Iowa has some surprising celebrity ties, with huge names like Johnny Carson and John Wayne being brought up here. But those roots go back even deeper, with one of the biggest figures in the American West being reared in the tiny town of Princeton. Buffalo Bill Cody was a Union soldier, scout, hunter – and most famously, a Wild West showman who helped to popularize the idea of the American cowboy with his over-the-top shows. And you can see where it all began by visiting his historic homestead in Iowa! The old limestone barn has been lovingly restored and now stands as a year-round museum filled with 19th-century artifacts. And while Cody was a feared figure among bison everywhere, today they play a very different role in the museum that bears his name. Come along with us and discover this unique museum in Iowa.

It's hard to believe the Buffalo Bill Cody homestead is over 150 years old - it's been restored over the years, but that old limestone construction is holding strong.
Gina Fox/Google Local
Outside, a plaque explains the history of the man who would go on to become one of the legends of the old West.
Heather Engleman/Google Local
Inside, the museum is an amazing recreation of a mid-19th century homestead, complete with many authentic furnishings.
Anthony Johnson/Google Local

Related Stories

Most People Didn't Know That Sour Cream Raisin Pie Was Invented Right Here In Iowa

Most People Didn't Know That Sour Cream Raisin Pie Was Invented Right Here In Iowa

 Few People Know The Real Story Behind Muscatine, Iowa Becoming The Pearl Button Capital Of The World

Few People Know The Real Story Behind Muscatine, Iowa Becoming The Pearl Button Capital Of The World

 This Is The Most Iowa Sound You'll Ever Hear, And We Can't Stop Listening To It

This Is The Most Iowa Sound You'll Ever Hear, And We Can't Stop Listening To It
Despite is age, the homestead looks pretty familiar in a lot of places. We can easily imagine going to sleep by candlelight in this bed.
Luigi Alecce/Google Local
No, it's not a jail - it's a way to keep some of the authentic artifacts safe and preserved.
Michael Roud/Google Local
The homestead isn't the only building that's been preserved - an old one-room schoolhouse can be seen on the grounds, as well.
Kepper66/Wikipedia
As for the buffalo, Bill Cody's legacy now extends to preserving the magnificent beasts he once hunted - they graze on the land around the homestead as part of the species' restoration project.
Jay Crumble/Google Local

Have you visited the Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead in Princeton? Tell us what you saw at this unique historic homestead in Iowa in the comments section! You can find out more about the exhibits and the museum’s operations on the official Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead website. Princeton is a river city, but there’s quite a drive between it and any of the neighboring cities – so make sure to bring your favorite road trip snacks.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Iowa

Featured Addresses
Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead, 28050 230th Ave #9713, Princeton, IA 52768, USA