South Dakota - November 2, 2024

Holy buffalo chip! It’s National BISON Day 🦬

Buffalo. Bison. Tatanka. Bison bison bison, if you prefer their scientific name. Whatever you call them, these iconic critters are a living testament to the power of conservation – and a reminder that some things were never meant to be tamed.

FUN FACTS FOR TRIVIA BUFFS

Promote South Dakota long enough and you turn into a regular encyclopedia of bison facts. Here are a few of our favorites.

THEY LOVE TO EAT

Bison can mow down more than 30 pounds of grass in a day. No word on if they do it in white New Balances.

THEY’RE NOT VERY CONSCIOUS ABOUT THEIR WEIGHT

The largest land-dwelling mammal in North America, one full-grown bull can tip the scales at 2,000 pounds. That’s more than the combined weight of the Buffalo Bills offensive line.

THEY START OFF ORANGE AND ADORABLE

Newborn bison are also called "cinnamons" or "red dogs.” The best time to see them is late March through May.

THEY'RE SHAGGY BEASTS

Bison brave the cold so well because they have 10 times more hair per square inch than domestic cattle.

THE RISE & Fall OF THE BUFFALO

The Travel South Dakota Stories Podcast puts you right in the action, and right alongside field experts. In this episode, you’ll ride along with a chase vehicle in the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup as you learn about an everlasting symbol of the American West.

FANTASTIC BEASTS & WHERE TO FIND THEM

MEET & GREET

Heading west on I-90 en route to South Dakota? Get up close and personal with Mr. American Bison with a new exhibit in the Valley Springs Welcome Center.

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