Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Written by: Sarah Reish
This is quite possibly one of the best museum experiences you can have. The Center of the West is more than a museum, it is actually five museums in one. It is also a Smithsonian Affiliate and has numerous awards and certificates of excellence. Because of the size of the Center, tickets are good for two days. This allows guests to take their time and really explore and absorb the museum. This is a great museum for guests of any age and is very family friendly.
Draper Natural History Museum
This museum is beautifully designed and is an amazing experience from beginning to end. This museum is laid out in a circular spiral that covers several levels/floors. At the beginning of the top floor, you start the journey in the Alpine section. Visitors learn about the ecosystem and wildlife within that ecosystem. In order, visitors will experience Alpine, Mountain Forests, Mountain Meadow, Plains and Basin. The displays are interactive, so let the kids explore. Be sure to get a passport book and look for the embossing stamps to record your visit through the museum.
Buffalo Bill Museum
This museum celebrates Cody, Wyoming. We thoroughly enjoyed the history and the focus on William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody and his family. Much of Cody is named after him (if you hadn’t noticed) and his family - Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Buffalo Bill Dam, Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Even the historic Irma Hotel downtown Cody is named after his daughter, Irma. Throughout the museum are galleries focused on family, the Wild West Show, and so much more. The galleries are full of amazing artifacts and items of Buffalo Bill, his family, the town of Cody, and the Wild West Show. There is a ton of history packed into this museum, and it is a must see if you are looking to learn more about Cody and Buffalo Bill.
Plains Indian Museum
This museum is rich in history, artifacts, and art. Visitors get to see what life in Wyoming was like for Native Americans; both their daily lives and the traditions they held to. From several life size teepees and dozens of displays with historic artifacts, guests can immerse themselves into the rich culture and gain a better understanding of the lives they lived. Be sure to visit the theater and watch the video. Also, go down to the front of the theater for a closer look at the displays and the two lower level galleries; you won’t want to miss them.
Whitney Western Art museum
I do not believe words can depict the stunning works of art displayed in this museum. The shear size and realism in some of the pieces will leave you flabbergasted. Not only are there timeless works of art to include paintings and bronze sculptures, the museum includes a gallery showcasing Frederic Remington's studio, his letters, and his artwork. There is even a massive gallery displaying how bronze statues are made. Much of the artwork is historic, but there are a variety of styles and mediums - a little something for every art lover's taste. You are sure to enjoy this museum while visiting the Center of the West.
The Cody Firearms Museum
This is a one-of-a-kind experience you should not miss when visiting Cody. Thousands of guns are on display, and the museum is massive and interactive. It is one of the largest gun collections in America. Every time you turn the corner, there is an entirely new gallery showcasing guns of the west or the ornamental and intricately designed firearms, and guns from all over the world. Be sure to visit the military section with the tent - there are interactive touch screens where you can learn the history of military firearms. Also, head downstairs to the gun library where you can open drawers and cabinets filled with guns. Sorted by war or by era.
Upcoming Exhibits
There are a couple of upcoming exhibits coming to the Center of the West. The first is opening April 24, 2021 and is titled, What Lies Beneath and is a scientific expedition studying the Hydrothermal Dynamics of Yellowstone Lake. May 7, 2021 the exhibit titled, Eight Seconds: Black Cowboys in America. It is a photographic exploration of the American Cowboy by photographer, Ivan B. McClellan. And, Memorial Day weekend, guests can enjoy a sneak peak of the 40th Annual Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale through one of the show's smaller exhibitions, the Scout's Miniature Sale in the main Hub.
The Details:
Hours:
May - September 8 AM - 6 pm
Tickets:
Adults $19.75
Seniors $18.75
Youth 6-17 $13.75
Children 0-5 FREE!
Ask about memberships!