At the very top of Lookout Mountain, just a short drive west of Denver, Colorado, the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave offers history, scenic views, and Old West charm. The drive up is gorgeous, winding through pine trees, with jaw-dropping mountain views that only get better the higher you climb. Once you reach the top, you’re greeted with crisp mountain air, a rustic museum, and panoramic views that make the trip 100% worth it. Keep reading for the highlights of my visit.
🤠 Who Was Buffalo Bill?
Born William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody (1846–1917), this man was the definition of a multi-hyphenate before it was trendy. He rode for the Pony Express, fought in the Civil War, and became a larger-than-life showman who brought the “Wild West” to audiences around the world. His traveling show — Buffalo Bill’s Wild West — wasn’t just local entertainment; it toured 14 countries and over 1,400 cities, blending stunts, sharpshooting, horseback riding, and storytelling into one jaw-dropping spectacle. (I didn't even know any of this until I visited the museum and read about it on the various displays).
He also stood out for his advocacy: Buffalo Bill supported equal pay for women, American Indian rights, and wildlife conservation. Basically, he was the OG influencer of the 1800s: famous, controversial, and impossible to ignore. We love a responsible king!
🏛️ The Museum: Cost & Exhibits
Admission to the Buffalo Bill Museum is around $5 for adults (a steal, honestly) and includes entry to the gift shop and gravesite. Inside, the exhibits are full of surprises: authentic costumes, posters, saddles, and even a headdress gifted by Sitting Bull himself.
You’ll find displays about Buffalo Bill’s friendship with Native leaders, his world tours, and the massive cultural impact of his show. There’s a particularly moving section about how his Wild West show gave Native performers a chance to travel and tell their stories at a time when they were being silenced.
Pro tip: the museum does a great job blending the myth with the man. You’ll walk out feeling like you just stepped through a portal into America’s wildest era.
Check out my photos:
⚰️ The Grave
Yes, Buffalo Bill is actually buried here, despite years of rumors claiming otherwise. He’s laid to rest beside his wife, Louisa Maude Cody, in a stone-lined grave overlooking Denver and the Rockies. The site is covered with coins (a nod to a Lakota Sioux tradition started in 1923, where people left buffalo-nickel tributes).
The whole setup feels timeless: weathered rocks, a wrought-iron fence, an American flag waving above, and the Rockies stretching out forever. It’s peaceful, haunting, and cinematic all at once.
🌄 The Lookout Mountain Overlook
After visiting the museum and gravesite, definitely wander over to the Lookout Mountain overlook. You’ll see all of Golden, Denver, and even the snow-capped Front Range on a clear day. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to sip coffee, breathe deep, and reflect on how wild the West, and life, can be.
Whether you’re a history buff, photographer, or just here for the views, the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is a must-stop spot near Denver. Come for the lore, stay for the lookout.
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| Paragliders were off in the distance |
📸 Travel Tip for Bloggers
Bring a jacket (it’s chilly up there even when it’s warm in Denver), wear comfy shoes for the uneven paths, and take your photos early in the day, the lighting hits just right over the grave and the overlook around 10–11 a.m.
Pay attention to your body and don't push yourself too hard. The altitude is around 6k+ elevation, so take your time. We were so winded and a bit lightheaded up there!
✨ Final Thoughts
For travelers chasing mountain views with a side of American history, this is one of those unexpected gems that feels both educational and soul-stirring. The museum tells a story of resilience, performance, and the complicated history of the West: all wrapped up in the beauty of Lookout Mountain.
Trip Resources
If you’re planning a road trip, here are some helpful sites that I use. Note, below are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission for every booking, with no extra cost to you. Thanks so much, in advance!
Hey, I'm Christy Scronce, a Filipina-American Los Angeles native and travel enthusiast. I love visiting new places and trying new food. Welcome to my adventure blog where I capture both State & National Park visits, family excursions, and road trips, while sharing my travel photos and recaps. My goal is to visit as many National Parks using my “America the Beautiful” annual pass. 
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