A Visit To This Nebraska Store Will Take You Back To The Wild West
By Delana Lefevers|Published December 13, 2018
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Nebraska’s Wild West history is pretty well known, particularly in the panhandle. This is where the famous showman Buffalo Bill chose to make his home and where he hatched the idea for his Wild West Show. Today, the area still celebrates this fascinating history. This unique store and museum offers visitors a place to look into history, stock up on supplies, and even pick out some fun souvenirs.
Fort Cody Trading Post is a unique family-owned business that's been delighting visitors since 1963.
The first thing you'll notice when you pull into the parking lot is the larger-than-life Buffalo Bill Cody figure towering over the cars. Get close to the base to read about the fascinating man's life.
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As you get a little closer, you'll get your first taste of the humorous vibe you'll encounter inside. Cowboy mannequins guard the top of the fort, and one of them can even be seen with an arrow stuck in his rear end!
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Inside, you'll see all kinds of items that you'll want to investigate, along with plenty of delightful displays and hidden surprises.
Pick up a t-shirt, postcard, or other souvenir to commemorate your time at the trading post.
Browse a variety of other Nebraska-themed and Nebraska-made items, like unique jewelry...
...And delicious food items.
You'll even find plenty of items that have nothing to do with Nebraska other than appealing to our inherently playful nature.
The museum part of the trading post is just as fascinating, and you can visit it without feeling pressured to make a purchase. This two-headed calf was born in Nebraska in the 1940s and only lived about 48 hours - but its stuffed body lives on as one of the weirdest attractions in the museum.
Various items from the Wild West Show and from the Wild West era in general are also on display. Check out some of the elaborate costumes used in the show.
Lots of people stop in just to see the legendary scale model of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. This itty-bitty replica includes more than 20,000 handmade figures crafted by husband-and-wife team Ernie and Virginia Palmquist.
The display took more than 12 years to complete and today is one of the most beloved folk art displays in the country.
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The intricate diorama is actually animated with several moving pieces and accompanied by narration; the show runs every half-hour. Like all of the other displays in the trading post, you can see this show free of charge.
When you're done shopping or just need some fresh air, head out back to enjoy some fun Wild West attractions including a teepee, covered wagon, the "jail"...
...And this extremely rare Native American Muffler Man statue. The kids will have a great time exploring all of the fun things out here!
Visit the Fort Cody Trading Post at 221 Halligan Drive, North Platte, Nebraska 69101. The store is open year-round but has different hours for different seasons. Get more information on hours and some of the fun things to do and see on the Post’s website.
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