Bison Range Restoration /
National Bison Range
The State of Montana is wild, rugged and diverse with elevated mountain peaks, vast pastures and calming lakes. It seems that no matter where you go in this state there are adventures of all kinds to be had and lands to explore. There is certainly no shortage of excitement throughout the year in Montana. The National Bison Range should be on your list of places to explore if you find yourself west of Glacier Mountain National Park.
The National Bison Range was transferred over to the Confederate Salish and Kootenai Tribes in December 2020 following passage of legislation through Congress. The property is now under tribal management and no longer administered through the Department of the Interior. After years of negotiations and planning, these lands have been returned to their original owners (albeit they remain owned by the government but held in trust), who continue to preserve the range and provide educational components to visitors. The tribes, acting as trustees to the wildlife and land, continue to coordinate management plans with the US Government while the transition of stewardship occurs. The tribes have adopted a new name of the place, the Bison Range Restoration, as a way to annotate the restoration of bison that once roamed these lands in vast herds. However, it is still widely known and the National Bison Range.
Don't forget your hiking boots
Changing landscapes provide ample animal sitings
Beautiful vistas throughout the range
The land is located southwest of Polson, the largest city in the area, just shy of an hour away. Those traveling from the western entrance of Glacier Mountain Nation Park will be rewarded with great scenery, but clocking in at two hours, the drive can be long. It is suggested to encompass a visit to the Bison Range while locating yourself in or near Polson, as there are other activities in the area.
Entry onto the range is easily obtained with amble signs leading to the visitor center. Be sure to stop in for tickets, which are currently $10 per vehicle. While there, scope out the displays and information relating to the range, bison restoration activities and tribal community interests. Workers and volunteers are on hand to answer any questions or provide general information.
Following the visitor center is the entry onto the range. Access is for vehicular traffic only and those on foot will not be allowed in. Red Sheep Mountain Road to the right is the longer route and is definitely worth the travel. A strong vehicle is needed but the unpaved roads do not necessarily require a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The road will traverse through the lands and over hills allowing for unbelievable vistas and wildlife viewing, especially for what you came here for - the bison. Numerous herds call the range home and bison can be seen from afar or up close in your space. It is not uncommon for bison to be blocking the road and rubbing up against your car. When encountering the massive animals, do not spook them by using your horn or trying to nudge them out of the way. Remember, you are the guest here. Provoking the bison may cause them to charge the vehicle which can cause significant damage that you will be responsible for. Take your time and enjoy the encounter. Mind your open windows as they will stick their heads in in attempts to sniff out indulgences, such as food and snacks.
Home, home on the range
Elk
Pronghorn antelope on the range
Bison are the highlight here. The range is home to the second largest free-roaming herd of bison outside of Yellowstone National Park. The benefit of less crowds than other parks is clear once you get up close and personal to the animals, including the young. However, there is other wildlife here including bear, wolves, deer, elk and birds. Plenty of flora to explore is also available.
Originally published on June 17, 2022
