Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
North Platte, NE
William F. Cody’s 1886 Scout’s Rest mansion and barn, where he wintered his Wild West show. Open mainly in summer; the adjoining state recreation area has a campground.
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park lies near North Platte, Nebraska, and was the home of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody from 1886 to 1913. Cody ran a ranch of about 4,000 acres here with cattle and breeding stallions. The Second Empire–style mansion was built in 1886 and was the largest house in North Platte in the late 1800s.
The barn of 1887 housed the ranch’s horses and stallions and now shows memorabilia and everyday objects from ranch life.
Practical: the grounds are open year-round from 8 am to sunset. The mansion is open from May 1 to October 31, Wednesday to Sunday (9 am to 4:30 pm), otherwise by appointment only; admission is 5 US dollars for adults, plus a park entry permit. There is no camping in the historical park itself but in the adjacent State Recreation Area. Please check hours and prices in advance (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- North Platte, NE
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.1603, -100.7810
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
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Nearby
© Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center · Public domainNebraska National Forest, Bessey District
© Chris Light · CC BY-SA 4.0Great Platte River Road Archway
Photo by Howard Walsh on UnsplashIain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary
Photo by Julie Barber on UnsplashSnake River Falls
Campsites nearby
- Motorhome stopover · North PlatteMotorhome stopover1 mi from Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical ParkMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · North PlatteMotorhome stopover1 mi from Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical ParkMotorhomes
- Holiday RV ParkMotorhome stopover4 mi from Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical ParkMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Kansas PointCampsite8 mi from Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
- Maranatha Bible CampCampsite13 mi from Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
All campsites in Nebraska · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park?
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park is in North Platte, NE, at GPS 41.1603, -100.7810. It is about 58 mi from Thedford.
Can you camp near Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Holiday RV Park, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 5 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park?
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Along the Platte: Lincoln, the crane migration and Buffalo Bill.
What is there to see near Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Nebraska National Forest, Bessey District (57 mi), Great Platte River Road Archway (97 mi), Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary (105 mi) and Snake River Falls (107 mi).
When is the best time to visit Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)