Enjoy it while visiting Cheyenne in Wyoming
Terry Bison Ranch is a premier agritourism destination located just south of Cheyenne on the Colorado-Wyoming border. Spanning over 27,000 acres, this working ranch is home to one of the largest privately owned bison herds in the United States, with approximately 2,500 head of bison roaming across the high plains landscape. The ranch combines authentic western heritage with family-friendly attractions, offering visitors a genuine taste of the American West in a setting that has been a working cattle and bison operation for over a century.
The ranch’s location along the historic Interstate 25 corridor places it at the crossroads of major pioneer trails, and its landscape remains much as it was when buffalo herds thundered across these grasslands by the millions. Today, the ranch serves as both a conservation enterprise and a visitor attraction, demonstrating sustainable bison ranching practices while preserving an authentic remnant of the Great Plains ecosystem that once stretched unbroken from Canada to Texas.
The land that now comprises Terry Bison Ranch has been part of the High Plains ranching tradition since the late 1800s. Originally established as a cattle operation, the ranch traces its roots to the era when Cheyenne served as a major shipping point for cattle driven north from Texas along the Goodnight-Loving Trail and other historic cattle routes. The vast grasslands provided ideal grazing for cattle, and the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad in 1867 made Cheyenne a natural hub for the livestock industry.
The ranch transitioned to bison ranching as part of a larger conservation movement that gained momentum in the mid-twentieth century. By the 1990s, the ranch had built one of the country’s most significant private bison herds, contributing to the species’ recovery from near-extinction in the late 1800s. Bison ranching represents both an economic enterprise and a conservation strategy, helping to maintain genetic diversity and expand the population of North America’s largest land mammal.
Terry Bison Ranch opened its doors to visitors in the 1990s as part of the growing agritourism movement in the American West. The ranch’s proximity to Cheyenne and its location along Interstate 25 made it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic western experience. Today, the ranch welcomes visitors from around the world who come to see bison up close, experience cowboy culture, and learn about the historic and ecological significance of these iconic animals.
The signature experience at Terry Bison Ranch is the bison train tour, a narrated ride aboard a custom-built train that takes visitors directly into the heart of the bison herd. Specially designed rail cars allow passengers to observe the massive animals from just feet away, with informative commentary covering bison biology, ranching history, and the role these animals played in shaping the American West. The train tour typically lasts about 45 minutes and offers unparalleled photo opportunities of bison in a natural grassland setting.
Horseback riding provides another way to experience the ranch’s vast landscape, with guided trail rides available for riders of all skill levels. Experienced wranglers lead small groups through pastures where cattle and horses graze against a backdrop of the Snowy Range mountains on the western horizon. The rides follow historic trails and offer sweeping views of the ranch’s 27,000 acres, providing an immersive sense of the open-range experience that defines the region’s cowboy heritage.
The petting zoo and animal exhibit area introduces younger visitors to a variety of farm animals including goats, llamas, camels, and miniature horses. Kids can hand-feed many of the animals and learn about livestock care from ranch staff. The ranch also features pony rides for children, a gift shop stocked with western-themed merchandise and bison products, and a restaurant serving bison burgers, steaks, and other ranch-inspired cuisine.
Beyond the organized tours, Terry Bison Ranch offers opportunities for wildlife photography and bird watching across its expansive grasslands. The ranch’s diverse habitat supports a range of high plains wildlife including pronghorn antelope, mule deer, coyotes, and numerous bird species such as western meadowlarks, red-tailed hawks, and golden eagles. The early morning and late afternoon hours offer the best light and the most active wildlife viewing.
Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line in the ranch’s stocked fishing pond, which is home to rainbow trout and catfish. The pond provides a peaceful setting for a few hours of relaxed angling, with picnic tables and shade structures nearby. Rod rentals are available at the ranch office for visitors who do not bring their own equipment.
During the summer months, the ranch hosts special events including rodeo demonstrations, chuckwagon dinners, and western music performances that showcase the living traditions of cowboy culture. These events transform the ranch into a lively gathering place where visitors can experience firsthand the music, food, and customs that define the social life of the American West.
The peak season at Terry Bison Ranch runs from May through October, when the bison train tours, horseback riding, and petting zoo operate on a full schedule. Summer temperatures in Cheyenne typically range from the mid-70s to upper 80s Fahrenheit, with low humidity and abundant sunshine. July is particularly vibrant, coinciding with Cheyenne Frontier Days, when thousands of rodeo fans visit the area and the ranch extends its hours to accommodate the crowds.
Fall brings crisp temperatures and golden grasslands, with September and October offering some of the most dramatic scenery as the cottonwood trees along Crow Creek turn brilliant shades of yellow. Bison are particularly active during the autumn months as the rutting season begins, and visitors may witness bulls competing for dominance in displays of power and aggression that recall the untamed nature of the historic Great Plains.
Winter from November through April sees reduced operations, though the ranch restaurant and gift shop remain open year-round. The snow-dusted prairie landscape takes on a stark beauty during the colder months, and visitors can still observe bison from viewing areas near the ranch entrance. The ranch’s Senator’s Steakhouse provides a warm and welcoming refuge during winter visits, with hearty meals served in a rustic dining room overlooking the snow-covered plains.
| Activity | Duration | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Bison train tour | 45 minutes to 1 hour | May through October |
| Horseback riding | 1 to 2 hours | June through September |
| Petting zoo and animal exhibits | 30 minutes to 1 hour | May through September |
| Dining at Senator’s Steakhouse | 1 to 2 hours | Year-round |