First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is located in Montana, USA and is a historical site that was used by Native Americans for over 5,500 years to hunt bison.


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Summary

This park is a great place to visit for anyone interested in history, archaeology, and wildlife.

The main attraction of the park is the buffalo jump, a natural cliff formation that was used to herd bison over the edge, providing Native Americans with an ample supply of meat, hides, and bones. Visitors can see the jump from a viewing platform and learn about the cultural significance of this place, as well as the various techniques used by Native Americans to hunt.

In addition to the buffalo jump, the park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center with exhibits on Native American culture and history. The museum has interactive exhibits that showcase the daily life of people who lived in the area long ago and their hunting techniques. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and coyotes.

The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can also enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.

Overall, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is a fascinating place to learn about Native American history and see the beauty of Montana's natural landscape. It is an ideal destination for families, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts alike.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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