First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park & Tower Rock State Park

The First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park visitor center

"File:FIrst People's Buffalo Jump State Park visitor center.jpg" by Montanabw is licensed under CC B

Quick Facts

Location:

Ulm, MT

Significance:

One of the largest buffalo cliff jumps in North America

Designation:

National Historic Landmark

MANAGED BY:

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Amenities

35 listed

Accessible Rooms, Accessible Sites, Amphitheater, Automated Entrance, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Baby Changing Station, Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Entrance Passes For Sale, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid Kit Available, First Aid/Medical Care Available, Food/Drink - Vending Machine/Self Service, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Maps Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Parking - Boat Trailer, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Telephone, Toilet - Flush, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Bottle-Filling Station, Wheelchair Accessible, Wheelchairs Available

Lewis and Clark NHT Visitor Centers and Museums

Visitor Centers (shown in orange), High Potential Historic Sites (shown in black), and Pivotal Places (shown in green) along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is located in Cascade County, Montana, close to the Missouri River. The park is home to what is considered to be the largest bison cliff jump in America and had been utilized by Native American tribes as a hunting tool for at least 1000 years before Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the rest of the Corps of Discovery passed through the area. In fact, a layer of up to 18 ft of compacted bufflalo remains can be found below the cliff! In 2015, the Department of the Interior officially declared the park a National Historic Landmark. 

Only a half-hour drive away, visitors will find Tower Rock State Park, which features a rock formation that is over 400 feet. Aptly named “Tower Rock” by Clark on July 16th, 1805 when he climbed to its summit as the expedition made its way west to meet with the Shoshone tribe, it served as an important location marker for the Native American tribes living in the region.  

Today, both parks are must-see destinations in Montana and are day-use-only. First People’s Buffalo State Park boasts a 6,000 square foot visitor center that provides historical exhibits as well as other amenities. Both parks provide opportunities for hiking, photography, picnicking, as well as beautiful sites that are perfect for photography. 

For more information on First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, visit http://stateparks.mt.gov/first-peoples-buffalo-jump/ or call 406-866-2217. 

For more information on Tower Rock State Park, visit http://stateparks.mt.gov/tower-rock/ or call 406-866-2217.