The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a complex of five museums located in Cody, Wyoming. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in March 2026 and reflects the current $23 adult ticket price, resolving out-of-date pricing found in older guides.
Quick facts about Buffalo Bill Center of the West
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | 10:00 to 17:00 (Daily in Spring/Autumn). Extended to 18:00 in Summer. Reduced to Thu-Sun in Winter. |
| Ticket prices | Adult $23, Senior $22, Student/Veteran $21, Youth (6-17) $16, Under 5s free. |
| Address | 720 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414, United States. |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Free on-site car park. |
| Typical time needed to visit | 4 to 6 hours. |
Buffalo Bill Center of the West opening hours
Buffalo Bill Center of the West opening hours operate from 10:00 to 17:00 daily during March, April, and November. Final admission is not strictly timed, but arriving at least two hours before closing is necessary to see the core exhibits.
Seasonal variations apply throughout the year. Between 1 May and 15 September, hours extend from 08:00 to 18:00 daily, reducing to 08:00 to 17:00 from 16 September to 31 October. In winter (1 December to 28 February), the complex opens from 10:00 to 17:00 on Thursdays to Sundays only, and closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West ticket prices
A standard adult ticket to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West costs $23, while seniors (65 and over) pay $22, and students or veterans pay $21. Youth tickets (ages 6 to 17) cost $16, and children under five, as well as active US military personnel, enter for free. All admission tickets are valid for two consecutive days.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
How to get to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
To get to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, visitors must travel to Sheridan Avenue in the centre of Cody, located 50 miles from the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park. The most practical method of transport is driving via US Highways 14, 16, or 20.
Public transport options in Cody are highly limited. There are no regular municipal bus services stopping at the attraction, making a hire car or local taxi service the only viable options for visitors without their own vehicle.
Parking at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
There is free, dedicated on-site parking at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West available for all visitors. The large surface car parks are located at the side and rear of the building.
These car parks provide ample space for standard vehicles, motorhomes, and coaches, and include two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Overnight parking or camping is not permitted on the museum grounds.
How long to spend at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Visitors typically need four to six hours to explore the entire complex, as it houses five distinct museums under one roof. The layout requires extensive walking between different wings.
Because standard admission tickets remain valid for two consecutive days, many visitors choose to split their visit, spending two or three hours on the first afternoon and returning the following morning.
Accessibility at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
The entire facility is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with lifts connecting all floors across the five museums. Manual and power wheelchairs are available to borrow from the main admissions desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accessible toilets are located throughout the building, including family restrooms on the lower level of the firearms wing. Service animals are permitted inside, and an ADA-compliant outdoor play area is available in the gardens.
Inside / what to see at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
The Buffalo Bill Museum focuses on the life and career of William F. Cody. Displays include his performance costumes, saddles, firearms, and original promotional posters from his travelling Wild West shows.
The Plains Indian Museum exhibits the art, clothing, and cultural artefacts of Native American tribes from the Plains region. It features historic beadwork, a 42-foot mural, and the newly launched Buffalo Nation exhibition.
The Cody Firearms Museum displays over 4,000 historical and modern weapons. The collection documents the technological evolution of firearms manufacturing, military history, and target shooting equipment.
The Draper Natural History Museum uses immersive dioramas to present the wildlife and ecology of the Greater Yellowstone region. Visitors follow a descending walkway that replicates the transition from alpine tundra to lower-elevation plains.
The Whitney Western Art Museum houses paintings, prints, and bronze sculptures depicting the American West. The gallery features original works by historical artists alongside contemporary western art pieces.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip category | Advice |
| Timing | Arrive at 08:00 during the summer months to view the most popular exhibits before the mid-morning coach tours arrive. |
| Crowds | The complex is busiest between June and August; winter visits provide a quieter environment but restricted opening days. |
| Layout | Obtain a physical map at the ticket desk, as navigating between the five connected museums can be disorientating. |
| Entry process | Retain your physical or digital receipt, as you will need to present it to re-enter the facility on your second consecutive day. |
| On-site logistics | Food and drink are not permitted inside the galleries, but an on-site eatery is available near the central lobby. |
Frequently asked questions about the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
| Question | Answer |
| Is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West suitable for children? | Yes, children under five enter free, and the site includes interactive natural history displays and an outdoor play area. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West? | No, tickets can be purchased at the admissions desk upon arrival, though online booking is an option. |
| Is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West open on Sundays? | Yes, the complex is open on Sundays year-round, starting at either 08:00 or 10:00 depending on the season. |
| Are bags allowed at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West? | Yes, standard day bags are allowed, but visitors should avoid bringing large luggage as storage lockers are limited. |
Things to do near Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- Cody Nite Rodeo: A paid evening rodeo event that runs nightly throughout the summer season.
- Old Trail Town: A paid outdoor museum featuring preserved frontier cabins and historical wagons.
- Cody Dug Up Gun Museum: A paid exhibition showcasing rusted and relic firearms found across the region.
- Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue: A paid evening entertainment show featuring western music, poetry, and comedy.
- Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center: A free-entry (donations encouraged) engineering attraction offering views over the Shoshone River canyon.
