Visitor Center

Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Visitor Center★ 4.8
Stone visitor center exterior near Cody, Wyoming, with banners in Yellowstone area under a blue sky.

Comprehensive West-history immersion across five museums. A Smithsonian Affiliate experience with on-site cafe and map shop; plan a full day to explore.

Quick facts

Daily Hours
May 1–Sept 15: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sept 16–Oct 31: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Nov 1–30: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Dec 1–Feb 28: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Thu–Sun); Mar 1–Apr 30: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Seasonal Hours
Open year-round with seasonally adjusted hours.
Seasonal Operation
Open year-round.

Hours & contact

Daily Hours
May 1–Sept 15: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sept 16–Oct 31: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Nov 1–30: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Dec 1–Feb 28: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Thu–Sun); Mar 1–Apr 30: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Seasonal Hours
Open year-round with seasonally adjusted hours.
Seasonal Operation
Open year-round.
Phone Available
1
Best Contact Method
Phone and email listed on centerofthewest.org contact page.

Services

Rangers Available
1
Ranger Programs
Live raptor shows March–November; times vary.
Free Park Maps
0
Trail Maps
0
Permit Issuance
  • Backcountry and climbing permits are not issued here.
Permit Types
Backcountry and climbing permits are not issued here.
Backcountry Permits
0

Facilities

Restrooms
Flush toilets; family/unisex restrooms on the Cody Firearms Museum lower level.
Restroom Type
Flush toilets; family/unisex restrooms on the Cody Firearms Museum lower level.
Water Fountain
0
Bookstore
1
Wi-Fi Available
0
Cell Service
Cell signal varies; strongest in main public areas.
Accessibility
ADA accessible; elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms and dining areas.
ADA Compliant
1

Exhibits & nearby

Has Exhibits
1
Exhibit Topics
Buffalo Bill history; Plains Indian culture; Western art; Draper Natural History Museum (Greater Yellowstone flora and fauna); Cody Firearms Museum.
Interpretive Films
Not offered.
Junior Ranger
0
Nearby Campgrounds
No on-site campground; lodging in Cody.
Nearby Lodging
Hotels and B&Bs in Cody within a short drive.

Planning advice

Best For
In-depth West history, Western art, and natural history; family-friendly cultural immersion.
Highlights
Buffalo Bill Museum, Whitney Western Art Museum, Plains Indian Museum
Why Visit
A five-museum deep dive into the American West with a Smithsonian-grade collection, right in Cody.
Parking Reality
The main lot can fill on busy days; RVs have designated spots; overflow parking in Cody may be needed.
Facility Intel
Flush toilets; cafe; WiFi and cell service details uncertain; campus is ADA accessible.
Best Time To Visit
Weekdays mornings tend to be quieter; parking can fill on busy days.
Tips Advice
  • Plan a full day to cover all five museums
  • Parking is ample but can fill on busy days; RVs have designated spots on the south side
  • Grab a snack at the café and pick up maps at Points West Market

More details

Park Area
Cody, Wyoming
Parking Availability
Ample day-use parking; RVs have designated spots on the south side; main lot can fill on busy days.
Parking Capacity
Ample day-use parking; RVs have designated spots on the south side; main lot can fill on busy days.
Parking Peak Time
Busy weekends and peak season; arrive early.
Parking Notes
South-side RV parking; no overnight parking.
Operating Hours
May 1–Sept 15: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sept 16–Oct 31: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Nov 1–30: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Dec 1–Feb 28: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Thu–Sun); Mar 1–Apr 30: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Seasonal Variations
Open year-round.
Accessibility Features
ADA accessible; elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms and dining areas.
Exhibits Displays
Buffalo Bill history; Plains Indian culture; Western art; Draper Natural History Museum (Greater Yellowstone flora and fauna); Cody Firearms Museum.
Has Bookstore
1
Bookstore Operator
Points West Market
Ranger Talks
1
Ranger Talk Schedule
Live raptor shows March–November; times vary.
Film Presentations
0
Film Schedule
Not offered.
Park Newspapers
0
Safety Info Available
1
Park Maps Available
0
Permit Protocol
No backcountry permits issued here; Yellowstone NP visitor centers handle permits.
Climbing Permits
0
Nearest Trailheads
Not directly adjacent to Yellowstone trailheads.
Nearby Dining
On-site cafe; additional dining options in Cody.
Nearby Facilities
Cafe, Points West Market, restrooms, ample parking.
Notable Features
Buffalo Bill Museum; Whitney Western Art Museum; Plains Indian Museum; Draper Natural History Museum; Cody Firearms Museum; Points West Market.
Best Visit Time
Early morning or late afternoon; avoid peak summer mid-day.
Insider Tips
Allocate a full day to cover all five museums. Parking can fill; start at the Buffalo Bill Museum first to pace your visit.
Family Friendly Notes
Kid-friendly; family/unisex restrooms; raptor shows March–November; plan a full-day visit.
Current Conditions Info
Hours vary by season; check centerofthewest.org for up-to-date hours.
Recent Updates
Open year-round; hours adjust with season.
Stop If Skip If
  • STOP IF: You want a deep, Smithsonian-level West history across five museums.
  • SKIP IF: You only need park navigation or backcountry permits.
Review Summary
Visitors describe a high-quality, broad West collection that rewards a full-day visit. Parking can fill on busy days; many appreciate the on-site cafe and map shop.

Location

Bear statue on a rock display inside a Yellowstone National Park visitor center museum.Inside Yellowstone National Park, a historic wooden wagon exhibit with large spoked wheels on display in a museum setting.Yellowstone National Park visitor center carriage exhibit featuring a bright yellow stagecoach.Buffalo Bill statue atop a stone pedestal in a windswept plaza within Yellowstone National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a Yellowstone National Park visitor center?

No. It is a Smithsonian Affiliate museum complex in Cody, not a National Park Service center.

Do they issue backcountry or climbing permits here?

No. Backcountry and climbing permits are not issued at this center.

Is there a on-site map bookstore?

Yes. Points West Market on site sells maps and related items.

Are ranger programs or raptor talks offered?

Yes. Live raptor shows are offered seasonally, typically March–November.

Is there a cafe on site?

Yes, a café and coffee bar are available on site.

Cody Firearms Museum

Cody Firearms Museum – firearms history in Cody; not a Yellowstone permit center.

Fairy Falls

Trailhead to Fairy Falls/Grand Prismatic Overlook; no restrooms, water, or on-site maps.

Old Trail Town

Desk and maps only—quick bathroom break and map check.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.