Hulett, Wyoming: Rogues Gallery and Old West Museum

Awesome gallery and museum run by artist Bob Coronato and his wife in an early 20th century wooden building. The museum holds their personal collection, which constantly changes and reflects the local culture and lifestyle of the plains. Make sure you see the copy of Bob's portrait of Russel Means (the original hangs in the National Portrait gallery in DC) Open about six months of the year, so check the dates just to be sure.

We were passing through Hulett in August, and our early morning bad timing meant we weren't going to get inside the free Old West Museum. However, the outside of the establishment was entertaining enough. The wood frame building is heavily decorated with antlers, Old West junk, and politically incorrect gags.

A pair of open coffins are propped on a hitching post, with a sign: "A Micro Aggression 'Safe Space' - Hulett, Wyo." One coffin is occupied by a skeleton; visitors climb into the other for photos.

Near the entrance, a hangman's rope is framed and accompanied by this label: "Break Glass in Case of Tree Huggers, Limp Wristed Liberals, and All Other Sissy Types! -- The Management."

Yep, some real knee-slappin' humor in these parts....

The gallery was established in 1993 and is owned and operated by artist and dealer Bob Coronato and his wife Lisa Williamson-Coronato. The museum in the back is free to all and specializes in pioneer, cowboy, and American Indian artifacts. Every item (except a few satirical pieces) are actual artifacts from cowboys and Indians, no replicas or casts. The museum rotates the collection every year and is always procuring new items. Bob is an amazing artist and designs rodeo posters. We bought three prints and he signed them for us. Super nice guy. This place is simply awesome!