North Platte, Nebraska, was the primary home of Buffalo Bill otherwise known as William Cody. Indeed, you can even visit the Buffalo Bill State Historical Park to see his ranch. However, if you have limited time, the Fort Cody Trading Post is your best option to learn more about Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show!
Linda’s Pick of the Exhibits
While the Fort Cody Trading Post has lots of neat stuff to see, the miniature Wild West Show stands out above everything else.
What’s the miniature Wild West Show?
The miniature Wild West Show is a collection of 20,000 hand-carved figures powered by 20 motors. There are cowboys. There are Native Americans. There are cannons. There are tents. There’s all kinds of action in this animated, to-scale re-creation.
Imagine, if you can, going back to the late 1800s to watch one of the greatest travelling shows to ever be produced. The performance was — of course — Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. However, you don’t need an imagination to see the Fort Cody show.
Fast Fact: It took 12 years for Ernie & Virginia Palmquist to create all of the carvings in the narrated diorama of the Wild West Show.
For me, one of the neatest things is that Ernie actually saw the Wild West Show as a child. He even met Buffalo Bill!
What about the Palmquists’ famous Miniature Circus?
As well as the carvings for the Buffalo Bill Show, Ernie also created a traveling replica of the Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Show circus. The 50,000-piece collection of carvings was a big attraction at the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958 (from the Journal, August 29, 1962). Plus, it was featured across the U.S. in various locations.
This miniature show had a sideshow, circus parade, 30 tents, more than 20,000 circus performers including an Emmett Kelly figure wearing a wig of the famous clown’s own hair! There were tumblers. There were clowns. There were aerialists.
All of this combined into a 40-foot circus parade!
Ernie’s chief assistant was his wife, Virginia. She was a former Ziegfeld Follies dancer who sewed all the clothes for the circus people, as well as creating the tents.
Watch a video of the Miniature Circus Exhibition of 1979 here.
Today, Ernie’s miniature circus is owned by the Smithsonian.
The carvings are amazing pieces of art! Indeed, wood carving is a traditional art form that’s been around since ancient times.
While the craftsmanship of the wild west show is amazing, watching it come to life is even better (show starts every half hour). A cowboy twirls a lariat. Horses and riders go on parade. Annie Oakley shoots a target. A Native American performs a traditional war dance. Players show their cards and more.
What books did Linda write about the old west?
Station No. 1 on the Outlaw Trail: Old West Outlaws
Kidnapped by Outlaws (Sequel to Badlands and Outlaws)
What’s at the Fort Cody Trading Post Museum?
The Fort Cody Trading Post is what the name implies – a trading post. Situated on one of the U.S.’s first cross-country roads, the Lincoln Highway, it carries on the tradition of roadside souvenir stands.
Created in the traditional style of an old west trading post, it’s a stop that’s impossible to miss!
Outside, you’ll find a 30-foot-tall information sign with a drawing of Buffalo Bill Cody.
It includes information about Cody and the Wild West Show, which started in North Platte in 1883.
You enter the trading post through a door in the log stockade walls.
Fast Fact: Buffalo Bill started the World's first organized rodeo in North Platte, Nebraska, July 4, 1882.
In addition to the feature art carving attraction of the miniature Wild West Show, there are six murals by artist Gene McConnell. The murals depict important moments in the life of Buffalo Bill.
What artifacts are in the Fort Cody Trading Post museum collection?
Throughout the trading post, you’ll find various relics along with souvenirs you can buy. The museum artifacts date back as far as 150 years and are from the manager’s personal collection.
Some of the things you’ll see include:
- McClellan saddle from the U.S. Cavalry
- Shotgun chaps from the 1880s
- Angora wool chaps from 1915
- Colt single action army pistol from 1874
- Winchester 73 rifle from 1879
- Photo of Buffalo Bill (age 22) from 1868 holding his favorite rifle, “Lucretia Borgia”
- Cheyenne Parfleche (painted buffalo rawhide case used to store dried buffalo mea) from 1870
- Coffeyville boots from the late 1870s – similar to cavalry-style boots with higher heels, more pointed toes, fitted tops, and made for right and left feet!
- Hand-forged cowboy spurs with silver inlaid wire from 1877
- John B. Stetson first cowboy hat from 1870
Outside in the stockade, the key attraction is a Native American Muffler Man.
You’ll also see a buffalo statue, various historic wagons, the Fort Cody Jail building, and picnic tables to relax and enjoy the afternoon.
Linda’s Road Trip Tips
We were traveling the US-83 Road to Nowhere through Nebraska when we stopped in North Platte. Unfortunately, it was late in the day, so we didn’t have time to check out some of the other attractions. However, I really missed not making it to the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park!
After our stop, we continued on US-83 for another hour into McCook for the night. Our favorite thing in McCook? The Taste of Texas BBQ restaurant where we had supper. The brisket was delicious!
We spent the night at the Cedar Inn, which was good value for the price.
Who Should Visit the Fort Cody Trading Post?
The Fort Cody Trading Post is a great, quick stop whether you’re traveling on I-80 or US-83. While combining a museum with a souvenir store may seem like a tourist trap — it’s not.
If you’re interested in the old west and the Wild West Show, this is the perfect stop.
Indoor artifacts likely won’t appeal to small children, but the stockade will give them plenty of space to charge around outside. The picnic area under Nebraska’s bright blue skies begs to be used.
Plan on an hour or less for your visit (unless you’re shopping and then it may take you much longer!), as the miniature wild west show runs every half-hour. The trading post is wheelchair accessible.
Admission, of course, is free.
How Do You Visit the Fort Cody Trading Post?
The Fort Cody Trading Post combines opportunities for buying some Nebraska souvenirs with a quick museum visit focused on Buffalo Bill Cody and his wild west show.
Parking: There's lots of free parking right in front of the trading post.
Location: The Fort Cody Trading Post is located at 221 Halligan Drive, North Platte, Nebraska.
It’s right off of I-80 and US-83.
Visit online at the Fort Cody website.
Keep up to date with what’s happening at the Fort Cody Trading Post Facebook page.
Take a virtual tour with the YouTube video, Welcome to Fort Cody Trading Post.
Plan your visit with Google maps.
More Places to See in Nebraska
Check out all of guide2museum.com’s reviews of museums in Nebraska.
Read More Reviews of Art Museums
- TD Gallery of Indigenous Art: Free Toronto Museum
- Maple Creek’s Intriguing Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre
- See 100 Miles Across Nebraska From Scotts Bluff National Monument
- Art Gallery of Ontario: Art Museum in Toronto, Ontario
- Fort Cody Trading Post: Miniature Wild West Show in North Platte, Nebraska
- Museum of Northern British Columbia: Indigenous Art & History in Prince Rupert, British Columbia
- The Enchanted Highway: Giant Metal Sculptures in North Dakota
guide2museums.com 