Spring Hours (May 9 – May 22, 2009):
Visitor Center open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays.
Red Sleep Mountain Drive open daily 6:30 a.m.; start drive by 6 p.m. to finish before dark.
Summer Hours (May 23 – September 7, 2009):
Visitor Center open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays.
Red Sleep Mountain Drive open daily 6:30 a.m.; start drive by 7 p.m. to finish before dark.
Fall Hours (September 8 – mid-October, 2009):
Visitor Center open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays.
Red Sleep Mountain Drive open daily 6:30 a.m.; start drive by 6 p.m. to finish before dark.
Winter Hours (mid-October, 2009 to mid-May, 2010):
Visitor Center open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed weekends and holidays.
Winter Drive open daily 7 a.m. to dark (weather and road conditions permitting). Red Sleep Mountain Drive closed during winter.
*Please note – scenic roads can close at anytime due to extreme weather and hazardous road conditions.
The National Bison
Range is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of
the National Wildlife Refuge System. It was established in 1908 and is
one of the oldest Wildlife Refuges in the nation.As its name
implies, the Refuge was established to support a population of American
bison. It is home to about 350-500 of these animals. Other large
wildlife found on the Range include elk, white-tail and mule deer,
pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and black bear. Because of its open
grasslands, the Bison Range is a place for the public to enjoy some
excellent wildlife observation and photography.
A Visitor Center
provides interpretive displays and orientation videos as well as a
bookstore and restrooms. Staff is on hand to answer questions and
dispense maps and brochures. This is a good place to start any visit.
Fees are charged during the summer (mid-May to late October). The Range is part of the U.S. Fee System and accepts Golden Passes and Federal Waterfowl Stamps. Pay fees at the Visitor Center.
*Please note the following restrictions:
Due to steepness of roads and tightness of switchbacks, vehicles over 30 feet in length and all trailers are not allowed on Red Sleep Mountain Drive. They may access the shorter West Loop and Prairie Drive. Trailers may be left at the Visitor Center parking lot.
Also, for safety reasons, motorcycles and bicycles are not allowed on the gravel roads. They can access the Visitor Center and Day Use areas along paved roads.
*Also please note – scenic roads can close at anytime due to extreme weather and hazardous road conditions.
