In another gallery, most effectively presented, was a salute to rodeo and all of its events. Explanation is quite well displayed in the area. Still another area shows off a small Civil War collection, and another shows all of the parts of a cowboy's outfit, from boots to hats. Obviously, the is also a section of the museum devoted to Native American accoutrements.
One area of the museum effectively mimics a western main street with businesses on each side. The electric lights strung from side to side are the only illumination, though out of theme, but give the sense that a visitor is coming into town during the evening hours. Most of the businesses are closed, but offer period-appropriate settings inside the windows - a livery stable, a saloon, a general store, a newspaper printing office, and of course, a vintage photo booth. A little church building and a school room round out the area.
Through the doors to outside were some intriguing reproductions to explore - a nod to Native American peoples of the west (though grossly incomplete). A large cliff dwelling, just opened this year, towers over visitors, but is lacking much of the real features of the dwellings one sees at Mesa Verde in Colorado. Absent also is much interpretation for the area, and I suspect it is more simply to pique the interest of school children who visit on field trips. The weather was perfect for leisurely strolling through various Indian dwellings, and I enjoyed the attractive landscaping and outdoor statuary.
Rounding out the two or three hours that I was on the grounds, I observed the larger than life statuary on display - the Buffalo Bill that stands out on the hillside and towers over the interstate, and (back inside) the Abraham Lincoln plaster and the End of the Trail sculpture, both created by the same artist.
I knew I needed to get back to my parents' house to meet with Mom once she returned from the hospital. That called for a brisk walk to the parking lot and a drive across traffic-infested highways and streets (Emergency vehicles and car accidents were the order of the day.), all the way to the other side of the city.
There is not much in this museum that addresses the era we study, but there are a few depictions of Lewis and Clark, as well as some artwork that shows mountain men and explorers in the west. I also spotted at least two depictions of George Washington (Can you find them in the pictures above?). There were some older scenes on the walls, displaying images of Spanish explorers and pioneers in Texas and New Mexico. Still, I was glad to get away and be alone for a short time to experience some quiet contemplation.