Bison Viewing Beyond Yellowstone in Montana

Two lesser-known spots in the Treasure State offer opportunities to see the iconic American bison roaming in the wild.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:56am

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A textured oil painting landscape in the style of Vincent Van Gogh, depicting a herd of bison grazing across a vast, open prairie in earthy tones of ochre, sienna, and deep green, conveying the tranquility and grandeur of these iconic animals in their natural habitat.A serene, painterly scene captures the majesty of bison roaming freely across the open landscapes of Montana, beyond the confines of Yellowstone National Park.Big Sky Today

While Yellowstone National Park is one of the most well-known places to see bison in Montana, the state offers a couple of other great options for wildlife viewing. The CSKT Bison Range and American Prairie's Sun Prairie and Buffalo Camp locations provide chances to see the iconic animals in their natural habitat outside of the famous national park.

Why it matters

Bison were once ubiquitous across North America, but their populations dwindled dramatically in the 19th century. Today, seeing bison in the wild is a more unique experience, making these alternative viewing spots in Montana valuable for both conservation and tourism.

The details

The CSKT Bison Range is home to a herd of around 350 bison and has a long history tied to conservation efforts by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. American Prairie's Sun Prairie and Buffalo Camp locations offer visitors the chance to see bison roaming across a massive landscape, providing a more backcountry-style viewing experience compared to the more confined herds in Yellowstone.

  • The CSKT Bison Range was first established in the early 1900s.
  • American Prairie's bison viewing locations are open year-round.

The players

CSKT Bison Range

A conservation area owned and managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, home to a herd of around 350 bison.

American Prairie

A nonprofit organization that manages large tracts of land in Montana, including the Sun Prairie and Buffalo Camp locations where bison roam freely across a vast landscape.

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The takeaway

These alternative bison viewing spots in Montana offer visitors a chance to see the iconic animals in a more intimate, backcountry setting compared to the crowds and infrastructure of Yellowstone, providing a unique wildlife experience and supporting conservation efforts.