Center of the West Media Fact Sheet
Media Info
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Physical Address:
720 Sheridan Avenue
Cody, Wyoming 82414
Phone Number:
307-587-4771
General E-mail Address:
[email protected]
Our Five Museums & Research Library
Buffalo Bill Museum
See possessions of Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley and explore thrilling stories of the American West — real, fictional, or somewhere in between.
Plains Indian Museum
Stories of Plains Indian cultures, traditions, trials, and triumphs — past and present. View timeless artifacts from the 1800s as well as modern works from today’s Native artists
Cody Firearms Museum
Over 10,000 artifacts and completely redesigned galleries that spark meaningful conversations for firearms enthusiasts and casual visitors.
Whitney Western Art Museum
An art-lover’s dream. View timeless classics from Remington, Russell, Moran, and Bierstadt or browse selections from today’s world-renowned western artists.
Draper Natural History Museum
Immersive and kid-friendly for those who love Yellowstone. Look, listen, feel — and sometimes even smell — what makes Yellowstone’s diverse ecosystems special.
McCracken Research Library
The McCracken Research Library preserves the American West’s history through meticulous research and stewardship, offering access to rare manuscripts, maps, and photographs.
The Center of the West at a Glance
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is the premier destination to experience the authentic story of the American West. Five world-class perspectives on aspects of the West mesh to move visitors to discover and develop personal connections to that story. A research library supports exploration of these perspectives.
The Center is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. A repeat recipient of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence from several years running, the Center also frequently wins honors in True West magazine’s annual “Best of the West” awards.
The Center of the West takes visitors on an adventurous ride through the history of the American West via its 300,000 square feet of collections of artifacts, interactive displays, western art, and exhibits housed within five museums and one research library. The Center appeals to visitors of all ages and is an attraction that can be enjoyed over a few hours or a few days.
Less than a one-hour drive from Yellowstone National Park, the Center has become a memorable part of millions of family vacations and has also been named one of the “favorite museums for group travelers” by the National Tour Association.
Experiences
Exclusive Tours
Book an exclusive, private tour of any of our five museums. Or customize a hybrid tour to your own specific interests. A top-tier content expert shares stories while offering special access to artifacts not on exhibit.
Live Raptor Experience
Meet the live raptors of the Draper Museum Raptor Experience: a bald and a golden eagle, a turkey vulture, a peregrine falcon, a red-tailed hawk, owls, and other live birds of prey. A must-see, family friendly experience March–November.
Chuckwagon Dinners
From June–August, 2 Mules Chuckwagon offers a special dining experience on our beautiful grounds. Watch some Dutch-oven cooking and enjoy steak, trail beans, salad, sourdough biscuits, and cobbler.
The Center of the West's Construction History
The Buffalo Bill Museum opened as a log cabin in 1927 in downtown Cody. In 1969 it moved to a new wing of what was then-named the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, joining the Whitney Western Art Museum (opened in 1959 as the Whitney Gallery of Western Art) on the Center’s campus. The Plains Indian Museum opened in 1979, the Cody Firearms Museum in 1976 (redesigned and reinstalled in 2019), the McCracken Research Library in 1980, and the Draper Natural History Museum in 2002.
Press Inquiries:
Contact Ken Straniere, Public Relations & Marketing Manager, 307-578-4137, [email protected]
Interview Opportunities:
Center curators, staff, and local historians are also available, by appointment, to members of the media seeking to add layers of colorful commentary, facts, and stories to their editorial coverage.
» Rebecca West, Executive Director & CEO «
» Gretchen Henrich, Director of Curatorial, Education, and Museum Services «
» Paul Hutton, Interim Curator, Buffalo Bill Museum «
» Danny Michael, Robert W. Woodruff Curator, Cody Firearms Museum «
» Corey Anco, Willis McDonald IV Curator of Natural History, Draper Natural History Museum «
» Hunter Old Elk, Interim Curator, Plains Indian Museum «
» Ashlea Espinal, Assistant Curator for the Whitney Western Art Museum «
» Susan Fletcher, Housel Director, McCracken Research Library «