In the past several decades, through federally protected preserves and wildlife conservation programs, the American Bison can be seen in the wild once again. Perhaps not the vast millions of pre 1800’s, today 9 bison herds in 12 states roam the Plains and Prairies of the United States. And now, the Bison reigns as the U.S. National Mammal. So, I bet you’re wondering, where are the best places to see bison in America?
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Best Places to See Bison in America
The scientific name for bison is Bison bison montanae. The Plains Bison, Bison bison bison (that’s not a typo; it’s bison x3), is one of two subspecies/ecotypes of the American bison, the other being the Wood Bison (Bison bison athabascae).
Back in the very early 1800’s, 40-60 million bison roamed the Great Plains of the United States. But, by 1830, white settlers made their way to the west.
The bison prairies became a lucrative hunting ground. And, the senseless mass killings brought the bison population to near extinction.
But, where are we now in federal and nonprofit initiatives to bring back the bison populace?
Federally-protected preserves and refuges along with wildlife conservation programs are working around the clock in bringing back the bison herds.
But first, before we get on with the best places to see bison in America, let’s learn a little about the mighty bison. We’ll share tidbits of a little of their history, what they eat, how big do they get, and where do they roam.
Which is it? Bison or Buffalo?
Now, it’s easy to confuse the bison and buffalo; thinking they are one in the same. But they’re not. The North American scientific name is shortened to Bison from the three Bison bison bison.
However, there is a difference between bison and buffalo. Bison have large humped shoulders, large heads, and thick furs which shed throughout the spring and early summer. Buffalo have smaller heads and are a few hundred pounds heavier. Male bison (bulls) weigh in a little smaller at 2000 pounds. Whereas, water buffalo grow to be a bit bigger weighing in at about 2600 pounds.
 BISON |  BUFFALO |
But, the most obvious is bison horns and buffalo horns differ from each other. Bison horns are typically shorter and sharper than the buffalo’s.
Water buffalo horns are long and curved in a crescent. And Cape buffalo have horns that are thick at the base, curl down and then back up.
However, all that said, the names bison and buffalo are interchangeable. Each may be called the other.
How big do Bison get?
Bison are the largest mammal in North America. And, a herd of bison is also called a gang or obstinacy.
Full grown male bison stand over 6′ tall, up to almost 13′ from head to butt. Bulls weigh in at about 2,000 pounds. The average bison skull weight is about 10-12 pounds. Bull bison don’t reach prime breeding until they are 6–10 years of age.
Female bison stand up to no more than 5′ tall and weigh up to 1,000 pounds when fully grown. Cows begin breeding at the age of 2 and birth only single calf at a time.
Baby bison (calves) at birth only weigh anywhere from 30 to 70 pounds. The gestation period of a female bison is about 283 days (9.5 months). Calves are typically born in June and July.
Bison also have cloven hooves for feet to withstand their heavy weight, standing for long periods time and withstanding rugged terrain.
The average lifespan for a bison is 10–20 years, but some may live longer depending on genetics, herd hierarchy, health and environmental concerns.
What do Bison eat?
Bison are year-round grazers. Bison belong to the cattle family as they are ruminants. Buffalo and bison chew their cud. Their diet consists of grasses, wildflowers, thin plants and twigs as well as lichen.
In the winter snow, bison will plow the snow using their heads sweeping side to side to find food.
Where do Bison place on the food chain?
Since bison are very large in size, they have very few wildlife predators. That said, buffalo and bison do fall victim to powerful hungry wolves, big cats and bears; especially the very young or elder bison.
But did you know that bison are also legally hunted and may be raised just like cattle for meat, hides and horns.
Worry not though, there are plenty of places where our Nation’s Bison are protected inside National Parks, National Preserves and National Wildlife Refuges.
How fast can Bison run?
The top speed of a bison is 35 miles per hour; about that of a horse. Which makes it extremely important to stay away from them. Wildlife viewers should keep more than a 25 yard distance between them and the bison.
And, if a bison is approaching, even while grazing, continue to put ample distance between you and the bison.
Unfortunately, as you’ve no doubt, read or heard several accounts of bison attacks. It’s due to peepers encroaching on their territory.
Despite regulations (National Park Service and State Parks), bison charges are more prevalent over other animals, including bears, within their region. To say the least, bison attacks are completely preventable.
What is the significance of the white buffalo?
If you’ve watched some documentaries or shows about the Bison, you’ve probably heard about the white buffalo. White buffalo (bison) are extremely rare.
Just to give you some perspective, out of 10 million buffalo only one is born completely white.
But several Native American tribes, predominantly the Lakota (Sioux) consider the the white buffalo to be sacred.
They believe these very special bison are the bridge between God (Creator) and everything encompassing Mother Earth.
The story continues even after 2000 years of sacred ceremonies, council meetings and tribe storytellers.
An interesting write up by Legends of America explains in depth the legend of the white buffalo and why they are considered a spiritual gift to witness.
What happened to the Bison to near extinction?
If you’ve read our Tatanka, the Story of the American Bison, you’d get a good history lesson on why the Bison drastically disappeared from North America to the point of extinction.
Sadly, from 1830-1885, the bison population plummeted from 60 million down to 100. Yes, you read that correctly; 60 million down to 100.
All because the federal government thought if they got rid of the Lakota (Sioux) food source and lifestyle resources (the bison), they’d eliminate the Tribe completely.
However, there were also other reasons. People like William Cody, hence why he was nicknamed ‘Buffalo Bill Cody’, were hired to kill at least a dozen bison a day to feed the railroad workers in 1867.
He was hired by the federal government to exterminate at the rate of over 4000 bison in just a matter of 8 months. He got to be so good at it that he became the best bison hunter killing almost 50 bison is just 30 minutes.
Aside from his actions, bison were hunted not only for reasons listed above but the killings became a lucrative business bringing in high prices for bison tongues and skins.
And of course, no surprise that the white hunters left the rest of the bison to rot on their own home turf.
If you watched the movie, Dances with Wolves, this was accurately depicted in the productions.
Ironically, after Kevin Costner acted, directed and produced the film, he went straight to work to create an educational exhibit in Deadwood, South Dakota, Tatanka, the Story of the Bison.
PRO TIP: If you’re visiting South Dakota’s Black Hills and Badlands, we highly recommend checking out our Mount Rushmore National Memorial Travel Guide.
Where are the best places to see bison in the wild?
So, now that we’ve learned all about the Bison, where can we see the our National wildlife icon of America?
There are 11 National Parks, National Park Wildlife Refuges and National Recreation Areas that collectively, are home to several thousand bison.
In addition, there are also several state game preserves that protect thriving bison herds in their regions.
South Dakota
You’ll find that South Dakota is what we call ‘Bison Destination’! It’s one of the best places to see bison in the wild in the United States!
During the 1960’s, conservation efforts in Badlands National Park began when 50 bison were reintroduced to the park. In the 1980’s, another 20 bison were introduced to the existing herd.
Today, approximately 1,200 bison inhabit the 64,000 acre wilderness area in the western reaches of the North Unit of the National Park. Badlands National Park is continuously working to expand the bison range within the Park.
Wind Cave National Park‘s most majestic and visible mammal is the American Bison. Look for them where fire recently burned and at the prairie dog towns.
Nearly 1,300 bison, one of the largest herds anywhere, roam free in the foothills of Custer State Park‘s 71,000 acres.
The Wildlife Loop Road winds through the prime buffalo range in the southeastern part of the Park. Approximately 450 bison make their home in the Badlands Wilderness area of Sage Creek.
And, if you’re really into getting down and dirty, make sure you plan to attend the Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup in the Fall put on by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department.
Also, each November, Custer State Park auctions between 200 and 500 head of live buffalo as part of their bison herd management program.
Buyers and spectators from around the United States come to watch and participate in the annual auction. Bison are generally purchased to supplement an existing herd, to start a herd, or to eat.
North Dakota
Aside from visiting the world’s largest buffalo in Jamestown, North Dakota, the northern state has made the Bison a state icon.
Bison are North America’s largest native land mammal and are considered livestock in North Dakota.
But if you want to see our great American Bison in their natural habitat, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is home to a herd of 300-700 bison.
In 1956, 29 bison were obtained from Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska and released in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. And, by 1962, the bison herd increased to 145 ; 20 of which were relocated to the North Unit of the National Park.
Today, the North Unit has anywhere from 100-300 bison and the South Unit of Theodore National Park has approximately 200-400 wild bison. Now the American bison descendants roam freely on 46,000 acres of park land without worry of poachers and hunters.
U.S. Parks wrote: “If it were not for the foresight of a few individuals such as Theodore Roosevelt, the mighty bison could easily have become extinct.
Warnings and attempts to protect the bison came as early as 1776, but it wasn’t until 1894 that the first federal legislation protecting this animal was enacted. Killing of bison was now punishable by a $1000.00 fine or imprisonment, and the law was strictly enforced.”
These important laws were put into place to protect our wild bison from another repeat.
For more information on how the federal mandates care and wildlife conservation of the bison, we highly recommend reading the National Park Service’s Bison Management article.
Formerly named Sullys Hill National Game Preserve, White Horse Hill National Wildlife Refuge near Fort Totten, North Dakota is home to about 20 buffalo.
The White Horse Hill bison herd once played an important role in the conservation of Plains Bison.
A small 20 bison herd is now managed for historical and educational value. The population of less than 20 animals is to keep the herd size in balance with the available habitat.
PRO TIP: Making plans to visit the Great Plains and North Dakota? Check out our Theodore Roosevelt National Park Travel Guide.
Montana
In the Flathead Valley of Montana, thousands of bison graze and roam the Bison Range, formally known as the National Bison Range.
It’s a nature reserve on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Moiese, Montana established as a wildlife conservation area for the American Bison.
This Bison Range was established in 1908 to provide a sanctuary for the American bison. It’s one of the oldest National Wildlife Refuges in the United States.
Today, they calculate the herd to be from 300 to 500 bison. The Bison Range 19,000 acre land trust has been recently transferred from the Department of Interior to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Wyoming
It comes as no surprise that the largest buffalo herd in the United States is in Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where the bison have been existing since prehistoric eras. It’s no wonder that Wyoming and Yellowstone are the best places to see bison roaming the grassland prairies with white-capped mountain backdrops.
How many bison live in Yellowstone National Park?
The bison population in Yellowstone National Park fluctuates from about 2,300 to 5,500 animals in two sub-populations, defined by where they gather for breeding.
The northern herd breeds in the Lamar Valley and on the high plateaus around it.
The bison herds aren’t just left there to fend for themselves. A livestock disease, also known as brucellosis, can be transmitted to bison and elk as well as to cattle through contact with infected fetal tissue.
But the Federal and state government agencies and organizations manage and monitor the bison and herds to ensure they continue to flourish and remain healthy.
The National Park Service works extensively with other federal and state government agencies as well as tribal agencies to manage and develop policies for bison access to live and roam freely in Montana.
Utah
Native to Capitol Reef National Park, a bison herd along with elk and other native animal grazers roam the Henry Mountains that’s maintained by the state.
This particular bison herd in the Henry Mountains are managed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources since the 1940 when they were brought there.
But another place to see Bison is on Antelope Island State Park, near Salt Lake City. There, you can see a herd of 600 bison that thrives on the Great Salt Lake!
Antelope Island State Park is the perfect destination for anyone who enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, bird-watching, and of course, observing Utah’s largest free-roaming bison herd.
Thus, making this one of the best places to see bison graze the grasslands while they enjoy the world’s largest salt lick.
PRO TIP: Visiting Salt Lake City? You’ll definitely want to include seeing the Bison on Antelope Island State Park on the Great Salt.
Oklahoma
In southwest Oklahoma, the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge hosts several herds of bison where they thrive in the vast plains and harsh weather.
The Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge’s bison herd includes approximately 650 of these herbivore beasts.
Nebraska
In northern Nebraska is Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge; home to a herd of 360 bison, a herd of elk, and a prairie dog town.
Because of the Refuge’s biodiverse fertile grasslands along the Niobrara National Scenic River and wide open space that allows the freedom they seek.
Kentucky
The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in western Kentucky protects the Elk & Bison Prairie. The region offers a native grassland habitat common in Kentucky more than 100 years ago.
The South Bison Range sits alongside the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway across from the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm; south of the Tennessee state line.
Elk and bison roam free within this 700-acre protective enclosure. You’ll be able to watch bison roaming in two adjacent 100-acre pastures along the road.
However, take caution when in the presence of bison during their summer breeding season. Bull bison can be especially aggressive during the rut. Also, bison, both male and female, are extremely protective of their calves.
Which is why it’s required to view the bison from inside an enclosed vehicle. Motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians are NOT PERMITTED inside the Elk and Bison Prairie due to obvious safety reasons. Visitors are to travel only in a fully-enclosed vehicle on the 3.5 mile paved loop road.
If you’re visiting during summer, the best times to see bison is just after sunrise and right before sunset.
Iowa
Beginning in the early 20th century, conservation herds were established to prevent extinction by re-building the bison populations.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) manages one of these conservation herds today, usually numbering 50-70 animals.
The bison herd lives and roams in the 800-acre fenced bison and elk management area. Sometimes, you can see the bison (and elk) from your vehicle on the auto tour route, the Tallgrass and Overlook Trails and the Visitor Center.
California
Catalina Island plays host to a bison herd 22 miles off the southern California coast. 14 bison were brought onto the island as part of a movie set in the 1924 Zane Grey film, The Vanishing American. The bison were left on the island after production of the movie ended.
Today, the original herd’s descendants roam the 75 square mile island. Over the decades, the bison herd grew to as many as 600.
But now, the Catalina Island Conservancy maintains Catalina’s 150 bison to protect both the herd and the island’s landscape.
The bison seems to prefer grazing near Little Harbor Campground in Catalina. Or, you’d like to take your family on a cool adventure, go on a Bison Expedition.
These magnificent animals are popular amongst the tourists and embraced by the residents. You can see murals of bison on buildings as well as spot the bronze bison weather vanes.
Texas
In writing this article, I did learn there are two buffalo herds in Texas.
One herd was donated to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and brought to Caprock Canyons State Park in the Texas Panhandle in 1997.
What’s astounding is these particular buffalo’s DNA and genetics are not found anywhere else on the continent. Even more, this herd are the last of the Southern Plains bison variety.
Hence, making them the Official Texas State Bison Herd.
Another bison herd lives at San Angelo State Park. However, I’m unsure how many bison are at each.
Bison Viewing Safety Tips
This is important, so please don’t skip over this part.
If you’re going to be in the bison habitat, there are some important precautions you must adhere to for both, yours and the bison’s safety.
Even though bison may not show signs of stress, the presence of people can influence their normal behaviors and physiology.
Bison are wild animals. While they look slow and docile, agitated bison or buffalo can be dangerous and may charge without provocation or warning.
So, it’s important to keep safe distance between you and any wildlife, including bison.
If you are going to view bison during July and August mating season or when bison mothers are calving in April and May, this is the time bison are more aggressive and protective. If you get too close, they WILL defend themselves and it won’t end well for either of you.
But really, you should give bison their much needed space of at least 25 yards at all times, no matter what time of year.
*** If you notice a bison showing agitation, scratching, pounding the ground, grunting, you need to leave the area immediately. ***
And lastly, NEVER attempt to approach a bison (or any wildlife) to get that perfect Instagram shot. It never ends well just like the woman who was gored by a bison.
And, don’t be stupid like those motorists who put a baby bison in their car causing it to be euthanized later.
Please take time to read the National Park Service’s case study on bison selfies in Yellowstone.
Want to visit the Bison Ranges via RV?: Check out RV LIFE Pro! It’s the premier RV lifestyle suite that includes the #1 RV trip planning tool, RV LIFE Trip Wizard. It also includes a mobile RV GPS app, an RV LIFE Maintenance tracker, and RV lifestyle education with RV LIFE Masterclasses.
Final thoughts on where the best places to see bison in America
Though we failed early on as a country, we’re slowly but surely bringing them back from near extinction. Our federal government is working hard in protecting one of the most important wildlife resources
In doing so, it’s important that we educate and instruct future generations to never allow that to happen again.
So, take that road trip to any one or several of these cool places to see the bison.
After all, the Bison are America’s National Mammal. We owe it to this incredible majestic animal to learn about them and protect their legacy.
PRO TIP: Check out these great books about the history of the American Bison:
| The Extermination of the American Bison:
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If you’re interested in great up close and personal bison experience, check out what we did at Cook’s Bison Ranch near Elkhart, Indiana! You can hand-feed bison while also learning about responsible bison ranching.
Check out these other cool places to visit in the prairie and grasslands regions of the U.S.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park – North Dakota
Scotts Bluff National Monument – Gering, Nebraska
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in Western Nebraska
Toadstool Geologic Park: Hike and Camp at Nebraska’s Badlands
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Awesome article…thanks for the deep dig on the history aspect…it’s encouraging to know how they cull the herds and how many are donated back to the indigenous people…
We sure did enjoy seeing the “red dogs” when we visited Custer state park in May…
Safe travels my friends
Hey Chuck, we’re so glad you enjoyed this article about where to find Bison in the United States. Writing it actually inspired us to go find more! We’ll never forget riding our motorcycles through Custer State Park. They were getting mighty close yet we were in a traffic jam of Bison peepers. But, they are such amazing animals. Hope to see you on the road again soon. Please stay safe and enjoy your travels!
You might include Texas in your listing: Caprock Canyons State Park is home to the official state bison herd.
Adam, great to see you read our article. I don’t know why we didn’t think of Caprock Canyons. Thank you so much for letting us know. We’ll edit the article to include it. We appreciate working together with great peeps like you to put out good information. Safe travels! -Lisa