See the Exhibit in Buffalo Gap
Tucked into the oak-covered landscape of Central West Texas, Buffalo Gap is a place where history, hospitality, and wide-open spaces come together in perfect harmony. Rooted in Texas tradition, this small-town gem offers a glimpse into the past while embracing the simple pleasures that make life here so special. Now their heritage and their stories are being celebrated on a national stage. Buffalo Gap clearly has a long history with many fascinating stories to tell, some of which are being told for the very first time...
See the exhibit in Buffalo Gap from March 15, 2025 through April 26, 2025.
Hero image of the Buffalo Gap provided courtesy of Gaucho Film Co..
Next Stop: San Elizario, TX
The Smithsonian's national traveling exhibit, "Crossroads: Change in Rural America," will be travelling to seven small towns spread across Texas.
To catch the exhibit when it's in your neck of the woods, check out other dates and locations by visiting our main exhibit page.
Community Host
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Callahan Divide, Buffalo Gap is a small town with a big sense of community and a deep appreciation for its history. From unique dining and cozy lodging to family-friendly attractions, this charming destination blends rural Texas heritage with modern appeal. The Buffalo Gap Chamber of Commerce, guided by dedicated local volunteers, works to preserve the town’s historic character while supporting its growth and future opportunities. As the host of the Museum on Main Street exhibition, the Chamber invites visitors to experience Buffalo Gap’s rich past, vibrant present, and enduring spirit of hospitality.
The Local Story: Buffalo Gap's Legacy
Each of the seven host communities plan to put their own local spin on the national story with additional exhibits, events, tours, and more.
Buffalo Gap is proud to be one of just seven towns in Texas selected to host the Smithsonian’s Crossroads of Rural America exhibit. This interactive experience brings history to life, exploring how small towns like ours have shaped—and been shaped by—change.
At Buffalo Gap Historic Village, visitors will experience this national exhibit alongside our town’s unique story, brought to life through the Village’s historic structures, rare artifacts, and special programming. As the former county seat of Taylor County, Buffalo Gap has long been a crossroads of cultures, industries, and traditions. This exhibition gives us the opportunity to deepen that narrative with a focus on the people and events that made our community what it is today.
In addition to the Smithsonian’s exhibit, guests can explore how national themes connect to our local history through curated highlights:
- The Buffalo & Indigenous Legacy – Explore the land’s first stewards and the impact of the bison.
- Cattle, Rails & the Frontier – See how ranching and the railroad built Texas.
- Energy & Industry – Learn how oil, gas, and wind power fueled progress.
- Military Influence – Uncover the role of frontier forts and modern air bases.
With hands-on exhibits, expert talks, and access to the Historic Village’s preserved buildings and collections, visitors can truly step into the past while exploring the broader themes of rural America.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, running through April 26th at Buffalo Gap Historic Village—where history isn’t just told, it’s experienced.
Visitor Information
Plan Your Trip
Expand the items below to find all the information you need to see the national traveling exhibit in Buffalo Gap. While you're there, take advantage of all there is to do! Discover places to stay, dine, and things to do.
Exhibit Location
The national exhibit can be viewed at Buffalo Gap Historic Village.
133 William Street
Buffalo Gap, Texas 79508
Buffalo Gap's local exhibit is also located at Buffalo Gap Historic Village.
Fee and Hours
The exhibit will be on display daily from March 15, 2025, to April 26, 2025.
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Closed Easter Sunday)
Fee:
Free of charge
Parking Information
Free parking is available at Buffalo Gap Historic Village or across from the Village in the open lot.
Accessibility
The Buffalo Gap Historic Village is ADA Compliant. There are a few places with steps, but ramps are included.
Local Exhibit
While in town to see the Smithsonian's "Crossroads: Change in Rural America" exhibit, please also visit the local exhibit "Smithsonian in the Gap".
Smithsonian in the Gap
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
133 William Street
Buffalo Gap, Tx 79508
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Closed Easter Sunday)
Additional Programming
While you're in town to see the exhibit, stay a while longer to enjoy the additional programming. Each week of the tour will feature different themed programming for you to enjoy! For more information on other things to see and do while you're in check out the programs below. Visit smithsonianinthegap.com for updates on programming.
The Buffalo (March 15-20)
Smithsonian "Crossroads: Change in Rural America" Exhibit Grand Opening Ceremony
March 15, 2025
Weekly Lecture Series: Henry Crawford Buffalo Hunters, A Hands-On History: Methods, Materials and Mooar
March 15, 2025
Film Screening - "Ballads of Buffalo Gap"
March 15, 2025
Buffalo Bone & Meat Presentation by BT Bison Ranch
March 16, 2025
Film Screening - Part 1, “The American Buffalo,” by Ken Burns
March 16, 2025
Bison Grocery Store
March 16, 2025
Taylor County Commissioner's Court in the original Taylor County Courthouse
March 18, 2025
Bison Keeper Chat
March 18, 2025
Film Screening - Part 2, “The American Buffalo,” by Ken Burns
March 18, 2025
Bison Keeper Chat
March 19, 2025
Film Screening - Part 3, “The American Buffalo,” by Ken Burns
March 19, 2025
Bison Keeper Chat
March 20, 2025
Fireside Chat: Rath City and Hide Towns by Cheryl Lewis
March 20, 2025
Native Americans (March 21-27)
Fort Chadbourne Artifact Display
March 21, 2025
Lecture Series: Garland Richards - Artifacts & Fort Chadbourne
March 21, 2025
Lecture Series: Lance Tahmahkera
March 22, 2025
Traversing the Trails (March 28-April 3)
Lecture Series: Dr. Liles - The Cattle Trails
March 21, 2025
Reenactment of the Stealing of the County Seat
March 29, 2025
Ranching and Agriculture (April 4-10)
Antique Tractors on Display
April 4, 2025
Oil and Gas (April 11-17)
Reenactment of the Stealing of the County Seat
April 12, 2025
Salute to the Military (April 18-24)
Dyess Air Show
April 19-20, 2025