museum of the american bison

The museum was small, but full of interesting historical information on american bison. The museum space is modern and contains some hands-on exhibits. Highly recommend a stop here.

Small museum. But there's some good historical photos and educational documents. Definitely worth a visit.

Americans should be ashamed how they slaughtered the bison, as well as Native Americans. Glad to see that conservation efforts are saving the buffalo. The museum displays are excellent.

Don't miss this museum. A small collection but a wonderful representation of the Bison and their very important role in the History of this area. Take your time to watch the film they have and leave the kids play in the kids interaction area and all this is available for a voluntary donation!!! We thoroughly enjoyed our experience here

Totally amazing place - VERY interesting and just an all around great place to visit - artwork great too!!

Very informative. Great location. Don't be afraid to ask questions...this is not to be missed. You can tell the owner really cares of what she has set-up and I am so glad she is sharing her knowledge.

Well, he's stuffed, but you get a real idea of how massive these stately creatures are. More importantly, you learn about the huge herds that roamed the Great Plains of North America and the essential role that they played in the survival of the plains Indians. Sadly, you will also read and see pictorial information on the government policy of systematic extermination of the herds as a strategy for controlling how and where surviving tribal members would live. Completion of the transcontinental railroads spelled and end to American Bison, who's herds are just now being restored in isolated areas of South Dakota, Utah and Montana. I happened to be there on National American Bison Day, so there were lecturers on both history and contemporary do's and don'ts of approaching and interacting with Bison in the wild--"Essentially, don't. They are territorial and aggressive!" As an added bonus, there was a Bison Chili Cook-Off for which we obliged a tasting and voting for the winning recipe!

This is a relatively small exhibit, but well worth the time to explore the American Bison and its predecessor The Buffalo. You will see the pivotal role it played in the lives of the American Plains Indians, and how the Government distorted the vast herds to force these people to their knees. You will also see the efforts under way to bring these beautiful animals back to their herds and to our tables. I was lucky on a recent visit to arrive on a buffalo chili cook-off day. Mmmmm!

We stumbled upon the brand-new Museum of the American Bison in the heart of Rapid City, SD and were delighted that we did. It is in a small store-front - only one room. But it was fascinating. Not only does it address the bison but it also addresses the people that were key in saving their population. In particular this is a good place to take your daughters as they highlight several women. The museum takes less than a half hour to visit but it is definitely worth it.