The National Bison Range in Montana is one of the best places to see Bison in their natural habitat. Located about an hour north of Missoula in Charlo, the range features scenic driving routes, wide open grasslands, and opportunities to spot bison, elk, deer, and other wildlife. The National Bison Range is one of the most popular wildlife attractions in western Montana and the Flathead Indian Reservation.
A trip to the best bison range in Montana also gives visitors easy access to other things to do in Missoula, including hiking, brewery visits, fishing, and exploring nearby lakes and mountain towns. If you are interested in viewing bison near Missoula or planning a western Montana road trip, the range is an easy and worthwhile stop.
After exploring the area, Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast offers a comfortable place to rest between your excursions. Our Montana Bed and Breakfast gives guests convenient access to the bison park and other top attractions while providing a quiet stay close to Missoula. Book your stay with us!
Spend a Day at the National Bison Range in Montana
Located about an hour from our Montana Bed and Breakfast, the National Bison Range is one of the top places to experience wildlife and open landscapes. Spanning 18,766 acres in the center of the Flathead Indian Reservation, the range is home to roughly 350 bison along with elk, deer, birds, bears, and other native species. Originally founded in 1908 as the National Bison Range in Montana on land belonging to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the area remains an important wildlife conservation site with deep cultural significance tied to the Tribes’ long history of stewardship and respect for qweyqwáy, the bison.
Most visitors explore the range through a self-guided driving tour featuring two scenic routes. The main route, Red Sleep Drive, climbs over Red Sleep Mountain and, together with Prairie Drive, creates a 19-mile loop that takes about two hours to complete. Open seasonally from May through October, Red Sleep Drive includes two walking trails and panoramic views across the valley. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the drive, especially in the early morning and evening hours, when bison herds are often grazing near the road. Guests may also spot hawks, eagles, pronghorn, coyotes, and black bears, depending on the season. Photography is especially popular here because of the combination of wildlife, rolling grasslands, and mountain scenery. Guests should never approach wildlife.
Planning ahead can make the experience smoother. A standard day pass costs $20 per vehicle, while vans with more than 10 seats cost $35. Annual passes are available for $60. The front gate closes one hour before the range closes, 7 p.m. during summer and 5 p.m. during winter, while the Red Sleep gate closes two hours before closing during summer months. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead for weather and road conditions before arriving. Fishing is also permitted with a valid CSKT Conservation License, CSKT Fishing License, and Bison Range day or annual pass. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes continue to lead major conservation efforts across the region, including habitat restoration projects and wildlife protection programs that have become recognized nationwide.
While exploring the best bison range in Montana, consider adding a stop at the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, located about 25 minutes from the CSKT Bison Range in Arlee. Set against the backdrop of the Mission Mountains, this cultural site features landscaped grounds, statues, and walking paths that encourage visitors to slow down and take in the scenery. Many visitors spend time walking the peaceful grounds, visiting the gift shop and visitor center, or attending seasonal events and ceremonies that are open to the public. It makes an easy addition to a day trip through the Mission Valley before returning to Missoula for the evening.
The Best Montana Bed and Breakfast Getaway
After a day spent exploring the best bison range in Montana and the beautiful Mission Valley, our Montana Bed and Breakfast offers a relaxing place to return to in the mountains just outside Missoula. Surrounded by hillsides and beautiful views, the property gives guests a quiet setting while still being close to many of western Montana’s top attractions. Whether you spend the day spotting Montana bison, hiking nearby trails, or exploring small towns in the area, staying at the Inn makes it easy to experience adventure and comfort during your trip. Guests can unwind in thoughtfully designed guest rooms with private bathrooms, comfortable furnishings, and mountain-inspired touches that reflect the character of the region.
Each morning begins with a freshly prepared breakfast featuring homemade and locally inspired dishes, such as huckleberry Dutch Babies, Eggs Benedict, or even a hearty breakfast of steak and eggs. A morning at our Montana Bed and Breakfast will have you enjoying a delicious breakfast in the dining room or from a variety of garden decks, where you can relax with views of our waterfall and listen to the wild birds. From the peaceful setting to the personalized hospitality, our Bed and Breakfast creates a memorable home base for anyone visiting Missoula or the areas surrounding the bison range in Montana. Book your stay with us!