A field with an old fence and mountains in the background

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 & Culture
Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center
The Heart Mountain Interpretive Center tells the stories of Japanese Americans confined here during WWII. The Smithsonian Affiliated and National Historic Site includes a museum, original camp structures, walking trail and military memorial.
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East Yellowstone Loop
Smith Mansion
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.
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History & Culture
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
The Center is a Smithsonian Affiliate housing FIVE incredible, family-friendly museums, plus a research library, under ONE roof! The Buffalo Bill Museum, Whitney Western Art Museum, Plains Indian Museum, Draper Natural History Museum, Cody Firearms Museum, and McCracken Research Library - connecting people to the American West through history, culture, art, natural science, authentic chuckwagon dinners, live birds of prey shows, special events, expert talks, and customized exclusive tours. Center admission is good for TWO days!
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History & Culture
TravelStorys
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.
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History & Museums

Cody Firearms Experience

History & Culture

Shoot the guns that won the west! From flintlock to full-auto. Instructor led experience covering history, safety and live fire. Over 50 firearms. Indoor range, kids arcade and wildlife exhibit. Indoor axe throwing.

Discounts for military and seniors.

Open daily during the summer 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

October to April – Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m to 7 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

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A man in a cowboy hat aims a gun, ready to shoot

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.

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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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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.

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State of Wyoming Veterans Memorial Park

History & Culture

Visit this landscaped park featuring the Wyoming Vietnam Veterans War Memorial, World War II monument, State of Wyoming Korean War Memorial, and the Freedom Memorial located at the intersection of 26th Street and HWY 14/16/20.

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Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center

History & Culture

The Heart Mountain Interpretive Center tells the stories of Japanese Americans confined here during WWII. The Smithsonian Affiliated and National Historic Site includes a museum, original camp structures, walking trail and military memorial.

Website Learn More

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.

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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.

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