This small park is worth the trip. The interpretive panels describe the rituals of a buffalo jump in a way that makes it easy to imagine the event. Just a fascinating and peaceful place.
This one is out of the way but worth the trip if you are in the area. You have to walk up an old road to the site. Basic interpretive facilities without all the glitz of other attractions.
We were driving from Livingston to Seattle, and even though we were short on time we had to stop here. It is a 7 mile drive from the highway, the road is mostly paved except for the last portion. The scenery is beautiful going up to the state park. Out of state cost is $5 and for Montana residents it is free. The parking lot is below a hill so there is a very short 1/4 mile uphill walk to the interpretive center where you can see the buffalo jump and all its glory. It is so incredibly quiet that you can't help but to imagine the past come to life in front of you, just imagine how it was all those years ago. We were there on a Tuesday in July, and there was only 1 other person there...and they hiked all the way to the top of the bluff, so we had the place to ourselves. My only word of caution is the fire ants. We brought our dogs and if you stand still for too long they getcha.
It was only 20 minutes off the highway and well worth the trip. Amazing views captivating traditional Indian survival techniques. Lots of information recording the stories of buffalo hunting in the area. There is a track up to the top of the Buffalo jump for those who wish to hike. Restrooms are available. It was a beautiful day in September when we went.
If you are considering a visit to Buffalo Jump you obviously love history and Native American culture so you'll want to see this. A short walk from the parking lot takes you to a shaded observation point where you can look across the gulch to see the ridge where the buffalo fell to their death from the cliff. This was a means of survival for the tribes and a visit will help you understand the genius of these original residents of the area. It is a peaceful, spiritual place.
We stopped by this state park to see my first buffalo jump. The state park is out of the way but the drive in is just a few miles and is scenic. There is not a lot to the state park. A parking lot and sign and then a quarter mile hike uphill to the interpretive center that highlights the history of this buffalo jump. It is pretty weird to imagine the scenes that happened here time and time again. It made for a nice break from the interstate monotony.
If you've seen several other buffalo jumps you can probably skip the dirt road drive to this one. However, it is a nice place. It has an easy little trail. This is more of a primitive site with a few informational kiosks.
It was a remote location, but worth the ride to see it. The historical significance of it was impressive, as well as, the scenery surrounding it took you back in time.
This place is a must see if you are in Montana. It's a plateau used by past American Indians of this area to hunt bisons with a tricky and efficient strategy. There is no much to do as for entertainment, but it's an enjoyable adventure of the mind and the historical past. There is an informational station just across the cliffs. My husband and I hiked to the top of the plateau (45 mins with a final segment on a very, very steep hike), but the views are breathtaking. If you are in average good shape, you can do it too and be transported to the past, when American Indians hunted bison without horses and firearms, just their skills and strategies.
There is not a lot at this park. Some interpretive signs and a trail to the buffalo jump area. It is a pleasant walk and a great place to stretch your legs after a long car ride.