,000-square-foot facility, it brings together five distinct museums that each tell a different piece of the Western story.

The Buffalo Bill Museum traces the life of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, from frontier scout to showman, and examines how the Wild West Show shaped popular ideas about the frontier. The Whitney Western Art Museum showcases masterworks by Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, and contemporary Western artists. The Plains Indian Museum presents the rich cultural heritage of Northern Plains tribes through clothing, ceremonial objects, and multimedia exhibits created in partnership with Native communities.

The Draper Natural History Museum focuses on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with interactive exhibits, live raptor programs, and a dramatic mountain-to-plains installation. The Cody Firearms Museum holds one of the world's largest collections of American and European firearms, spanning centuries of design and craftsmanship.

Visitors should plan for at least half a day, though many find a full day barely enough. The center also features a research library, outdoor sculpture garden, and seasonal programming including lectures, family activities, and special exhibitions. A cafe on-site offers a convenient lunch break between galleries.

Located just 50 miles from Yellowstone's East Entrance, the Center of the West makes an ideal stop before or after a park visit. Cody itself offers Western-themed hotels, restaurants, and the famous Cody Nite Rodeo during summer months. The museum is open daily from May through mid-September, with reduced hours the rest of the year. Admission covers all five museums and is valid for two consecutive days, a generous policy that lets you explore at your own pace.

Accessibility

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a modern, single-level museum complex with accessibility features throughout. The facility provides wheelchair-accessible entrances, and the main galleries are connected on one level with wide pathways suitable for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Elevators serve any areas on different levels within the complex.

Accessible parking spaces are available in the main lot near the front entrance. Restrooms throughout the facility are ADA-compliant. The museum's cafe and gift shop areas are also accessible.

Many exhibits feature visual displays, artifacts behind glass, and multimedia presentations at varying heights. The Draper Natural History Museum includes interactive elements that engage multiple senses. Some galleries offer seating areas where visitors can rest between exhibits.

Wheelchairs may be available for loan at the front desk, though availability can vary. Staff at the admissions and information desks can assist with orientation and answer questions about specific gallery access.

The outdoor sculpture garden features paved pathways, though terrain may vary in some areas. Service animals are welcome throughout the facility.

For visitors with sensory sensitivities, the museum can be quieter during weekday mornings and outside peak summer season. Some galleries include video presentations with audio components.

Contact the Center of the West directly at (307) 587-4771 for current details on assistive listening devices, large-print guides, or other specific accommodations. Visiting their website before your trip is recommended to confirm hours, accessibility updates, and any temporary gallery closures that might affect your route through the museums.

More accessible places in Wyoming

• Old Trail Town (Cody)
• Grand Teton National Park (Moose)
• National Museum of Wildlife Art (Jackson)
• Devils Tower National Monument (Devils Tower)
• Fort Laramie National Historic Site (Fort Laramie)
• Cheyenne Botanic Gardens (Cheyenne)