Bison Prairie

​​​​​​​​​​​​​American plains bison were reintroduced​ to a 150-acre fenced-in prairie at Dakota County's Spring Lake Park Reserve. ​(Map and driving directions).

B​ison can be best viewed from the Mississippi River Greenway. The reintroduction of bison is an important element to continued prairie restoration.

Hours: Daily, 5 a.m.–10 p.m. Parking lot hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Current location of the bison

The bison are currently in Paddock #1 ​as shown on the Biso​n Location Map​​​​​​​​​​​​.​​

Bison herd

The bison herd consists of 11 animals, with no calves expected in spring 2025 due to the absence of a breeding bull. 

Over the winter, they have been grazing the prairie, reducing the tall grasses which will aid in seed germination and promote growth​.

Viewing the bison

The bison herd is managed within fenced-​in areas throughout the western half of Spring Lake Park Reserve. 

Throughout the year, the bison herd will be moved to different areas, known as paddocks. Bison are free to roam within each area and could be difficult to see at times.

This webpage will be updated when bison move from one area to another.

Bison pr​​​​ograms

Our outdoor education team offers a variety of public programs, school field trips​ and private nature programs about the bison prairie. Learn more about programs a​nd events. ​

Parking

Parking is available in the trailhead parking lot. You can also park along the park entrance road and Pine Bend Trail unless signed as no parking.

Amenities

• Coming soon - ​b​ison interpretive gathering area
• Portable toilet at interpretive gathering area
• Restrooms at nearby Archery Pic​nic Shelter (year-round)
• Mississippi​ River Greenway
• Free parking

Bison viewing rules

Dakota County welcomes you to view and learn about the bison. Please remember, bison are wild animals. They can be dangerous and unpredictable.

• Do not attempt to feed the bison.
• Keep your voices down and do not harass the bison.
• Keep 10 feet from the fence at all times.​
  
• Pets must be leashed at all times. Do not secure pets to any tree, plant, sign or park structure. Pet waste must be removed.
• Do not climb fences or gates or throw objects into the fenced bison range.
• Do not tamper with fences, posts, gates, gains and locks.
• Do not operate drones or other engine-powered models and toys on or around the bison range.

The bison range is governed by County Ordinance 107 – Park Use and patrolled by the Dakota County Sheriff's Office.  

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