One Of America’s Oldest Wildlife Refuges In Right Here In Montana

Montana's massive wildlife population is part of its appeal. Nearly everyone who has ventured out into nature has spotted some trumpeter swans or a bighorn sheep. But did you know the Last Best Place is also home to one of the country's oldest wildlife refuges? The National Bison Range is open all year long, and it's beautiful.

The National Bison Range is located in Moiese, on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwest Montana.

The 18,766-acre property was run by the federal government, but it's currently in the process of restoring power to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

The National Bison Range was established in 1908, making it one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the nation.

It was established to support a population of American bison, and it's home to up to 500 of them today.

When you visit, start at the Visitor Center and pay your small entrance fee (if you're visiting between May and October).

There, you can learn about the area from a series of brochures and handouts.

Of course, the beautiful, regal bison are what people come to see ...

...but they're far from the only wildlife on the property.

The range is also home to 200 species of birds, including eagles, hawks, and meadowlarks.

This is the perfect place to capture some excellent wildlife photography, or just take it all in.

Public hunting is not allowed here -- it's just a place to observe.

The National Bison Range is open year-round, although it's obviously most popular in the summertime.

However, there's something to be said for going in the off-season. If you're lucky, it will just be you and the bison.

Montana has so many wildlife refuges, it can be tough to keep up. But the National Bison Range is simply stunning.