Plains Indian Museum Cody Wyoming

Exploring the Plains Indian Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Nestled in the heart of Cody, Wyoming, the Plains Indian Museum is a cornerstone of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a sprawling complex of five world-class museums dedicated to the American West. This museum stands out for its profound exploration of the lives, cultures, and traditions of Plains Indian peoples, offering visitors a rich, immersive experience that spans centuries. About a year ago, KassDays visited this remarkable museum, capturing its essence in a video that highlights its unique exhibits. This article complements that journey, delving into the museum’s significance, collections, and impact.

A Living Tribute to Plains Indian Cultures
The Plains Indian Museum is more than a collection of artifacts; it’s a vibrant, living tribute to the Native peoples of the Great Plains, including tribes like the Lakota, Cheyenne, Crow, Arapaho, Blackfeet, and Shoshone. As Crow tribal historian Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow once described it, the museum is “a living, breathing place where more than just Indian objects are on display.” Since its establishment in 1979, it has been a leader in promoting public recognition of Plains Indian art and culture, housing one of the nation’s largest and finest collections of Plains Indian artifacts.
The Acesso, the museum’s exhibits are thoughtfully curated to tell the stories of the people behind the objects, emphasizing their cultural and historical contexts. Visitors encounter themes like Buffalo and the People, Honor and Celebration, Land of Many Gifts, and  Adversity and Renewal, which explore the economic, spiritual, and ceremonial aspects of Plains life, as well as the challenges and resilience of these communities.

A World-Class Collection
The museum’s collection, numbering over 6,000 objects, is a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of Plains Indian peoples. It began with clothing and accouterments from Lakota and Cheyenne performers in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West shows and has grown through significant acquisitions, such as the Paul Dyck Plains Indian Buffalo Culture Collection. This collection, acquired in 2007, includes rare items from the late 1700s to the 1890s, like buffalo hide tipis, eagle feather bonnets, and peace medals, representing the “Buffalo Culture” era.
Highlights include a Northern Plains shirt from circa 1860, items traded by Sitting Bull at Fort Randall (1881–1883), and a shirt belonging to Red Cloud. The museum also showcases contemporary works by artists like Kiowa artist Vanessa Jennings and Lakota artist Emil Her Many Horses, reflecting the ongoing vitality of Plains Indian artistry. Interactive displays, such as the Tsistsistas (Cheyenne) Migration scene and the Buffalo and the People gallery, bring to life the roles of dogs, horses, and buffalo in Plains economies and spiritual practices.

Exhibits That Educate and Inspire
The museum’s galleries are designed to engage visitors of all ages. The Adversity and Renewal gallery, for instance, features a reproduction of a 1911 log house belonging to Standing Bear, an Oglala Lakota, offering a glimpse into reservation life. The Honor and Celebration gallery explores ceremonial traditions, including the Sun Dance and powwows, with a dance arbor where visitors can experience the music and movement of Plains cultures. The Land of Many Gifts gallery highlights the contributions of women, showcasing their roles in gardening, quilling, and beadwork.
KassDays’ video likely captured the museum’s low-light ambiance, which creates a reverent atmosphere but can challenge photography. As noted in a 2022 blog post, the museum’s exhibits, like a Blackfeet headdress from 1850 or a travois-pulling dog display, are visually striking, even in dim lighting. These displays, combined with personal narratives and multimedia, make the museum a powerful educational tool.

Commitment to Cultural Respect and Renewal
The Plains Indian Museum is deeply committed to ethical stewardship, complying with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). It emphasizes “own voices,” prioritizing Native perspectives in its exhibits and programs. The museum fosters contemporary renewal by showcasing how Plains Indian nations rebuild their identities through cultural centers, events, and language revitalization.
Educational programs are a cornerstone of the museum’s mission. For example, it hosts annual visits from St. Labre Indian School students, who create exhibitions and learn museum practices. In 2019, students curated a display of moccasins, dolls, and cradleboards, which was on view through Spring 2020. The museum also sponsors an annual Powwow in June at the Robbie Powwow Garden, a vibrant celebration of Plains Indian culture.

A Must-Visit Destination
​Located at 720 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, Wyoming, the Plains Indian Museum is part of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a Smithsonian Affiliate and TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner. Visitors often praise its respectful and educational portrayal of Native American history, with many recommending at least half a day to explore its extensive displays. A single ticket grants access to all five museums for two days, making it a comprehensive experience for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and families alike.
KassDays’ visit a year ago underscores the museum’s enduring appeal. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate beadwork, the historical significance of a Sitting Bull artifact, or the contemporary voices shaping Native identity, the Plains Indian Museum offers a profound journey into the heart of the Great Plains. Plan your visit to this Cody gem, just an hour from Yellowstone’s East Entrance, and discover the stories that continue to resonate today.
For more information, visit centerofthewest.org or contact the Buffalo Bill Center of the West at 307-587-4771.