Buffalo or Bison

What’s the difference?

Illustration of a standing bison.

This is a Bison

The North American bison is commonly known as a buffalo, or an American buffalo. This nickname often causes confusion.

Water buffalo illustration with descriptive text.
Illustration of a cape buffalo with text.
Person thinking with question marks around.

People often confuse the American buffalo with the Cape or African buffalo and the Asian water buffalo.

Now You Know

These animals are all different, but they do have one thing in common – they’re all called buffalo.

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Contact Us

North American Bison Discovery Center
500 17th St SE
Jamestown, ND 58401

Phone: 701-252-8648
Toll-Free: 1-800-807-1511

[email protected]

Museum Hours

Regular Hours (March to Memorial Day, Labor Day through October)
Mon – Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Summer Hours
(Memorial Day to Labor Day)
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

Off Season Hours (November through February)
Tue – Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Closed
Thanksgiving Day,
December 22, 2024 – January 1, 2025

More to Offer

While you’re here, discover all that Jamestown has to offer. Visit Jamestown Tourism and North Dakota Tourism for more!