Summer hours at the National Bison Range

| June 2, 2010 3:46 PM

Come Memorial Day weekend, the National Bison Range changed to its longer summer hours of operation. Starting Saturday, May 29, 2010, the Refuge will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Visitors should remember that they will need to start Red Sleep Mountain Drive no later than 7 p.m. to be finished before the main gates close (this closing time is 6 p.m. until May 29). The Refuge is closed at night to all public use.

Red Sleep Mountain Drive is a 19-mile, one-way gravel road which rises 2,000 feet and takes about two hours to complete. Traveling from the valley grasslands up to the timber line and along Mission Creek, Red Sleep Mountain Drive provides visitors with the opportunity to see a variety of animals and birds, including bison, deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, and eagles.

Due to safety concerns, motorcycles and bicycles are not allowed along the graveled scenic roads but can only access the Day Use Area and Visitor Center.

And to protect the health of the wildlife, livestock trailers are not allowed on the Refuge. Also, large vehicles over 30 feet in length, trailers and all towed units are not allowed on the Red Sleep Mountain Drive. Trailers and large vehicles can be left at the Visitor Center parking area. The West Loop and Prairie Drive are open to larger vehicles and towed units. These shorter, graveled drives take about 20 minutes.

The Visitor Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays. Visitors are asked to stop at the Center to pay fees and receive maps and current information.

Wildlife books and posters are available for sale. As a reminder, there is a $5 per car fee charged for use of the drives. A Bison Range season pass is available for $15. The new America the Beautiful Federal Passes as well as the Golden Passes and the Federal Waterfowl Stamp are accepted for admission.

Take advantage of longer summer days to spend more time at your favorite National Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

For more information, visit the Service home page at www.fws.gov.