There are a number of things you can only see in Wyoming – Old Faithful, the Devil’s Tower, Thermopolis’s travertine terraces, to name a few. What’s more, the Cowboy State also happens to be home to the largest privately-owned bison herd in existence. Roughly 3,000 head of bison live the good life on a family ranch south of Gillette, and it’s an extraordinary sight you have to see to appreciate fully.
There’s a place along Highway 59 in Wyoming where the countryside is dotted with thousands of bison.
Durham Bison Ranch/Facebook
Durham Ranch is the spot, around 40 miles south of Gillette, with the Thunderbasin Grassland nearby.
Google Maps The address is 7859 WY-59, Gillette, but the ranch actually sits closer to the tiny town of Wright.
It’s a beautiful area for raising a herd of bison and an interesting place to visit.
Durham Bison Ranch/Facebook
Though bison used to roam the Wyoming prairies and plains by the millions, this herd is much larger than any you’re likely to see in the wild or captivity these days.
Durham Bison Ranch/Facebook Settlers hunted bison so freely in the days of the Old West that they nearly became extinct. It’s estimated that less than 500 bison were left in existence in 1889 when the government stepped in and imposed game laws that allowed the herds to grow.
The Durham Ranch has been owned and operated by the Flocchini family since the 1930s. They’ve always strived to manage the ranch and the herd responsibly, using sustainable practices from the start.
Durham Bison Ranch/Facebook
Offering tours of the ranch is one way to educate the public, in addition to allowing people to see these majestic creatures uncaged in their natural habitat.
Durham Bison Ranch/Facebook
There is more than bison to be seen at the Durham Ranch, however. The area is stunningly beautiful, plus significant prehistoric artifacts have been found on the grounds…
Durham Bison Ranch/Facebook Tour guides can show you the Native American structures as well as relics from the Homesteader Era.
…and other animals besides bison call the ranch home, too. Visitors are just as likely to see mule deer, elk, pronghorn, coyotes, foxes, badgers, prairie dogs, and an assortment of birdlife while visiting.
Durham Bison Ranch/Facebook
Durham Ranch enjoys hosting special events, as well. Visitors find it relaxing and restorative to spend time painting among the herd…
Durham Bison Ranch/Facebook
…and there’s the annual Bison Stampede, a 5K/10K walk/run at the ranch that raises money for local charities.
Durham Bison Ranch/Facebook
As a working ranch, Durham operates year-round, but the touring season is just during the summer months.
Durham Bison Ranch/Facebook Tours are offered twice a week between June and September and can be booked by calling Durham Ranch at 307-686-0040. With such a short season, the schedule fills up fast, so it’s recommended you call as far in advance as you can to reserve your spot.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience you can have OnlyInWyoming.
Durham Bison Ranch/Facebook
Have you taken a tour of the Durham Ranch?
Durham Bison Ranch/Facebook
Google Maps
The address is 7859 WY-59, Gillette, but the ranch actually sits closer to the tiny town of Wright.
Settlers hunted bison so freely in the days of the Old West that they nearly became extinct. It’s estimated that less than 500 bison were left in existence in 1889 when the government stepped in and imposed game laws that allowed the herds to grow.
Tour guides can show you the Native American structures as well as relics from the Homesteader Era.
Tours are offered twice a week between June and September and can be booked by calling Durham Ranch at 307-686-0040. With such a short season, the schedule fills up fast, so it’s recommended you call as far in advance as you can to reserve your spot.
What other experiences do you recommend that are uniquely Wyoming?
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