Bison Range Opening Visitor Center and Red Sleep Drive Saturday

If you're looking for scenic drives that mom might enjoy this Mother's Day weekend, perhaps put this one on your list.

The highlights you might get to observe include baby red buffalo calves, as the Bison Range, formerly known as the National Bison Range, opens the long trail and visitor center this Saturday, May 8. The center will be partially open from 7:00AM to 8:00PM, to pay fees, pick up maps and brochures, as well as the availability of facilities. The center will still be following CSKT COVID guidelines and require anyone entering the building to wear a face mask over mouth and nose and adhering to social distancing.

Congress has now restored the Bison Range to federal trust ownership for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT). The Tribe is currently working with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to transition from federal to Tribal management. Over the next few months you will begin to see a new look in signs and the remodeling of the Visitor Center. However, the annual re-opening of Red Sleep drive over Mother’s Day weekend will remain the same. This 19-mile one-way gravel scenic auto tour increases your opportunity to see baby red calves, and other wildlife that reside on the Bison Range year-round. The front gate opens at 6:00AM and closes at 8:00PM, 7 days a week. Beginning Saturday, May 8th, Red Sleep Drive opens at 7:00AM, with the last car allowed on the drive at 6:00PM.

Starting May 8, a daily or annual pass per vehicle to enter the Bison Range will be required. The entire Bison Range is a fee use area, including the Day Use Area. The new rate is $10 per car, daily. Bison Range Annual Pass is $20/year. All proceeds go back into the management and operation of the Bison Range. As it has been in the past, there is no charge for Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal members with Tribal Identification.

Enjoy, bison lovers!