Madison Buffalo Jump State Park — Attraction in Manhattan

This is a really nice site and definitely worth the visit. It is historically significant and offers education and immersion regarding a little known and fascinating history.

A word on hiking. It is worth the hike to the top to witness the view of the beautiful valley and also enhance your understanding of the historical context. But take note that the trails are not marked. I used the online map, but had to be very mindful of keeping track of where we were. Also, watch for snakes. We encountered an Easter Racer and a Bull Snake. The Bull more startling because of its size, but it was non aggressive and both are non venomous. However on our way down we also encountered a Rattle Snake that was mildly aggressive. We obviously startled him, he was quite near the trail. We used extreme caution and quietly waited for him to retreat before we proceeded. But do mind the signs and be cautious.

A note for the park it would be useful to post beware of Rattle Snakes signage at the trailhead to the interpretive kiosk in addition to the one posted at the rim trail.

Overall I definitely recommend this site. Not enough is widely known if this obscure history and learning about it on site...

We visited the Buffalo Jump State Park as a family. As someone who appreciates and reads history, I found it very interesting. It is easy to find, but just be aware that you will travel on a dirt road for a bit. There was plenty of parking (we were the only ones there) and a small pit toilet. The park includes two hikes, with informative signs along the way. The longer of the two goes up the bluff to the site of the buffalo jump. There was a picnic table about 100 yards up this trail. The other goes a short distance to a shaded viewing site with more informative signs. We went midday in July and it was plenty hot. The only real shade is at the viewing site. All in all we spent about an hour and a half. You could probably spend more time there, but it would have to be in the morning hours when it’s a little cooler. Nice views of the Madison river in the distance. And without the crowds, it lends itself well to reflection and imagining what the buffalo jump must...

30 miles from Bozeman Hotsprings RV Park. Zero chance to get lost if your phone has a verbal navigator. *! Last 2 miles into Buffalo Jump State Park is a Rail road ROUGH gravel road that will shake your teeth out over 5 m.p.h.. The park ? has a Clean rest room, plenty of parking AND a lock box & envelope to pay if you leave your car. $8.00 for out of state. No water, concession stand, no tables or chairs available. Not my idea of Kid or pet friendly. From your car to the only covered view point info center is 1/4 mile, up hill on a 1 person wide dirt trail. ALL up & down to the Top of the Plateau. 2 miles round trip AND you can get caught in a Thunder storm Down pour with only scrub trees to hide under. STUNNING Magnificent view for those fit enough to make it to the top. Go only as far as your legs/lungs will take you. I am 70. However i have been a laborer for the last 34 yrs. So a...