Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is one of the most popular cultural and historic attractions in the Golden and Denver metro areas. Over 80,000 guests tour the museum annually and half a million people visit the gravesite and enjoy the breath-taking views from the museum’s observation deck. William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, was one of the most famous people of his time, and his Wild West show may have visited your hometown. See for yourself why he wanted to be buried on top of Lookout Mountain.

The Buffalo Bill Story

Move through the chapters of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s life. Trace Cody’s journey from his childhood through death. In this exhibit visitors can learn how he got his nickname “Buffalo Bill,” view images of his early stage career, see how Buffalo Bill’s Wild West led to Cody becoming a household name, and discover how he spent the last years of his life. Visitors can also hear early recordings of Buffalo Bill’s voice introducing the Wild West show and the “Buffalo Bill Farewell March,” played during the 1912 performance season. Object highlights include: the Stetson hat worn by Cody at the last performance before his death, a peace pipe that belonged to Sitting Bull, and Cody’s campaign desk.

A Visit to Buffalo Bill’s Wild West

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West was an intricate operation that traveled around the United States and Europe for thirty years. In this exhibit visitors can learn more about what went into making such a successful and beloved performance. Learn about advertising through posters and programs as well as the famous performers and exciting acts that kept audiences enthralled year after year. At the end of the exhibit you can flip through books to see if Buffalo Bill Visited Your Town. Think about who in your life might have visited Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. Object highlights include: saddle worn by Cody’s favorite horse, Iron Tail’s headdress, and Cody’s show costume.

Adversary to Advocate

Buffalo Bill’s relationship with American Indians evolved during his lifetime. An adversary as a scout during the Indian Wars, he later became an advocate for American Indian rights and was well known for treating native performers with equality and respect during his years with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. Walk through the gallery and trace his journey. Along the way, learn more about the Lakota performers in the show and see artifacts that help tell their stories. Object highlights include: a headdress that was gifted by Sitting Bull , Short Bull’s coat, and a portrait of Iron Tail.

Summer Hours: (May 20 - October 31): Open seven days a week, 9 am to 5 pm.

Winter Hours: (November 1 - May 19): Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.

Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

Museum Admission:

Adults: $5.00 Seniors (65+): $4.00 Children 6 – 16: $1.00 Children age 5 and under are free.

Cody's gravesite is free to visit. Lookout Mountain Park is open to the public 7 days a week.