Bison Range

Agreed with the above comment. The Bison are inside a Refuge that they roam at there own free will. Some crossed directly in front of our car, some were bedded down not to far from the road and others were at least a mile or better away. Chances are pretty darned good for an excellent photo opp but i would definitely suggest if at all possible bring a camera with zoom and some binoculars. Have a great time. It's absolutely gorgeous up top. 👍🏻👍🏻

Saw no signage or advertising for it

Yes

No.

That’s a great question. We planned our trip to be at the range early in the morning, 8:15. We thought the coolest part of the day would be best for viewing the wildlife. I am confident you’ll see the bisons. There is a river on the last part of the 2 hr loop. I have a picture of one bison in the water. Enjoy! Definitely worth the drive from Kalispell!

There are many snakes on the refuge, including rattlesnakes and bull snakes. Please be aware that the turnabout where Red Sleep Drive meets the end of Prairie Drive is home to a population of rattlesnakes that enjoy sleeping under the large rocks at the edge of the road. Please do not sit on these rocks or allow your pets and/or children to play on them. Always remain in your vehicles while on the scenic drives. For more information about our snakes, please contact the Visitors Center.

It's owned by the Indian nation

Yes, they announced intentions of a roundup this year. Usually occurs in October. Contact them via website.

Yes as of today

Because this land falls under tribal territory, the Range is not only following federal and state guidelines buy also tribal, which have been more restrictive and slower to reopen. That said, there is currently no date specified.

No motorcycles are allowed on the scenic drives, enclosed vehicles only. This is partly because the rough, unpaved roads make motorcycling dangerous, but also because open vehicles can put drivers at risk of conflict with wildlife. Please remember to always stay inside your vehicle when on the scenic drives! For more information, please contact our Visitors Center.

The Gift Shop officially opened November 29th, 2021 and is located within the visitor center, towards the right of the front desk. The Gift Shop is open 8am-5pm, Sunday-Saturday unless otherwise stated. The Gift Shop offers a wide selection of products mainly from local tribal artists and Montana artists. All proceeds go directly to supporting the Bison Range.

There is a small fee ($5), but if you have an interagency pass for national parks, that will work.

Yes

Prairie Drive is open during the winter and though it is a lower elevation than Red Sleep Drive, there are still plenty of animals to see! In the winter, it's common to see birds, elk, pronghorns, deer, and smaller mammals roaming the hills. Occasionally, the bison also like to come down as well. The only limit to the scenic drives is that vehicles must be under 30ft long and not have a trailer attached.

I really do not know. Guessing, it might be so long as it is not snowed over... And just reading another's answer, no, closed last week. Sorry, I'm in Helena, haven't been there since the 1st of September.

No, but local food is really good.

I would say no if you have a typical RV. If it is an off-road capable RV, then it may be more suitable. Call the facility and ask them what they would recommend.

Yes pets are allowed and can be out of the vehicle at certain areas of the park on leash. But please remember these are wild animals and keeping your dog under control as to not disturb the wildlife is appreciated like no excessive barking or possibly chasing 😀

From the FWS site....We welcome all bikers (motorcyclists and bicyclists) to the National Bison Range. However, because of safety concerns, we do not allow them on any of the scenic drives, all of which are graveled. Bison, and other animals, can frequently be on the roads and there would be no barriers between riders and wildlife. Also, the gravel conditions may preclude bikes from avoiding dangerous situations quickly and safely.

You need to call for this information.

Yes.

No

As of 2020, the round-up has been changed to The Gathering and is usually held in the 2nd week of October. Whether this event is open to the public is still being decided, so please check the Bison Range facebook page and website for more information.

As of 2020, the round-up has been changed to The Gathering and is usually held in the 2nd week of October. Whether this event is open to the public is still being decided, so please check the Bison Range facebook page and website for more information.

It has approximately 18,800 acres of land.

Yes