On the way to Devils Tower in Wyoming we stopped at this site just because it wa on the way. We didn't expect much, bt was pleasantly surprised by the information provided by staff, tour and viewing of the archeolgical excavating site. The archeolgist that was on site stopped his progress to educate our tour. I never thoughtI would enjoy something like this but it was truly amazing.
Everyone should stop here, specially families with kids. The history of how the plains Indians lived before horses is fascinating.
This small stop just off the highway will give you an Insite into the lives of the plains Indians and the interaction with buffalo herds. Make sure you take the walk down into the pit to see the dig site. It's amazing to see how the Indians used the natural sink whole to drive buffalo in and then use every part of them for survival. Very educational, very interesting. Make the stop.
Have driven by this for the last couple years so we finally stopped. Had no idea that these jumps were used BEFORE THERE WERE HORSES!!! This jump is dated back into the 1500's! Very good tour and you get to go right to the dig!! Only downside is it is closed for most of the year.
We got lucky and made the little parallel jog off US90 to stop here on the last day of their season - Labor Day. Excellent displays and history presentations in the tipi followed by a tour down into the archeological site. The guide was very knowledgeable about the jump and the methods employed by the native Americans, on foot, to "corral" the bison off the edge into this small sinkhole. The dig under the shelter is active as they are continuing to uncover the bones layer by layer. You can just imagine the difficulty capturing the bison and then all the work to process so many carcasses at one time. Absolutely fascinating. Check when their open - if so, take that easy little detour of US90 and see this site.
We intentionally stopped by the Vore Buffalo Jump on our way to Devils Tower. The new tipi-shaped museum provides a decent introduction to the site, but it is not a complete story. Your understanding will depend largely on the quality of the guide. You then walk down the ramp into the old sinkhole where Indians once lured and drove buffalo by the hundreds. The excavation area is under a metal structure and has lots of interpretive materials on the walkways surrounding the dig. Although most of the charts and artifacts were geared for kids, I still found them helpful. Depending on the quality of your guide, you might need to consult them. All in all, I found this a fascinating way to spend an hour or so. Definitely worth the $7 per person entry fee.
At first we were going to bypass this site, however, while touring the Crook County Museum, a local lady was talking to DW about this site. We decided to take the time to stop. What a great find. AND, Jennifer the local Interpreter provided a great tour with a lot of insight and information. She is one of the best guides we have encountered. Great personality and enthusiastic about what she does. She knew the answers to the questions. The most interesting and unusual activity is that they have set aside some of the actual artifacts that can be touched and handled. This was in interesting and unique historical location. We plan to bring the SIL when she comes to visit.
First time we have ever stopped. Great information our guide had great information on the history and the dig. Kids would love it.
I know people complain about the "high" entry fee ($20 for my family of 4), but you are supporting university students excavating a site that has been used for hundreds of years...pay it! They've done a great job of explaining every part of the jump and how it was used. There was a grad student working there who was eager to answer our questions. The visitor's center was neat; my daughter enjoyed the hands on displays on how to build a teepee.Bonus: it has very nice bathrooms...services in this part of Wyoming are few and far between!
Excellent facility located right off Interstate-90. The tour guide was knowledgeable and provided a solid background on the geology that lead to the pit and Native American usage of the area. Excellent exposure to the dig site. My younger kids loved the hand-on exhibits at dig site. My youngest child was entertained by the covered sandbox. Fantastic facility that appeals to all ages.