Guide to National Buffalo Museum, North Dakota
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
The Bald Eagle may be the national bird and symbol of the United States but the American Bison (also commonly called the buffalo) also holds just as much significance in American culture. You can visit a place where the “buffalo” roam and also learn more about them, their near extinction, the Plains Native Americans who hunted them, and more at the National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown, North Dakota.
The bison has played a key role in American history, and, especially in the northern plains of North Dakota, it’s seen its ups and downs. The museum documents its history and tells the story in a fun, interactive way. And that’s not all that Jamestown and the museum have to offer.
Jamestown has long been on the map roadside attraction map thanks to the World’s Largest Buffalo. It’s not living (obviously) but rather a massive statue of a bison. It’s visible from Interstate 94, making it an obvious landmark to pull off at.
The World’s Largest Buffalo is 26 feet tall, and 46 feet long. It’s also quite proudly anatomically correct. It’s the perfect photo opportunity (as many roadside attractions are). Its name is Dakota Thunder. This buffalo statue is actually one of the primary reasons why the National Buffalo Museum even exists.
The National Buffalo Museum is a tribute and dedication to the bison, one of the symbols of the United States. Its many exhibits range from art to history to archaeological items to a “Hall of Fame.” Along with buffalo, you’ll also find artifacts related to Native Americans who lived in the area.
Some of the exhibits include such displays as a full mount of an albino bison named White Cloud, a skeleton of the bison antiqus (an ancient relative to the bison), a 10,000-year-old bison skull, and copious amounts of art and artifacts related to the animal. Some exhibits are also hands-on to give young ones a chance to get up-close with the animal they’re learning about.
You’ve probably heard the lines “Oh give me a home, where the buffalo roam…” Well, the museum wouldn’t be complete without a herd of buffalo. The museum owns 200 acres of pastureland that’s suited specifically for a live herd.
The herd ranges in size from 25-30 at any given time. For those folks traveling further west, it’s a clear symbol of the gateway to the west. It’s unlikely that you’ll have an opportunity to approach them, but if it presents itself, don’t do it. Bison can be remarkably territorial and it’s best to let them roam their pasture in peace. But do take pictures from a safe distance.
As you probably guessed, the museum also has a remarkable store that sells just about any kind of buffalo-related souvenir or trinket that you can imagine. From bottle openers to key rings to patches, you’ll find all of these at the store (and you can even get a look online ahead of time if you want).
It’s not all small things or just about buffalo. There are bags and totes, including those made of buffalo leather. You’ll find t-shirts, historical and children’s books about the animal and the area, collector plates and other buffalo-themed fine art, plus buffalo jerky and other related foods. You can also become a member of the National Buffalo Museum, and your donation will help fund additional exhibits in the future.
Flanking the other side of the World’s Largest Buffalo, the Frontier Village is a small village made from real pioneer buildings. They were brought to Jamestown and reconstructed. They’re filled with artifacts and other memoirs of pioneer times in North Dakota.
There’s a railroad depot, school, church, and bank. You can walk through all of them and see just how different things were back then. There’s also a small shop here where you can buy locally made crafts and goods. You can also pop into Louis L’Amour’s Writing Shack—the famous western writer was born and raised here in Jamestown.
Located right outside of Jamestown proper, Jamestown Campground is the perfect spot to put you near the great things Jamestown has to offer—including the National Buffalo Museum. The sites offer full utility hookups, so you can take full advantage of your rental RV. There’s also Wi-Fi plus showers and laundry facilities. A playground and other games onsite can help keep the kids busy in the early evening after a day’s fun as well.
Right inside Jamestown is Frontier Fort Campground, a themed campground with 60 RV sites (including 52 with full hookups). These sites also offer Wi-Fi. There’s a shower facility, as well as laundry. And before you pull out, take advantage of the self-service RV wash.
Small but mighty, Gackle RV Park is perfect for when you want to camp and also want some peace and quiet. There are only six sites available, so when you’re there, you’re unlikely to be bothered by other loud campers. All sites have full hookups as well. Plus, there are restrooms, a shower facility, and ice on site. What more do you need?
Pipestem dam and lake sits north of Jamestown. On it, you’ll find Parkhurst Campground. It’s a primitive campground, which means no utility hookups. However, potable water is available. It’s also $10 a night so the price is hard to beat. There’s also a dump station for when you’re hauling out.
Lakeside Campground is located just off Jamestown Reservoir, which gives you easy access to some fun on the water. The sites have water and electrical hookups, plus a bathhouse with flush toilets and showers. Get out on the water and fish, then come back to the fish cleaning station and you’ll soon have dinner. Plus let the kids enjoy their playground and volleyball court.
There’s no proper dining inside the National Buffalo Museum, but they do sell a few snacks. This includes bison jerky and summer sausage. They also sell bison roast, which is perfect for taking back to your RV’s kitchen, marinating, and roasting in the oven for a nice dinner.
Jamestown has several restaurants that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. While buffalo wings certainly have no bison in them, you’ll find restaurants here that serve them. On the opposite spectrum, there are steakhouses that serve bison on the menu in steaks and burgers. Otherwise, you’ll find family friendly pizza places, cafés, and bar and grille style restaurants across the city.
Jamestown isn’t a large city, but they’ve got more than enough to serve up something delicious. Take a cruise through the city and find what’s looking good to you after a long day of sightseeing. Enjoy a meal, then head back to relax inside your rental RV for a nice evening.