Current Issue

Colorado Vignette - Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum

The Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum was started in 1921, just 4 years after Buffalo Bill was buried on Lookout Mountain. Johnny Baker, a marksman with the Wild West shows and a foster son of Buffalo Bill’s, began the museum to house mementoes from Buffalo Bill’s life and the Wild West shows. Because of his relationship to Buffalo Bill, he was able to collect many items from Cody’s life as well as compile the largest collection of Wild West show posters in existence. Today the original museum building is a historic site housing a gift shop; the collection compiled by Baker is exhibited in a modern building beside it. Museum exhibits include historical timelines of Buffalo Bill’s life and show business career, antique firearms, an exhibit on Buffalo Bill’s relationship to the Indians and a children’s activity area. In the Children’s activity area, visitors can put on cowboy clothing and sit on a horse for photographs. The Museum also has a temporary exhibit area where subjects ranging from Western apparel to firearms to heroes and villains have been explored. The Museum should be contacted to learn what exhibit is showing in this area.

According to his widow Louisa, Buffalo Bill chose to be buried on Lookout Mountain because of its spectacular view. Since 1917 he has occupied a simple grave on top of Lookout Mountain. Louisa was buried next to him after her death in 1921. From the gravesite, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the two landscapes that played such a great part in his life: the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains.

The Buffalo Bill Museum and grave are located on Lookout Mountain, just 30 minutes from downtown Denver. Museum admission is $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for children, ages 6 to 15, and $2.00 for seniors over 65. The museum is open from 9:am to 5:pm, seven days a week, between May 1 and October 31. It is open 9:am to 4:pm and closed Mondays between November 1 and April 30. Further information about ongoing events and activities may be obtained by visiting www.buffalobill.org, or calling 303- 526-0744 or writing Buffalo Bill Museum, 987 Lookout Mtn. Road, Golden, CO 80401.

Return to Table of Contents