5th Annual Bison Bash

Join us August 13-15 for the fifth annual Bison Bash at Cross Ranch State Park and Nature Preserve. The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is collaborating with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) of North Dakota to bring visitors an exciting celebration of America’s National Mammal. We have a fantastic weekend packed full of bison events for all ages that will include a Cinnamon Charge obstacle course, bison interpretive program, craft station, nature preserve hike, and Bison Stampede fun run.

To kick off Bison Bash on Friday, August 13 at 8 p.m., there will be an amphitheater program on bison basics.

Saturday, August 14 starting at 10 a.m., join us for a hike on the Cross Ranch Nature Preserve. Haley Bloomquist, Paulson Grassland Conservation Fellow for TNC, will be leading a preserve hike, providing individuals with knowledge about bison and their habitat. Please, meet at the Cross Ranch Nature Preserve parking area located about 3/4 mile north of the CRSP entrance on the west side of the gravel road.

A bison craft station, games, exhibits, and scavenger hunt will also be available throughout the day on Saturday at Cross Ranch State Park. The Cinnamon Charge obstacle course will begin at 4 p.m. at the amphitheater. The evening will conclude with a program on bison trivia by Haley Bloomquist, Paulson Grassland Conservation Fellow for TNC. In event of inclement weather, all amphitheater programs will be moved inside the River Peoples Visitor Center education room.

On Sunday, August 15 we invite you to stampede with us on a variety of backcountry runs. This year we are hosting a 5K, 10K, and a 15K run! There is a pre-registration fee of $10 and tickets can be purchased here. Registration will also be available before the Stampede Run in the River Peoples Visitor Center at 6:00 am. The runs will begin at 7 a.m. Registration will include race and breakfast access in addition to a memorable Bison Stampede item. A small breakfast will be served post-race to include fruit and granola bars. We will also serve refreshments such as coffee, water, and juice.

All other events throughout Bison Bash are free of charge in accordance with a daily pass ($7) or annual pass ($35). The event is open to all ages. Cross Ranch State Park and Nature Preserve are located 12 miles southeast of Hensler via paved roads, or 6 miles by gravel. For paved access roads, follow the brown park directional signs located off Highway 25 or 83.

For more information, please contact Cross Ranch State Park at (701) 794-3731 or visit Cross Ranch State Park’s Facebook event.