When we started planning our trip West there was one stop Sarge insisted on. The stop that kept him going the whole time I was stopping at historical markers along the Oregon Trail. CODY, WY, and the Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
Sarge deals in antique firearms and often works with the Cody Firearms Museum for historical information. So, not only had we planned to stay a couple of days in Cody, but, it had to be at the Irma hotel.
“Buffalo Bill spent $80,000 in 1902 dollars on construction costs. He named the hotel for his youngest daughter Irma, born February 9, 1886″
And, not just any room would do, we had to stay in the old section.
The Irma is fantastic. Even with Covid limiting the number of people working, the service was incredible. The bar, some think a gift from Queen Victoria to Buffalo Bill, was decorated to honor those final soldiers killed in Afghanistan. We were sure to keep politics out of any conversations.
We made forays into Yellowstone from here, but this post shall be about Cody and the environs as it is a place to explore. The food at the Irma is out of this world. Apologies to my vegetarian friends, but we are in the midwest and the beef haunch was perfectly cooked and the buffet incredible. We were even treated to a Wild West show. While the acting was not Broadway material, it was obvious that the actors and the audience enjoyed it. Isn’t that truly what it is all about?
Our reason for being in Cody was principally to visit the Cody Firearms Museum and for Sarge to thank the wonderful researchers, specifically Jesi Bennett, who had been so helpful over the years supplying him with factory letters on guns he had for sale. “The Cody Firearms Museum Records Office has rare access to select serial number records from Winchester, Marlin, L.C. Smith, Ithaca, Savage, and A.H. Fox.” We were given a private tour with Kristen who just happens to be married to the Director. Of course, photos had to be taken.
Any gun collector would be amazed at this incredible collection. Even I, wife of a gun dealer, found it fascinating, and a bit overwhelming. Should you be into guns, get to the Cody Firearms Museum. Worth a trip, and Cody is worth a few days.
The Museum is not just the Cody Firearms Museum. It is comprised of many other fantastic collections. And, since there is only so much gun looking I can do, the engraving and history while interesting…
I spent my time wandering the other museums. Sarge waited patiently for me, we did not realize at the time how sick he was, and how, (another blog) a trip to the hospital a couple of months later, would bring him back to his old self.
The Buffalo Bill Museum and the Art Museum were my favorites. There is pretty much something for everyone at this place. The gift shop, while very tempting, was quite pricey.
The town of Cody has many great little shops, and a couple of really good bakeries, with excellent coffee. I sat outside and people watched. Cowboys and tourists. Everyone was very friendly and enjoying the late September warm day.
When you are married to an antique firearms dealer, you learn to expect trips to gun shops, and sometimes, you come upon the unexpected. We hoofed it up the narrow stairway to the Dug Up Gun Museum. Just what I wanted to do, look at old trash guns. However, the exhibits were well labelled and as a history buff, I found this little museum fascinating. If you are in Cody, I recommend you spend a bit of time here. Sarge ended up buying a pair of pistols while there.
Another side trip that was a bit disappointing, but had its interesting sections was Old Trail Town. It is a group of rescued log cabins. I love log cabins, after all, we live in one. but it was disappointing to see some looked to be more for storage than a glimpse into the life led by the former residents. Perhaps I ask too much.
Some of the interiors were a glimpse into what the pioneers might have seen when they brought their weary selves into a small settlement for supplies. This shall be noted in my upcoming book.
I love bronzes, and the statues we saw during our trip west were spectacular.
More about Liver-Eating Johnson: “This is the Statue and Grave of Liver-Eating Johnson Cody, Wyoming John Garrison was born in New Jersey in 1824, but he became famous in the Wild West as Liver-Eating Johnson. His Indian wife was killed by other Indians, which set him on a murderous rampage of revenge that lasted for years and produced numerous dead Indians.“
More about the Code of the West: The trip to the museum.
We are already dreaming of our return trip to Cody, Yellowstone, and a train trip to Glacier National Park. Let us hope it is in the cards.
Please like, share, and spread the word about my blog. And, thanks for reading. See you in Wyoming?
Self Employed Again 
Reading this makes me want to go to Cody!
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