The CSKT Bison Range, formerly known as the National Bison Range, is located just north of Missoula in the Mission Valley. The 18,500-acre range is home to about 350-500 head of bison, as well as black bear, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and elk.
It was established in 1908 by the U.S. Federal Government in the middle of the Flathead Indian Reservation, on land taken without the consent of the tribes. The bison living on the Bison Range also are descendants of the free-ranging Reservation herd started by Tribal members in the 1800’s when plains bison were near extinction. Through Public Law 116-260, Congress restored the CSKT Bison Range as a federal trust ownership under the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) in 2020. Visitors can purchase their day or annual pass at the Visitor Center and also check out the museum and gift shop to learn more about the history, animals, and plants of the range. Be sure to call ahead to get current updates on road and weather conditions before you arrive.
