This week’s focus takes us near Three Forks, MT to one of Montana’s historic Native American sites. This park highlights not only what was formerly an extensive village, but only one of a handful of publicly preserved and accessible buffalo jump sites in North America.
Located just outside of Logan, Madison Buffalo Jump State Park serves as an incredible monument to early Native American inhabitants.
Did you know?
A significant number of tipi rings have been found here, leading archeologists to believe there was once an extensive village at this site.
At the top of the cliff, you can still find “eagle pits”` where Native American “runners” would hide. “Runners” — skilled men trained for speed and endurance — wore animal skins to lure buffalo to the cliff where they would meet their demise. This was their only means for survival for thousands of years.
Although extensively used for over 2,000 years, when horses were introduced around 1700 the jump was mostly abandoned.
Looking for activities at the park? You won’t be disappointed!
✅ Visit the interpretive pavilion to learn more about the jump which was used for nearly 2,000 years.
✅ Take a hike on the 4 miles of hiking trails.
✅ Packing a picnic? You’ll love the picnic area located near the parking lot.
✅ History buff? Madison Buffalo Jump is a great stop to learn about the local history and culture of Native Americans who utilized the area.
✅ Plus so many more!
While camping is not available at this location, Missouri Headwaters State Park is located only 20 minutes away by car and offers campsites, tipis, and cabins available to the public.
Unlike other areas near the park, Madison Buffalo Jump was not extensively mined for fertilizer nor has it been deeply surveyed by archeologists, leaving tons of bones and details of the site buried. In fact, graduate students from the University of Montana have used it for archeology studies in recent years.
Planning a summer visit? Madison Buffalo Jump is a great stop on the way to the Madison River for fishing or floating and Missouri Headwaters State Park is close and also open year-round.
During the winter, snow is typically sparse at Madison Buffalo Jump making it a great place to hike year-round.
Let’s get outside!
Unlike other areas near the park, Madison Buffalo Jump was not extensively mined for fertilizer nor has it been deeply surveyed by archeologists, leaving tons of bones and details of the site buried. In fact, graduate students from the University of Montana have used it for archeology studies in recent years.
Planning a summer visit? Madison Buffalo Jump is a great stop on the way to the Madison River for fishing or floating and Missouri Headwaters State Park is close and also open year-round.
During the winter, snow is typically sparse at Madison Buffalo Jump making it a great place to hike year-round.
Let’s get outside!
Unlike other areas near the park, Madison Buffalo Jump was not extensively mined for fertilizer nor has it been deeply surveyed by archeologists, leaving tons of bones and details of the site buried. In fact, graduate students from the University of Montana have used it for archeology studies in recent years.
Planning a summer visit? Madison Buffalo Jump is a great stop on the way to the Madison River for fishing or floating and Missouri Headwaters State Park is close and also open year-round.
During the winter, snow is typically sparse at Madison Buffalo Jump making it a great place to hike year-round.
Let’s get outside!
Make a donation to help protect and preserve Madison Buffalo Jump Today.
