Summary
Visitors can explore the beautiful landscape and see hundreds of bison along with several other species of wildlife. The refuge offers guided tours, hiking trails, and a visitor center with educational exhibits. Some of the main points of interest in the park include the scenic drive, the Red Sleep Mountain Drive, and the Mission Mountain Range. Interesting facts about the area include that it was once inhabited by the Salish and Kootenai tribes, and that there are over 350 bison living on the refuge. The best time of year to visit is during the spring and fall when there are fewer crowds and the weather is mild. Overall, the National Bison Range National Wildlife Refuge in Montana is a must-see destination for nature lovers and anyone interested in learning about the history and preservation of American bison.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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