August 13, 2009

Cody, WY and Buffalo Bill Historical Center

Left West Yellowstone early so we could get through road control in first wave of the day.  After that it was smooth and scenic road all the way to Cody.  After setting up carbus our objective for the afternoon was the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. 

This is actually five museums in one place (one price too).  Gun museum, Art museum, Native American History museum, Buffalo Bill and Western museum, and Natural History museum.  Each museum by itself is outstanding.  This is from someone who doesn’t do museums.  The Gun museum has over 1500 firearms on display in the main floor and another 1200 on display in a secondary floor (basement).  The Art  museum has art in all media by renowned western artists, much of it owned but some on loan from famous museums (Smithsonian, etc.) Here is one on display now.  It is the size of a wall.

Lower Yellowstone Falls and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

The Native American Museum shows Indian life and history in a very educational manner.  Large building with many rooms and alcoves each with a different theme.  The portion devoted to Buffalo Bill and western life has many areas devoted to various aspects of life in the early west, especially the cowboy.  There is a lower gallery devoted to artwork depicting the Lewis and Clark Expedition.  In the back of the lower floor there is a research center.  We stopped in and inquired if they had any data on that part of Buffalo Bills life that we have a connection to.  It took them some time and searching but they were able to locate documentation and corroboration.  We left with copies of data and they were happy to meet someone with a tie to BB.

The Natural History museum presentation is done by temperate zones starting with alpine.  One walks down to different level to different displays similar to walking down a mountain.  Very well done.  Even has hands on displays and docents to educate.

The whole thing is placed on grounds that are green and manicured and also filled with exhibits and artwork.

We spent over four hours and were no where near done.