In the 19th century, the American was nearly wiped out for good, but since then, these animals have made a remarkable comeback. Thanks to decades of conservation efforts, breeding programs, and public-private partnerships, bison now roam freely again across parts of the U.S.
American bison can be found in many states, from vast public lands to protected wildlife refuges and private ranches. These powerful, shaggy icons of the Great Plains are not only symbols of America’s frontier history but also play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Today, nine states stand out for hosting the largest bison populations in the country. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a history buff, these are the places where you can witness the bison’s inspiring return to the landscape it once dominated.
1. South Dakota
South Dakota is home to the largest bison population in the United States, with approximately 30,000 bison. Many of these animals live on private ranches, but the state also has significant public herds. One of the largest herds can be found in Custer State Park, with about 1,400 bison roaming across its 71,000 acres.
This park has a Bison Center that educates visitors about the herd’s history and conservation efforts. On top of that, Badlands National Park is also home to another herd of 450 bison, which are primarily located in its southeastern region.
2. Nebraska
Nebraska has the second largest bison population in the U.S., with 28,000 bison. Historically, massive herds used to roam this state’s prairies before being decimated in the 19th century. Thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have increased over the years. One of Nebraska’s most notable herds can be found at the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, which spans over 19,000 acres and supports a herd of approximately 350 bison.
The refuge is an excellent place to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat, especially during spring and early summer when calves are born. Nebraska’s thriving bison population shows the state’s commitment to preserving this iconic species and its role in prairie ecosystems.
3. Montana
There are about 19,150 bison in Montana, which puts it third on the list. The state’s most famous herd can be found in Yellowstone National Park, which spans parts of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. Yellowstone is home to between 3,000 and 6,000 bison across its range, with many located within Montana’s boundaries.
Another site where you can see these gorgeous creatures is the Bison Range conservation area, which is home to a herd of about 350 bison. Visitors can explore the area by driving or by walking routes while observing other native wildlife like elk and pronghorns.
4. Idaho
Idaho has a bison population of about 18,634 individuals, many of which are raised on private ranches for conservation or commercial purposes. While Idaho’s public herds are smaller than other states on this list, they play a very important role in maintaining genetic diversity within the species.
Conservation initiatives in Idaho focus on preserving native grasslands and ensuring sustainable management practices for wild and domesticated herds. The state’s commitment to balancing ecological preservation with agricultural interests has allowed its bison population to thrive while contributing to regional biodiversity.
5. North Dakota
North Dakota is home to approximately 12,127 bison, with a mix of private and public herds contributing to this number. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the best places to see wild bison in North Dakota. The park has two distinct herds that roam freely across its rugged badlands terrain.
These animals are part of ongoing conservation efforts that aim to protect their habitat while educating visitors about their historical significance. North Dakota’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage ensures that bison remain an integral part of the state’s landscape and cultural identity.
6. Colorado
Colorado is sixth on our list and has a thriving population of about 11,100 bison thanks to successful reintroduction efforts that began in the early 20th century after near-extinction in the region. One popular herd lives in the Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver.
This refuge is home to around 180 bison that roam freely across its massive grasslands and can be viewed by visitors year-round. Colorado’s commitment to restoring native species has made it a leader in bison conservation, offering opportunities for education and wildlife observation while supporting sustainable management practices for these iconic animals.
7. Wyoming
There are about 9,755 bison in Wyoming, many of which live within Yellowstone National Park’s boundaries. Yellowstone is home to one of the oldest and largest public herds in America, with numbers ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 individuals depending on seasonal fluctuations and management practices.
Wyoming offers some of the best opportunities to see these gorgeous creatures in their natural habitat as they graze across open plains and thermal basins within the park. These herds are important not only for tourism but also for maintaining genetic diversity within North America’s remaining wild bison populations.
8. Texas
Texas has around 7,500 bison across its private ranches and public lands. One famous herd can be found at Caprock Canyons State Park in northern Texas. There are 240 individuals in this herd.
This herd is recognized as the official Texas State Bison Herd due to its historical significance as descendants of Charles Goodnight’s original plains bison stock from the late 19th century.
The park gives visitors opportunities to see these animals up close while learning about their role in Texas history and ecology through educational programs and exhibits.
9. Wisconsin
The final state on our list is Wisconsin, which has a population of about 5,900 bison, most of which are raised on private farms for commercial purposes or conservation breeding programs.
There is also a small public herd at Sandhill State Wildlife Area of around 15 individuals that roam freely across a designated area along Trumpeter Trail.
These animals are descendants of a herd introduced in the mid-20th century as part of efforts to reestablish native species within Wisconsin’s ecosystems after their extirpation from the state over a century ago.
Explore more of our trending stories and hit Follow to keep them coming to your feed!
Don’t miss out on more stories like this! Hit the Follow button at the top of this article to stay updated with the latest news. Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
