Attractions

World's Largest Buffalo

If you’ve driven past Jamestown, North Dakota, on Interstate 94, you’ve likely seen the World’s Largest Buffalo.  But did you know that if you pull off the Interstate to see the big buffalo, there’s more to see and do?

Yes, the buffalo is a big attraction (pun intended).  For more than 50 years, parents have posed their kids under the buffalo for a snapshot.  (And if they’re anything like me, those kids remember that moment for the rest of their lives.)  In this land of bigger and better things, the World’s Largest Buffalo is a big deal.

On your way to see the buffalo, however, you’ll pass through Frontier Village, which is made up of restored buildings from all walks of life.  Visit the depot or saloon, stop by the barbershop or sheriff’s office, or have an ice cream cone at the general store.  Stop in at the writer’s shack to learn more about Jamestown native and famed Western author Louis L’Amour.

Visiting Frontier Village is free; the only thing you’ll pay for there is an extra treat like a pony ride for the kids or something from one of the gift shops.

The third aspect of this complex is the National Buffalo Museum.  It showcases a wide variety of things related to buffalo.  From a buffalo tipi to artword depicting buffalo, the National Buffalo Museum has it all.  For children, there is an interactive area where they can learn about different prairie animals.

From the deck of the National Buffalo Museum, or from other areas of the Frontier Village area, visitor can look out into the large pastureland and try to spot one of Jamestown’s three albino buffalo or one of the many brown buffalo that roam the area.  On the day we visited, they were off in the distance, but sometimes it’s possible to see the animals up close.

Instead of driving past Jamestown, North Dakota, take a break to visit Frontier Village, the World’s Largest Buffalo, and the National Buffalo Museum.  The “Buffalo City” has a lot of offer its visitors.

For all the details on these attractions, see the “What to See” section at TourJamestown.  In general:

• Frontier Village–open seasonally (summer and fall).  Free admission.
• World’s Largest Buffalo Monument–open year-round; hours vary by season.  Free admission.
• National Buffalo Museum–open year-round; hours vary by season.  $5 per person; AAA discount available.
• All three:  Located at 500 17th St. SE, or follow signs from I-94.

Photo credit:  minnemom on flickr.

Linda (minnemom) chose North Dakota as this year’s family destination.  She wrote about
their North Dakota vacation, as well as their other adventures, at Travels with Children.

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