Destination
National bison range, Montana
Located within the Flathead Indian Reservation, the Bison Range is a powerful wildlife and cultural landscape where bison conservation, Tribal stewardship, scenic drives, native species, and sweeping Mission Valley views come together.
Region
Flathead Indian Reservation, Mission Valley, Northwest Montana
Best For
Bison viewing, wildlife photography, scenic drives, Tribal history, conservation, birdwatching, elk and pronghorn sightings, mountain views, and educational travel
Nearby Highlights
The Bison Range, Red Sleep Drive, Prairie Drive, Mission Creek, Red Sleep Mountain, Mission Valley, native wildlife habitat, and Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribal lands
local charm
Tribal stewardship, open prairie landscapes, self-guided wildlife routes, panoramic valley views, native Montana species, and a meaningful conservation story
Tour Overview
A Wildlife Range Rooted in Conservation, History, and Tribal Stewardship
The Bison Range, formerly known as the National Bison Range, is a significant wildlife conservation area located within the Flathead Indian Reservation. Established by the U.S. Federal Government in 1908 on land acquired without Tribal consent, the range holds a complex history tied to the Salish, Qlispe, and Kootenai people and the survival of plains bison during a time of near extinction.
The bison that live here are descendants of the free-ranging Reservation herd started by Tribal members in the 1800s. After the Allotment Act disrupted Tribal land and settlement patterns, the U.S. government removed the local Tribal bison herd and later established the range with animals connected to the original Pablo-Allard herd. In 2020, the Bison Range became part of the Montana Water Rights Protection Act, and in 2022 it was formally returned to the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes.
Today, the Bison Range is home to approximately 350 bison and a wide variety of native Montana wildlife, including birds, deer, elk, pronghorns, bears, and more. Visitors can explore the landscape by self-guided driving routes, take in panoramic views, and experience a place where wildlife conservation, cultural history, and responsible stewardship are deeply connected.
Tribal Stewardship
Returned to the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes in 2022, the Bison Range is now managed within a broader story of Tribal conservation and homeland restoration.
Red Sleep Drive
This seasonal 19-mile loop crosses Red Sleep Mountain, offering panoramic views, wildlife viewing, and access to walking trails during the summer months.
Bison Conservation
The range protects descendants of the historic Reservation herd, preserving a living connection to the bison saved by Tribal members in the 1800s.
Prairie Drive
Open year-round, this 14-mile route follows the lower portion of the range near Mission Creek and is a strong option for viewing bison, elk, deer, and pronghorns.
Bison, Wildlife & Habitat
The Bison Range supports approximately 350 bison along with many other native Montana species. Visitors may see elk, deer, pronghorns, bears, birds, and additional wildlife depending on the season and route. The open prairie, mountain foothills, creek corridors, and valley views create a memorable setting for wildlife observation and photography.
Scenic Driving Routes
Visitors can experience the Bison Range through two self-guided scenic routes. Red Sleep Drive is the primary seasonal route, a 19-mile loop that takes about two hours and crosses Red Sleep Mountain from May through October. Prairie Drive is open year-round and follows a 14-mile lower route to a turnaround area and back, tracing Mission Creek and offering excellent opportunities to view bison and other wildlife.
Best Times to Visit
Summer
Red Sleep Drive, panoramic views, walking trails, wildlife photography, bison viewing, birdwatching, and full access to the seasonal scenic loop.
Fall
Cooler weather, active wildlife, golden prairie views, scenic drives, photography, elk and pronghorn sightings, and quieter visitation.
Winter
Prairie Drive access, peaceful wildlife viewing, open valley scenery, bison sightings, birdwatching, and a slower seasonal experience.
Spring
Renewed prairie landscapes, wildlife activity, bird migration, bison viewing, scenic drives, and fresh Mission Valley views.
Ready to Plan Your Montana Adventure?
Let's Create an Experience that's as Unique as You
Contact Us to Begin Your Custom Montana Experience
