Buffalo Bill Center of the West: What to See in Cody

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West brings five distinct museums together under one roof in Cody. The Center is in a town founded by its namesake, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, and its museums connect the region’s history, culture, nature, and art.

• Buffalo Bill Museum: Explores Buffalo Bill’s life.
• Cody Firearms Museum: Focuses on firearms and their history.
• Draper Natural History Museum: Covers natural history.
• Plains Indian Museum: Shares Plains Indian cultures.
• Whitney Western Art Museum: Presents Western art.

The Center describes its galleries as a mix of artifacts, interactive displays, and exhibits. General admission includes all five museums, along with special exhibitions and programs designated as included in regular admission.

Allow at least three hours to visit the Center, and use its self-guided museum highlights tour to choose selected objects across the five museums. If you want to see more than a handful of galleries, the two-day ticket validity gives you the option to split your visit across two days within a seven-day period.

Opening hours vary across the year. From May 1 through September 15, the Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; from September 16 through October 31, daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In November, it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

From December through February, it opens Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; from March through April, it is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Center is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and closes at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

For admission details, seasonal hours, and any programs you hope to attend, Buffalo Bill Center of the West tickets and hours can help you plan. Check the official site before you go.

For a first visit, pick a few subjects that interest you most, then use the self-guided highlights tour to connect selected objects across the museums.

The Buffalo Bill Museum and Cody Firearms Museum offer focused introductions to the man behind Cody’s name and the history of firearms; the other galleries range from natural history and Plains Indian cultures to Western art.

The Draper Museum Raptor Experience features programs with live birds of prey. Program times vary, so check the schedule if you want to include one. The Center also advertises exclusive tours for an additional fee and chuckwagon dinners offered in summer.

Points West Market, a coffee bar, and a café are available at the Center. If you’re planning a broader Cody itinerary, the Cody city centre guide covers the town’s shops, sights, and getting around.

Elevators connect the upper and lower exhibit levels, and exhibit walkways are wide. Accessible dining areas and restrooms are available, and service animals are welcome inside the Center.

Day-use RV parking is available on the south side of the property; overnight parking is not allowed. For a shorter stop focused on Buffalo Bill’s early life, the Buffalo Bill Boyhood Home in Cody is another local attraction.

How many museums are at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West?

There are five: the Buffalo Bill Museum, Cody Firearms Museum, Draper Natural History Museum, Plains Indian Museum, and Whitney Western Art Museum.

How long should you spend at the Center?

Allow at least three hours. General admission tickets are valid for two days within a seven-day period, so you can divide your visit if that suits your plans.

Does the Center have accessible facilities?

Yes. Elevators serve the upper and lower exhibit levels, walkways are wide, and accessible dining areas and restrooms are available.

Can you visit the Center in winter?

Yes. From December through February, it is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed to regular visitors Monday through Wednesday.