Nestled in the heart of Cody, Wyoming, the Cody Firearms Museum welcomes visitors with an unparalleled collection of firearms and related artifacts.
Whether you’re a firearms enthusiast or simply curious about the role guns have played in shaping our past, this museum is well worth a visit.
Location and accessibility
The Cody Firearms Museum is located at 720 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 82414, within the iconic Buffalo Bill Center of the West complex. As part of a larger cultural center that includes museums dedicated to Western art, natural history, and Plains Indian culture, it’s easy to combine your visit with other attractions.
RVers will find plenty of street parking nearby for tow vehicles. Cody’s downtown area is RV-friendly with several municipal lots and pull-through spaces. The museum is open daily, and tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance through the Buffalo Bill Center’s website.
What you’ll see
Firearms. The museum boasts more than 7,000 firearms in its permanent collection, with roughly 4,000 on display at any given time. Exhibits span from early flintlocks dating back to the 1400s to cutting-edge modern sport rifles.
The centerpiece of the collection is the Winchester Collection, donated by the Olin Corporation. This collection features prototypes, production models, and competitor firearms.
Interactive displays. The Cody Firearms Museum has interpretive displays that demonstrate how firearms played a significant part in the Western expansion and military conflicts.
Touchscreens allow visitors to access firsthand accounts, technical diagrams, and animations demonstrating how certain mechanisms work.
You can browse displays on firearms used by notable figures, such as mountain man Jeremiah Johnson’s real hunting rifle. Or marvel at engraved presentation pieces once owned by Oliver Winchester.
Special tours
For a more in-depth experience, you can book a private, expert-led tour that grants access to artifacts not regularly on display.
Firearms safety and science
Beyond history, the Cody Firearms Museum emphasizes the science and safety aspects of firearms. Exhibits explain ballistics, engraving artistry, and the physics behind gun operation.
Whether you’re a shooter, collector, or a family traveling with children, the museum’s balanced approach educates visitors on the multiple dimensions of firearm culture.
RV campgrounds nearby
Buffalo Bluff RV Park
Situated on a bluff overlooking Cody, Buffalo Bluff RV Park offers large pull-through sites, full hookups (water, sewer, 50-amp electric), and free Wi-Fi. Its elevated location provides scenic views of the surrounding valley. It’s less than three miles from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, making it a quick 10-minute drive to the museum. Amenities include clean shower facilities, a laundry room, and friendly Western hospitality, ensuring a comfortable stay for RVers.
Absaroka Bay RV Park
Located at 2001 Highway 14/16/20 (just east of town), Absaroka Bay RV Park is a clean, well-maintained campground with level sites and reliable full-utility hookups. Friendly staff, spacious layouts for big rigs, and easy access to local restaurants make it a practical choice. It’s under four miles from the museum—about a 12-minute drive—so you can spend the afternoon exploring firearms history and return to camp for evening stargazing.
Insider tips for RVers
• Reservations: Campgrounds around Cody fill up quickly between June and September. Book RV spots two to three months in advance to secure a pull-through site, especially for larger rigs.
• Weather prep: Wyoming’s weather can shift rapidly. Even in summer, nights can dip into the 40s. Pack layers and bring a small space heater or full propane tanks to power your furnace.
• Fuel and supplies: Cody has several truck stops and big-box stores (like Walmart) just off Highway 14/16/20. Fill up your propane and grab groceries before heading into more remote areas like Yellowstone.
You should go!
• Hours and admission: The Cody Firearms Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (hours may vary seasonally). Adult admission is typically around $16, with discounts for seniors, students, and members of the Buffalo Bill Center. Children under 6 get in free, and family passes are available.
• Best time to go: Summer (June through August) sees the highest attendance. Spring and fall offer mild weather with fewer crowds. This may be ideal for RVers who prefer quieter experiences.
• Nearby dining: After the museum, grab a meal at local favorites like The Cody Cattle Company (famous for prime rib) or the Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel Restaurant & Saloon (established by Buffalo Bill Cody). Both are within walking distance of the museum.
Safe travels and happy exploring!
TRAVEL WITH A FIREARM? YOU NEED THIS!
The 2025 edition of the annual Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States is hot off the press. Because so many of our readers carry, we believe it’s important to let you know about this very popular guide. The 2025 edition covers all the basics for armed travel in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. What is legal in one state could be a felony in another. This book should be used as a reference before entering a new state (or into Canada or Mexico) to know what to expect before you cross the border. Learn more here.
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RVT1212
I have been to this museum and it is a great place to learn about all firearms. You can spend almost a whole day just looking at the guns not counting the other displays in the museum. quite a few other attractions to see in Cody as well.
Museum is outstanding. My first time visit was about 1975? lots of wonderful displays, some of which aren’t there anymore in honor to native Americans. Cody, the town, is a wonderful place to visit. I have spent may visits, both for fun and for work. A lot of history and a great place to jump off to other scenic areas!
Having lived in that area for many years I agree the museum is a must see…however Cody itself is not.
If you have the time, plan on the entire day to spend at this fantastic facility. The artifacts and displays are top notch. If possible I would recommend at least two days or more. The whole family will enjoy. A true time capsule of the old west.
The entire facility is worth a full day visit at a minimum. 👍
As a builder of replica muzzle loading arms, I always marvel at the extreme quality the early gun makers could produce. Exceptional examples in the museum.
A correction to the article which states “Exhibits span from early flintlocks dating back to the 1400s…” The flintlock was not invented until the early 1600’s. In the 1400s they would have used Matchlocks: a smoldering “rope” held in the lock that slowly lowered into a pan of powder as the trigger was pulled. If interested:
https://revolutionarywarjournal.com/matchlocks-flintlocks-firelocks-that-tamed-a-new-world-claimed-an-american-revolution/
Fascinating! Thanks for the info, Mikal. Happy travels!
Even if you are not a fan of guns, etc. this is an incredible museum. My husband really wanted to go here and we lucked out and arrived while Cody was hosting their annual Native American Tribes Dances. Afterwards, I wandered into the museum and was taken aback on the numerous other exhibits showcasing Mr. Cody, nature, etc. Additionally, the art on the stock of the rifles themselves is something to see. We’ve been back a couple of times and always find new things to see and enjoy. This place is truly amazing.
Thank you, Gail! This all sounds fascinating, especially everything tied to Buffalo Bill. Sadly, we passed through Wyoming two weeks ago and aren’t likely to return for a few years, if then. Have a great week and safe travels!