western folklife center

I really enjoyed the visit to this small cowboy museum. Their current exhibit is on vacaros and their families in Baja CA. There are several video presentations and a wonderfully-stocked gift store.

We were there for our annual trip to Cowboy Poetry. I always love exploring this little museum when I am there. They do a great job with NV history and take great pride in their installation of art and artifacts.

Small museum and a small shop selling cowboy themed items and CD's. It also holds many events during the year in it's small stage area.

This corner storefront leads to a surprisingly informative, literate and beautiful store and museum dedicated Western life. It is a fundraising arm of the annual cowboy poetry festival in Elko. We thought we'd be there for five minutes and stayed nearly an hour. Don't miss it!

I really did not know what to expect from a visit, but it was raining and this is all inside so I decided to give it a try and was glad I did. Located in the historic century old Pioneer Hotel with its rooftop sign to guide you to its location, the Western Folklife Center is easy to find and has free parking in a lot across the street. There is no admission fee, but a $5.00 "donation" is suggested. The Center is part gallery, part gift shop and part a tribute to cowboys and The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering held annually and sponsored by the Center.If you are like me and don't know what western folklife is all about, I would recommend doing two things to get the most out of your visit. FIRST go to your left as you enter and look for the four short videos on the art of gearmaking featuring a saddle maker, a rawhide braider, a horsehair rope artist and a bit and spur maker. The videos tell you about the techniques involved and inside info on the skill which make you appreciate the crafts more. SECOND Pick up a price list. Many of the items are for sale and you can see what saddles selling for $12,00 or more look like.The current exhibit "Expressing the Rural West into the Future" features artists who are 40 years old or younger. Surprisingly there are some women saddle makers.In the Pioneer Saloon are posters from all the National Cowboy Poetry Gatherings since the first one in 1985. There is also a 16 minute video "Why the Cowboy Sings" in the theater which is worth watching. Save some time for a visit to the gift shop with its extensive collection of CDs and other items many of which are reasonably priced.It took me about an hour to see everything.

Classical depiction of life in the early days of western life. It has a bar too!Great jukebox playing the golden oldies, could have spent a lot of time there, but the Star beckoned for dinner.

The Western Folklife Center is a wonderful spot to stop and see the many aspects of life in the West. The gift shop is full of wonderful, one-of-a-kind, local and authentic items. Beautiful pictures of the area, cookbooks, knick-knacks, jewelry, and more! The old-time bar area is an authentic bar-back that's over 100 years. Inlayed with stained glass and adorned with old bottles~ it makes you feel as if you just walked back into history. The staff is warm and friendly!

They keep doing it right. Thank goodness for dedicated staff, volunteers, financial supporter and so many great artists of poetry, song, dance, and opportunities to learn about the "land" from esteemed academics and those with a lifetime of experience.

Great exhibit in the Weigand gallery, nice gift shop and super authentic bar. Glass would be nice as everything is served in plastic. We had hoped the archives would be available, but they aren't. Lets hope this changes soon. Gift shop has great selection of cowboy poetry books, music and souvenirs. A nice stop if traveling on 80.

We four non-cowboys traveled from the Bay Area and have really enjoyed our time here. We have listened to some great music and some pretty good poetry. But what we have really enjoyed are the amazing cowboy clothes, the friendly people and the music sessions on the smaller stages. The one thing we regret is buying tickets to so many events. There are many, many more free events, about which we did not know (not described well on their website) so we spent so much money to see the performers in concerts when most of them play for free (you need an event pass) in smaller venues during the festival. Anyway, it is a great event and we recommend it.

Small place, but enjoyed the posters from the last 25+ years. Brought one home. Nice exhibits on Italian immigrants in the valley and the Basque connections. Desk attendant very helpful.

$5 to get in. One of the exhibits was a pair of 501 Levis. Could I charge $10 to see 2 pair in my suitcase back at the motel. A lot better value is to go across the street to Capriola tack store and buy a basque stile straw hat for $25.

I think this was my 13th or 14th visit. Music, poetry, lectures, fun and friendship make the trip always worthwhile.

wonderful organization that deserves more support from business community in Elko. The Cowboy Poetry Gathering is the major event of the year in Elko and has achieved international status.

The Western Folklife Center knows how to cater to their clientele and how to do it right. Reasonably priced, helpful and always helps in the fun. If you are looking for a venue for any occasion do not hesitate to contact Teddi.