History

Fort Cody Trading Post has been in continual operation since 1963. The first Fort Cody (pictured here on the left) was on US Hwy 30, on the western end of North Platte and was open from 1963 to 1968. The second and present Fort Cody was built to coincide with the opening of Interstate 80 in 1967 and has remained at this location since its opening. It continues to be family-run, and is now under second generation ownership.

Fort Cody Trading Post was once the summer home for the Whitecalf family of Pine Ridge South Dakota. (pictured on the right) The family lived in the back towers and performed their Native American Dances during the day for our customers. They also presented a half hour evening performance which featured traditional dances including the Hoop Dance. Their final summer in North Platte was in 1977, when they returned to live year 'round in South Dakota.

The two souvenir stores pictured here have also been owned by the Henline family over the years. The Buffalo Bill Trading Post (left) was on the west end of North Platte on Hwy 30, and was opened for business in 1950 and sold in 1954. The Sioux Trading Post (below) was in Ogallala, Nebraska, also on Hwy 30, was opened in 1952 and closed permantly in 1969. The Whitecalf family also performed in Ogallala, before moving with the owners to Fort Cody in North Platte.

Designed by Sam Henline