Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave sits on Lookout Mountain above Golden, Colorado, with William F. Cody’s gravesite, a history museum and sweeping Front Range views.
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave in Golden, CO
Thirty minutes west of downtown Denver, Lookout Mountain Road climbs to a museum that draws more than 80,000 visitors a year, while another half-million people stop at the free gravesite and observation deck for the plains-and-peak panorama. Inside, exhibits cover Cody’s life as a scout, showman and founder of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, including costumes, posters, firearms and a 22-minute introductory film. The average visit runs about an hour in the museum plus 10 to 15 minutes at the grave.
Cody died in Denver in 1917 and was buried here at his request. The museum is part of Denver Parks and Recreation. Summer hours (May 19–October 31) are daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; winter hours (November 1–May 18) are Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed Mondays and on Thanksgiving, the Friday after, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Museum admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $1 for ages 6–17 and free under 5; the gravesite and park amenities are free. Parking is free and handles cars, RVs and buses.
Photo Gallery
Photo credits: LarLoop4BuffBillgrave by Cathy Cline (CC BY-SA 3.0); Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave entrance sign by Xnatedawgx (CC BY-SA 3.0); Buffalo Bill Museum, Lookout Mountain, 2006 by Jami Dwyer from Portland, OR, USA (CC BY-SA 2.0); Buffalo Bills Grave directional sign by Xnatedawgx (CC BY-SA 3.0); Buffalo Bill Grave 02 by Jibi44 (CC BY-SA 4.0); Buffalo Bill Grave plate 03 by Jibi44 (CC BY-SA 4.0); Gravesite of William "Buffalo Bill" Cody by Maneybe (CC BY-SA 3.0); Buffalo Bill Grave plate 02 by Jibi44 (CC BY-SA 4.0); Buffalo Bill Grave Plate Pony Express by Jibi44 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Images via Wikimedia Commons.
News & Events
See hours, admission and events on the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave site for Golden, CO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave?
- History museum: Tour exhibits on Cody’s Wild West show, scouting career and memorabilia.
- Gravesite: Walk to Buffalo Bill’s grave and the surrounding memorials for free.
- Observation deck: Take in Front Range and Denver metro views.
- Introductory film: Watch the 22-minute orientation video inside.
- Pahaska Tepee / gift shop: Browse western gifts and grab a snack next door.
What is nearby the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave?
- Golden: Coors Brewery tours, Clear Creek and a walkable downtown a short drive down the hill.
- Lookout Mountain Park: Picnic shelters and trails on the same summit.
- Lariat Loop Scenic Byway: A historic mountain drive linking Golden and the foothills.
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science: A major natural history stop east in City Park.
- Red Rocks and Morrison: Concert venue and foothills town farther south.
When was the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave established?
William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody was buried on Lookout Mountain in 1917. The museum that interprets his life grew beside the gravesite and is now operated by the City and County of Denver’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
When is the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave open?
Summer (May 19–October 31): daily 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Winter (November 1–May 18): Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., closed Mondays. Closed Thanksgiving, the Friday after, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Park gates lock about an hour after sunset.
Are there any tips for visiting the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave?
Combine the museum with the free gravesite views even if you skip admission. Bring a light jacket; the summit is windier and cooler than Denver. There is no public transit to the site, so plan on driving or rideshare. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more with advance notice.
The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is located at 987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Road, Golden, CO 80401. Call (720) 865-2160 or visit buffalobill.org for details.