Cheyenne, Wyoming Highlight - Terry Bison Ranch

If you are driving through Wyoming, Terry Bison Ranch is a must do. Visitor are allowed to roam the ranch and enjoy the environment at their own pace. The best way to share this experience is through pictures so that is what I will do accompanied by short commentaries. We stayed in the RV park and there is no addition fee to explore the area unless you wish to partake in the bison tour.

The tour guide shares a sense of humor and a lot of knowledge. The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children and kids under 3 are free. Once the open air train is boarded, passengers ride around the ranch with an explanation of how the ranch was founded. Since we visited in the off season it was pretty quiet and the trick show was not included in the bison tour. Our tour guide shared many fun facts. I learned that bison are not the same as buffalo and in fact, the picture on the buffalo penny is really a bison.

During our visit, we saw many mamas with calves. They seemed tame; however, we were cautioned that they are accustomed to the train but will not look so cuddly if we got off the train.

A paper bag of pellets could be purchased to feed the bison. Being so close to these large animals allowed me to appreciate their majestic beauty.

At the ranch, a visitor will be greeted by an abundance of animals. As with the buffalo, there were many babies: cow calves, horses, birds - each precious. Later in the evening, when the horses were let into the pasture, it was fun to watch a handler lead mommy with the colt following closely behind without a rope. It was obvious baby would go where ever her mom went. Once in the field she frolicked with other colts.

There was also a barn with draft horses. Standing next to the Clydesdale made me feel dwarfed by comparison.

When off in a distance I spied a head protruding over the fences, I had to investigate.

This ostrich was fascinating to observe and friendly. He posed for our pictures. Look at those eyelashes.

The ranch hands were helpful and willing to answer questions. One took visitors to the bird barn and even offered peacock feathers to take home as souvenirs. To get a bird's eye view you can walk across the catwalk to look down on other animals such as goats and llamas.

My favorite resident was Walter the turkey. He gobbled when we approached but proved to be friendly and accepting of humans.

There is more to experience at this stop than the animals, though they are the highlight. The historical relevance is evident when looking at the 125 year old cottonwood trees that were planted when Theodore Roosevelt visited. The Wyoming School of Horseshoeing resides on this site. It operates with the goal to preserve the farrier industry - an important vocational occupation.

Terry Bison Ranch is a Passport American campground. We paid $28 to stay there in our motorhome, a 50% saving. Learn more about Passport America here. 

Passport America Saves Money on the Road

Terrys Bison Ranch's website shares some historical background.

For a fee visitors can take advantage of the horseback trail rides, the private fishing pond, eat at the restaurant named The Senator Steakhouse that serves bison steaks, or simply sit and enjoy the various sights and aromas.

"The Terry Bison Ranch was first owned by FE Warren, the first Govenorof Wyoming. He bought the 300,000 acre rach from Charles H. Terry in 1881 and used it as his south headquarters for this Warren Livestock Company.

Ron and Janice Theil purchased 27,500 acres in 1991 and opened the company to the public in 1993. Ron originally intended it for the purpose of raising bison. Dan Thiel, the sond of Ron and Janice thought it would bed a great ideas to starte a company that would allow people to be able to 'get up close and personal' to the great North Amerian Bison. Of course, after over f1 year of red tape "Jan Thjiel Inc.," dba Terry Bison Ranch Resort became a reality."

Additional interesting site for travelers. Fort Cody Trading Post provides a fun break before going to the ranch. It offers souvenirs, snacks and a free museum out back. There was a grassy area for us to walk the dogs and even a photo op.