A sweeping wildlife refuge featuring expansive grasslands, rugged hills, and diverse animal populations preserved through dedicated stewardship.
General Information
Winter: Front Gate 8am–6pm, Visitor Center 8am–5pm, Red Sleep Drive closed, Prairie Drive 8am–6pm
Van (10+ seats): $35
Annual Pass: $60
CSKT Tribal Members: Free
How to Get There
From Missoula (52 mi): Take US‑93 north toward Arlee and St. Ignatius, continue to MT‑212, then follow signs to the Bison Range entrance at Bison Range Road.
Overview
The CSKT Bison Range preserves rolling prairie, forested foothills, and winding creek bottoms that support one of the most historically significant bison herds in North America. Once nearly lost to extinction, these animals now roam freely across thousands of acres of protected habitat, sharing the land with pronghorn, elk, black bears, and countless bird species. Visitors exploring its scenic drives experience a living remnant of the northern plains ecosystem, where sweeping vistas and quiet valleys highlight the resilience of both wildlife and landscape.
The refuge’s winding roads climb over rugged ridges and descend into wide grasslands shaped by centuries of natural forces and Indigenous stewardship. Interpretive displays and viewpoints help travelers understand the deep cultural ties between the land, the bison, and the Tribal nations who now manage the range. Whether watching a herd move slowly across the hills or pausing to take in panoramic views of the Mission Mountains, guests encounter a rare blend of ecological restoration, cultural preservation, and wild beauty.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official tourism pages for the CSKT Bison Range, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
