Beyond Yellowstone: Where To See Bison In Montana

Think Yellowstone is the only place to see bison? Think again. Here are a couple of spots in Montana where you can still catch them roaming.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:56am

Montana is home to some incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, including the American bison. While Yellowstone National Park is one of the most well-known places to see bison in the wild, there are other options in the state, including the CSKT Bison Range and American Prairie's Sun Prairie and Buffalo Camp locations.

Why it matters

Bison were once abundant across North America, numbering in the tens of millions. Today, seeing them in the wild is a much more unique experience, making these Montana destinations important for conservation and wildlife viewing.

The details

The CSKT Bison Range is home to a herd of around 350 bison and has a long history tied to conservation, first established in the early 1900s and now owned and managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. American Prairie's Sun Prairie and Buffalo Camp locations allow visitors to view bison roaming across a massive landscape, providing a more backcountry experience.

  • The CSKT Bison Range was first established in the early 1900s.
  • Today, the CSKT Bison Range is home to a herd of around 350 bison.

The players

CSKT Bison Range

An area home to a herd of around 350 bison, with a long history tied to conservation and owned and managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

American Prairie

An organization that manages land in Montana, including the Sun Prairie and Buffalo Camp locations where visitors can view bison roaming across a massive landscape.

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The takeaway

Montana offers unique opportunities to view bison in the wild beyond the well-known Yellowstone National Park, with the CSKT Bison Range and American Prairie's locations providing important conservation efforts and wildlife viewing experiences.