Madison Buffalo Jump

Madison Buffalo Jump State Park preserves a prehistoric buffalo jump site along the Madison River valley in Gallatin County near Three Forks. The park protects a cliff used by Native peoples for communal bison hunting for over 2,000 years.

The prairie terrain supports pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, and various raptors. Prairie dogs maintain colonies in the area. Ground-nesting birds including meadowlarks and horned larks are common.

Native mixed-grass prairie covers the rolling terrain above and below the jump cliff. Species include western wheatgrass, blue grama, and sagebrush. The prairie is relatively intact and provides good examples of native grassland.

The buffalo jump is a limestone cliff where the Madison River valley narrows. The cliff provided a natural precipice for driving bison. Bone deposits below the cliff document centuries of use. The Madison Valley was carved by the river through sedimentary formations.

The Three Forks area of southwestern Montana experiences cold winters and warm, dry summers. Annual precipitation averages about 12 inches. Strong winds funnel through the valley.

Native peoples used this pishkun for communal bison hunts for at least 2,000 years. Drive lines extending across the prairie funneled bison toward the cliff edge in carefully orchestrated hunts involving entire communities.

Madison Buffalo Jump became a state park to preserve the archaeological site and interpret Native American bison hunting culture. The park provides educational programming about prehistoric lifeways.

Interpretive trails lead to the jump cliff and viewing areas. Signs explain the hunting process and its cultural significance. The prairie setting provides scenic views of the Madison Valley and surrounding mountains.

The park provides interpretive trails, picnic areas, and restrooms. It is located about 7 miles south of Logan on a county road off Interstate 90.

Archaeological site preservation protects bone deposits and cultural resources. The surrounding prairie is maintained in native grassland condition, preserving both cultural and ecological value.