Travel Features

Visiting the Elk & Bison Prairie

November 4, 2025 | Lakin' It with Lydia

If you’re looking to spot some truly majestic animals, the Elk and Bison Prairie is the place to be, especially when the fall air is crisp! I recently teamed up with Tim from the Friends of LBL, the prairie monitor, to observe the herd in this beautiful setting.

We got here three hours before sunset, which felt like the perfect time. But let me tell you, wildlife viewing requires patience! We had to take several loops before we finally spotted some elk. (The turkeys, on the other hand, are always reliable!) About an hour before sunset, it was absolutely worth the wait: we got to witness some bull elk clashing antlers right at the end of their rutt season.

The big lesson is to plan on taking multiple rounds. Since you’ll be in your car for a while, bring snacks, but remember you must stay inside your vehicle while eating. While you can pull over and stretch your legs at the three designated pull-out spots—which explain the prairie’s history as a restored Native Grassland ecosystem—stay safe and observe from a distance.

We didn't see any bison this time, which just proves that these are wild animals and they’ll do what they want! But that just means you have to keep coming back.

This is hiw you get there:



And here is a video of my visit:

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