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History & Museums

For a taste of the true American West and the culture of Wyoming, head to the place founded by legendary showman “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Immerse yourself in history with over 40 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Explore charming downtown Cody and don’t miss the award-winning Buffalo Bill Center of the West, where five world-class museums bring to life the region’s rich history, art, and natural wonders.

History & Museums

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Old Trail Town and Museum of the Old West

Museums

Step back in time to the Old West of the 1890s at Old Trail Town, located on the original town site of Cody City, Wyoming. Stroll through 28 historic buildings including Butch Cassidy's Hole in the Wall Cabin and Rose William's Roadhouse. Visit the cemetery and Jeremiah Johnston's grave, and view Mountain Men monuments.

By Western Hands Museum & Gallery

Museums

By Western Hands is an artisan gallery and exhibit hall. The mission is to educate, conserve and perpetuate Western functional art and design.

TravelStorys

History & Culture

Explore authentic curated stories told by real people through GPS-based, self-guided audio tours.

Explore the storied wild west history of the town founded by the legendary Buffalo Bill: https://travelstorys.com/tours/historic-downtown-cody

Cody to Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone National Park—Through Wapiti, Sylvan Pass, and the East Entrance to Yellowstone: https://travelstorys.com/tours/cody-to-yellowstone

Hemingway Highways - The man the myth: https://travelstorys.com/tours/hemingway-highways-cody

Recently added Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.

Smith Mansion

History & Culture

Over 40 years ago Lee Smith began building a multi-story log house in wildlife-rich Wapiti Valley by hand, a process that lasted until he fell to his death from the roof in 1992 at the age of 48. We locals have many names for that lonely, decrepit house – the Smith Mansion and Pagoda House are the kindest references. Some people just call it the Crazy House. Anyone who drives through Wapiti Valley has seen this structure perched on a hill on the south side of the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway. It’s rambling five stories are accented – seemingly randomly — with protruding staircases, precarious balconies and shattered windows. Even though it never had electricity, it was the home where Smith lived with his wife and two children. In the early 1992 Smith stepped up work on the structure, creating additional meandering rooms that featured architectural accents like elk antlers and random containers made from metal scraps. His projects often took him to the roof and upper floors where he worked without safety tethers. On a windy April day in 1992, he fell and died.

Cody Heritage Museum

Museums

The Cody Heritage Museum covers the history of the town and surrounding area. Focus areas include: Town founding, early area businesses, Ranching/Farming/Agriculture, Oil & Gas/Railroads, Tourism/Rodeo/Cowboys and Early Cody Families.

Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center

History & Culture

The Buffalo Bill Dam was the tallest dam in the world when completed in 1910. Today it is a National Civil Engineering Landmark. Breathtaking views, travel and local event information.

Homesteader Museum

Museums

Presenting over 50 years of homesteading, community development and family stories that make the Big Horn Basin a prime example of the U.S. Reclamation Act's role in settling the West.

Meeteetse Museums

Museums

The museums feature the western photography of Charles Belden and exhibits on the endangered black-footed farrets, the grizzlies "Little Wahb" and "Big Joe," information about the Ghost Town of Kirwin and artifacts from Meeteetse's past.

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