Take a picnic and hike to the top of the buffalo jump for impressive views of the Madison River Valley.
About the Park
Situated on the edge of a broad valley carved by the Madison River, this high limestone cliff was used by Native Americans for 2,000 years--ending as recently as 200 years ago. Native people stampeded vast herds of bison off this massive semicircular cliff, using them for food, clothing, shelter and provisions.
"Runners," highly skilled young men trained for speed and endurance, wore buffalo, antelope or wolf skins to lure bison to the "pishkun" or cliff. The buffalo jump was often the key to existence for native peoples. Although the introduction of horses led to the abandonment of this jump sometime after 1700, the rugged outcropping now serves as an inspiring monument to the region's early inhabitants.
The park includes all the main geographical features of a jump site and other evidence remains to provide visitors with a glimpse into the cultures that used this hunting style. Interpretive displays help visitors understand the dramatic events that took place here for nearly 2,000 years.
Buffalo bones still lie buried at the cliff's base, and archaeologists have located the tipi rings of an extensive village. With a little imagination it is easy to visualize the drama of a buffalo drive, the thunderous roar of the stampede, the dramatic sight of the fall, and the frenzy of activity that followed.
Seasons & Hours
Hours listed below are normal operating hours and may not apply when there is a special restriction or closure. Check Alerts and Closures in the tab below.
Park
Open all year
Daylight hours
Activities
Bird Watching
Cultural
Exhibit
Heritage
Hiking
History
Photography
Picnicking
Wildlife Viewing
Amenities
Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.
Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don't include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.
Nonresidents
Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free
Alerts & Closures
Restrictions and Closures
See a current list of Restrictions and Closures on State Parks and other FWP lands that may be affected by floods, fire, drought or major maintenance activities.
Volunteer
Contact the park manager for open volunteer positions at Madison Buffalo Jump State Park.
For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Madison Buffalo Jump State Park
c/o 1585 Trident Road
Three Forks, MT 59752
Alice Southworth has put her degree in Park and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University to work at many State Parks across Montana. She currently manages Missouri Headwaters and Madison Buffalo Jump State Park along with several FAS and one WMA site. Alice is originally from upstate New York but has always dreamed of Montana until she moved here in 2012. Alice is bringing her love of working with people and her passion for the environment to the region.
CONTACT INFO Mailing Address:
Missouri Headwaters State Park
1585 Trident Road
Three Forks, MT 59752
