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First Peoples Buffalo Jump

See one of the largest buffalo jump sites in the country. Explore the visitor center and interpretive trails that tell the story of the people, the animals, and the landscape of the buffalo culture.

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park Development Planning 

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is building on previous planning efforts to create a development plan for managing recreation infrastructure at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. First Peoples Buffalo Jump is an archaeological site with possibly the largest bison cliff jump in North America and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. The historic and cultural resources, wildlife habitat, and unique opportunities for outdoor recreation will all be part of what the planning process and final planning document considers.

 

About the State Park

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park and National Historic Landmark is an archaeological site with possibly the largest bison cliff jump in North America.

Native peoples used this site for at least a thousand years before Lewis and Clark passed through here. The bison jump site consists of a mile long sandstone cliff; there are remnants of drive lines on top of the cliff and there are up to 18 ft. of compacted buffalo remains below the cliff. The park has an interpretive trail, picnic tables and a black-tailed prairie dog town to help the visitor better understand the epic history of hunting on the high plains.

In an effort to pay homage to the buffalo and the people who honor this mighty animal, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park has a terrific on-site education Visitor Center. The 6,000 square foot center offers visitors buffalo culture exhibits, a storytelling circle, classroom, gallery and bookstore. An outdoor amphitheater and traditional games playing fields are featured outdoors.

For hundreds of years, Indians stampeded buffalo over the mile-long cliff. Now, the top of the jump provides expansive panoramic views of the Rocky Mountain Front, the Missouri River valley, and the buttes and grasslands that characterize this High Plains setting. Plan at least a two-hour stop in this day-use-only park.

Take a Look Around

Enjoy this aerial tour of First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

Native peoples used this site for at least a thousand years before Lewis and Clark passed through here. The bison jump site consists of a mile long sandstone cliff; there are remnants of drive lines on top of the cliff and there are up to 18 ft. of compacted buffalo remains below the cliff. The park has an interpretive trail, picnic tables and a black-tailed prairie dog town to help the visitor better understand the epic history of hunting on the high plains.

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

Address

342 Ulm -Vaughn Rd.
Ulm, MT 59485
Latitude/Longitude:
(47.479 / -111.525)

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Meet The Park Manager

Clark Carlson-Thompson

Clark Carlson-Thompson, manager at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park and Tower Rock State Park is originally from Helena, MT. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from the University of Montana. Clark’s experience includes several seasons with the National Park Service at Hovenweep National Monument and Devil’s Tower National Monument, Park Ranger at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, and most recently, Park Manager at Giant Springs State Park.

CONTACT INFO
Mailing Address:
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
PO Box 109
Ulm, MT 59485

Phone: 406-866-2217
Email: ccarlson-thompson@mt.gov

Photo of Park Manager, Clark Carlson-Thompson