Raptor Experience at Buffalo Bill Center of the West: close up view of spectacular birds of prey

Kateri, a gorgeous golden eagle, was injured while feeding on a dead deer near Gilette, Wyo. She cannot fly. She was named by a young Cody girl.  Kateri honors the patron saint of people who love nature and preserve the environment.

ENRAPTURED BY RAPTORS AT THE BUFFALO BILL CENTER OF THE WEST IN CODY, WYOMING

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

Editor's Note

Originally published: June 2015 and last updated June 23, 2026, to reflect current travel information, attractions, schedules, pricing, lodging options, and visitor recommendations.

Most travelers come to Cody because it is the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park. What many visitors don't realize is that one of the region's most impressive wildlife experiences is waiting right in town. Inside the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the Draper Natural History Museum and the famous Raptor Experience offer an exciting journey into the wildlife, landscapes, and natural wonders of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Whether you're traveling with kids, photographing wildlife, or simply looking for an unforgettable educational adventure, this attraction deserves a place on your Cody itinerary.

A red-tailed hawk, Isham, arrived at the raptor program from New Mexico.  He was likely hit by a car when only a few years old. His eyes were damaged and he is a permanent resident at the world famous museum.

Welcome to One of Cody's Hidden Gems

Cody, Wyoming is home to Western history, rodeos and scenic drives. The Draper Natural History Museum provides something completely different. Instead of focusing on cowboys and frontier history, the museum celebrates the wild landscapes, animals, geology and ecosystems that make Yellowstone a remarkable place. Located inside the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the museum immerses visitors in the natural world through interactive exhibits, dramatic displays, and hands-on experiences that appeal to every age group.

The moment you walk in, you're transported to the mountains, forests, rivers, and valleys of the Yellowstone region. You explore exhibits featuring wolves, bears, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and countless other species that call Wyoming home. This place isn't about only artifacts behind glass. The Draper creates an experience that feels alive.

Why Families Love the Draper Museum

One reason travelers consistently recommend the museum is its ability to engage visitors of all ages. Children love the interactive displays and wildlife exhibits. Adults appreciate details about Yellowstone's ecology, geology, and conservation efforts. Families can:

• Learn about Yellowstone's wildlife

• Explore interactive exhibits

• Discover how predators survive in the wild

• Understand the delicate balance of ecosystems

• Experience educational activities designed for children

Many visitors arrive expecting to spend an hour or two but stay longer. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed for a deeper understanding of the Wyoming landscape.

The Star Attraction: The Draper Museum Raptor Experience

If there's one experience you should not miss, it's the Draper Museum Raptor Experience.

This live educational program allows visitors to get remarkably close to some of Wyoming's most iconic birds of prey. The program features rescued birds -- wildlife ambassadors-- who educate visitors about conservation and the role predators play in the ecosystem. You'll see majestic Bald and Golden Eagles, swift Peregrine Falcons, striking Great Horned Owls.

Meet the Raptors

The Raptor Experience introduces guests to an incredible collection of birds.

Depending on the day, visitors may encounter:

• Bald Eagles

• Golden Eagles

• Peregrine Falcons

• Red-tailed Hawks

• Swainson's Hawks

• Great Horned Owls

• Saw-whet Owls

• American Kestrels

• Ravens

• Turkey Vultures

Each bird has its own unique story. Many were injured in the wild and cannot be released, making them ideal ambassadors for wildlife education programs. Visitors learn of challenges birds face, including habitat loss, vehicle collisions, power line injuries, and other threats.

A trainer holds a rescued Great Horned Owl, one of the participants in the Draper Museum's live raptor show.

 Known as a key member of "nature's clean-up crew," vultures are respected for disposal of waste and rotting meat. A unique digestive system is impervious to bacteria and disease.

An Up-Close Wildlife Encounter

The beauty of the Raptor Experience is that it creates a connection between people and wildlife. Seeing a Golden Eagle soar across the Wyoming sky is incredible. Standing feet away from one while hearing its rescue story is unforgettable. Suli, for instance, hatched in a haystack in Kansas in 2011 where ranchers discovered her and thought her an orphan.  They took her to a nature center where she grew up with people not other vultures.  So Suli failed to learn bird behavior and survival in the wild. Expert handlers also explain:

• Hunting behaviors

• Flight adaptations

• Predator-prey relationships

• Migration patterns

• Conservation challenges

• How birds survive in Yellowstone's harsh climate

We found the presentations engaging, educational, and humorous -- enjoyable for all.

Exploring the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

The Draper Museum focuses on one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America -- the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Exhibits showcase:

Yellowstone Wildlife, Ecosystems

Learn about bears, wolves, moose, elk, bison, and mountain lions.

Discover how wildlife survives Wyoming's extreme seasonal changes.

Rivers and Wetlands

Understand the importance of water systems to regional biodiversity.

Geological Wonders

Explore the forces that shaped Yellowstone's mountains, valleys, and volcanic landscapes.

The museum does an exceptional job of connecting visitors with the landscapes they may encounter during their Yellowstone adventures.

Perfect Before Visiting Yellowstone

Many travelers visit the Draper Museum before entering Yellowstone National Park.

This is a smart strategy. The exhibits help visitors prepare for a Yellowstone visit:

• You'll be better able to identify wildlife

• Understand animal behavior

• Learn about ecosystems

• Appreciate conservation efforts

• Gain a deeper understanding of Yellowstone

After time in the here, spotting an elk, eagle, or wolf in Yellowstone is more meaningful.

Photography Opportunities

Photographers appreciate the Raptor Experience. While wildlife photography in Yellowstone often requires long lenses and patience, the Raptor Experience provides unique opportunities to photograph birds of prey up close while learning about them.

Follow staff instructions regarding photography and respect the animals.

Educational Without Being Boring

One of the biggest surprises for many visitors is how entertaining the museum is.

The exhibits blend science, storytelling, conservation, and hands-on activities.

Instead of reading endless informational plaques, guests experience wildlife through immersive displays and engaging presentations.

This makes the Draper Museum one of the most family-friendly attractions in Cody.

Cookie and a raptor docent examine mice and other food for the birds, carefully kept in freezers with diet descriptions on the walls. The raptors are given a healthy diet, much like they would find in nature.

How Long Should You Plan to Visit?

Many visitors spend between two and four hours exploring the museum and attending a Raptor Experience presentation. If you're interested in wildlife, photography, conservation, or Yellowstone ecology, you could easily spend much longer.

Admission to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West includes access to all five museums.

Frequent Questions about Raptor Experience Buffalo Bill Center

Is the Draper Museum good for children?

Absolutely. Interactive exhibits and live animal presentations make it one of Cody's most family-friendly attractions. Presentations last 30-45 minutes depending on featured birds.

Is the Raptor Experience included with admission?

Yes. Regular daily presentations are included with general museum admission.

Can I visit all five museums in one day?

You can, but many travelers use the two-day admission window to explore at a relaxed pace.

Birds of prey at the museum include eagles, kestrels, falcons, hawks and owls, viewed at close distances.

Final Thoughts and Why Visit

If you're planning a Wyoming adventure in 2026, don't just drive through Cody on your way to Yellowstone. Take time to explore the Draper Museum and experience other fascinating wildlife programs. Immersive exhibits, live birds of prey, educational programs, and world-class storytelling creates an experience that visitors remember long after leaving Wyoming.

A BIRD IN THE HAND, as the old saw goes, is worth two in the bush.

At the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, there are several lively "handsful" of gorgeous raptors.

Summer Hours and Admission Costs

Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Draper Museum

Summer Hours (May 1 – September 15, 2026)

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily

General Admission is $23

Seniors: $22; Students (with ID): $21;

Children Ages 6–17: $16; Children Under 5: Free

Active U.S. Military: Free

Park County Youth: Free (with qualifying program)

Summer Raptor Experience Program Schedule

May 23 – September 30; 10:00 AM Daily; 3:00 PM Daily

Included with general admission.

Visitors to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West often spend two days visiting five world-class museums.  More on that next time, a unique museum complex with a two-day admission.

COMING UP: whereiscookie.com spends the day at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, known worldwide, an intriguing complex of five different museums ranging from western history to art, rifles and wildlife.

Remember to explore, learn and live and check us out weekly for more destination guides, hidden gems, road trip inspiration, travel planning advice, family adventures, and unique attractions across America and beyond, at WhereIsCookie.com. You'll find the latest travel tips, ideas, and recommendations to help you travel smarter, explore deeper, and create unforgettable memories.