If you’re a fan of the great American bison and you’re planning a trip to Nebraska, you’re in for a real treat. With its wide open spaces and prairies, Nebraska is the perfect place to catch sight of these majestic beasts in their natural habitat. Here are some of the best places to see bison in Nebraska.
Niobrara Valley Preserve
Located in the north-central part of the state, the Niobrara Valley Preserve is one of the best places to see bison in Nebraska, and for good reason. This 56,000-acre preserve is home to more than 600 bison, making it one of the largest herds in the state. The best time to see the bison is during the summer months when they graze in the wide-open prairies of the preserve.
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
Another great place to see bison in Nebraska is Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, located just a few miles downstream from the Niobrara Valley Preserve. The 19,000-acre refuge is home to a small herd of bison that can often be seen grazing along the banks of the Niobrara River. The best time to see the bison is in the early morning or late afternoon when they’re most active.
Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park, located in the southwestern part of the state, is home to a large herd of bison that can often be seen grazing in the park’s wide-open prairies. The bison at Wind Cave are descendants of a herd that was started in the early 1900s and have been a mainstay of the park ever since. In addition to watching the bison, visitors can also take guided tours of the park’s impressive limestone caves.
Toadstool Geologic Park
Although Toadstool Geologic Park is not known for its bison population, it is still a great place to catch sight of the animals, especially during the fall months. As the leaves begin to change, the bison at Toadstool become more active and can often be seen grazing near the park’s stunning rock formations.
Valentine National Wildlife Refuge
Located in the heart of Nebraska, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is perhaps best known for its stunning Sandhills landscapes. However, the refuge is also home to a small but thriving population of bison. The best time to see the bison at Valentine is during the summer months when they graze in the prairies and wetlands of the refuge.
Fort Robinson State Park
Last but not least, Fort Robinson State Park is another great place to see bison in Nebraska. Located in the northwestern part of the state, the park is home to a small herd of bison that can often be seen grazing in the prairies and hills surrounding the fort. Visitors to the park can also take guided tours of the historic fort, making for a truly unique bison-watching experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned bison watcher or simply trying to catch sight of these magnificent beasts for the first time, Nebraska is a great place to do it. With its wide-open spaces and abundance of wildlife, the state is truly a bison-watcher’s paradise.