See one of the largest buffalo jump sites in the country. Explore the visitor center and interpretive trails that tell the story of the people, the animals, and the landscape of the buffalo culture.
About the Park
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park Development Planning
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is building on previous planning efforts to create a development plan for managing recreation infrastructure at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. First Peoples Buffalo Jump is an archaeological site with possibly the largest bison cliff jump in North America and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. The historic and cultural resources, wildlife habitat, and unique opportunities for outdoor recreation will all be part of what the planning process and final planning document considers.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park and National Historic Landmark is an archaeological site with possibly the largest bison cliff jump in North America.
Native peoples used this site for at least a thousand years before Lewis and Clark passed through here. The bison jump site consists of a mile long sandstone cliff; there are remnants of drive lines on top of the cliff and there are up to 18 ft. of compacted buffalo remains below the cliff. The park has an interpretive trail, picnic tables and a black-tailed prairie dog town to help the visitor better understand the epic history of hunting on the high plains.
In an effort to pay homage to the buffalo and the people who honor this mighty animal, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park has a terrific on-site education Visitor Center. The 6,000 square foot center offers visitors buffalo culture exhibits, a storytelling circle, classroom, gallery and bookstore. An outdoor amphitheater and traditional games playing fields are featured outdoors.
For hundreds of years, Indians stampeded buffalo over the mile-long cliff. Now, the top of the jump provides expansive panoramic views of the Rocky Mountain Front, the Missouri River valley, and the buttes and grasslands that characterize this High Plains setting. Plan at least a two-hour stop in this day-use-only park.
See a current list of Restrictions and Closures on State Parks and other FWP lands that may be affected by floods, fire, drought or major maintenance activities.
Activities
Bird Watching
Bow Hunting
Education
Exhibit
Heritage
Hiking
History
Museum
Nature
Photography
Picnicking
Sightseeing
Upland Bird Hunting
Visitor Center
Wildlife Viewing
Amenities
Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.
ADA Accessible
Childrens Activities
Gift Shop
Interpretive Display
Maps
National Historic Landmark
Parking
Pets Allowed
Public Restroom
Toilets (Flush)
Toilets (Vault)
Trash Removal
Seasons & Hours
Hours listed below are normal operating hours and may not apply when there is a special restriction or closure. Check Alerts and Closures in the tab below.
Park
Summer - open daily.
Winter - open Wednesday through Sunday.
Summer Hours Visitor Center and Upper Access Area
April 14 - September 15: open 8 am - 6 pm daily.
Winter Hours Visitor Center and Upper Access Area:
Sept. 16 to April 13:
10 am - 4 pm Wed - Sat and 12 pm - 4 pm Sun.
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
The gates at the top of the Jump may be closed during times of deep snow.
Contact the park manager for open volunteer positions at First Peoples Buffalo State Park.
For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page.
Fees
Montana Residents
Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don't include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.
Nonresidents
Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
PO Box 109
Ulm, MT 59485
Enjoy this aerial tour of First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
Native peoples used this site for at least a thousand years before Lewis and Clark passed through here. The bison jump site consists of a mile long sandstone cliff; there are remnants of drive lines on top of the cliff and there are up to 18 ft. of compacted buffalo remains below the cliff. The park has an interpretive trail, picnic tables and a black-tailed prairie dog town to help the visitor better understand the epic history of hunting on the high plains.
Clark Carlson-Thompson, manager at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park and Tower Rock State Park is originally from Helena, MT. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from the University of Montana. Clark’s experience includes several seasons with the National Park Service at Hovenweep National Monument and Devil’s Tower National Monument, Park Ranger at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, and most recently, Park Manager at Giant Springs State Park.
CONTACT INFO Mailing Address:
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
PO Box 109
Ulm, MT 59485
