Buffalo Bill Center of the West facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Established	1917
Location	720 Sheridan Avenue Cody, Wyoming, United States
Type	American West museums

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a super cool place in Cody, Wyoming. It's actually a group of five museums and a big library, all about the American West. Think cowboys, Native Americans, amazing art, and even cool guns!

This center started way back in 1917. It was created to honor William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody. He was a famous scout, showman, and adventurer. Today, it's one of the oldest and most complete museum complexes about the American West.

What is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West?

This amazing museum complex began in 1917. It started as a way to remember William F. Cody after he passed away. Over time, more parts were added. Now, the building covers seven acres. It holds more than 50,000 items! These items are spread across five different museums.

Since 2008, the center has been part of the Smithsonian Affiliates program. This means it works with the famous Smithsonian museums. It was the first museum in Wyoming to get this special status. The Center of the West has shown items from the Smithsonian. It has also loaned some of its own treasures to Smithsonian exhibits.

All the museums here share a common theme. They explore the history, culture, art, and nature of the American West. The main goal is to help people connect with this important part of American history.

Buffalo Bill Museum: A Wild West Legend

A section of the Buffalo Bill Museum, showing items from Buffalo Bill's life.

The very first museum opened in 1927. It was in a small log cabin across the street. Later, in 1968, it moved to its current spot. Now, it's part of the big five-museum complex.

This museum tells the story of William F. Cody. It shows his life and times. It also explores the "Buffalo Bill" character he created. This character made him one of the most famous people in the world! You can see how his "Buffalo Bill's Wild West show" made him so successful. The museum also explains how he helped shape the American West.

Plains Indians Museum: Honoring Native Cultures

Headdresses from Plains Indians of the 1800s.

This museum shares the stories of Plains Indian people. You can learn about their cultures, traditions, and histories. It also shows how their lives are today. Most of the collection is from the late 1800s to early 1900s.

You'll find items from tribes like the Arapaho, Lakota, Crow, and Cheyenne. There are also important modern pieces, like beautiful star quilts. The museum also hosts an annual Powwow. This event brings together dancers and artists from all over North America. It's held every June at the Robbie Powwow Garden.

Whitney Western Art Museum: Art of the West

Works inside the Whitney Western Art Museum.

This museum is full of amazing paintings and sculptures. All the art is about the American West. The gallery first opened in 1959. It later joined with the Buffalo Bill Museum.

In 2009, it reopened after being updated. You can see copies of the studios of famous artists. These include Frederic Remington and Alexander Phimister Proctor. This helps you learn how they created their art. The museum features works by many classic Western artists. Some names you might recognize are George Catlin and Thomas Moran. You can also see art by modern Western artists. There are even interactive stations where you can create your own art!

Draper Natural History Museum: Yellowstone's Wonders

A view from the Plains Basin Environment inside the Draper Natural History Museum.

This museum has huge exhibits. They cover about 20,000 square feet! You can learn about the geology, wildlife, and people of the Greater Yellowstone region. This area is near the museum.

Videos, dioramas, and photos bring the area to life. You can even experience the sights, sounds, and smells! You'll see animals like grizzlies, wolves, and elk. These are all shown in their natural settings.

Cody Firearms Museum: A History of Guns

The Winchester Collection at the Cody Firearms Museum.

The Cody Firearms Museum was completely updated in 2019. It has the largest collection of firearms in the United States. You can see guns from the 1500s all the way to modern times.

The museum shows how firearms have been used throughout history. It has about 7,000 individual firearms. About 4,200 of these are on display. There are also 20,000 other related items! The main part of the museum is the Winchester Repeating Arms Company collection. This huge collection came from Connecticut in 1976. Since then, the museum has added firearms from many other companies.

Fun Programs and Activities

The Center of the West offers many programs for visitors. These include interesting talks and family activities. Sometimes, they even have chuckwagon dinners! Check their schedule to see what's happening.

McCracken Research Library: A Treasure Chest of Knowledge

The McCracken Research Library is a huge resource. It has 36,000 books and over a million photos! It's named after Harold McCracken, who helped create the center. The library helps people learn about many topics related to the American West. It has strong collections about Buffalo Bill and his Wild West show. You can also find information on Plains Indians, ranching, and Yellowstone National Park.