Current Exhibits

First Gallery

Interactive Exhibits

The North American Bison Discovery Center’s galleries are peppered with points of interactivity. The bison puzzle exhibit allows visitors to delve into bison biology and physiology through physical interaction with life-sized reproductions of bison bones and organs, while an accompanying video from the Canadian Museum of Nature traces the path of a bison’s digestive system.

There are other interactive elements throughout the Center galleries including a touch table, a hands-on play area, and a digital matching game at which visitors can test their knowledge about Indigenous People’s use of bison in the past. The Bullock Texas State History Museum created the game and licensed it to the North American Bison Discovery Center. The game features beautifully illustrated images and animations by artist Diana Marques, and explores uses of bison skins, meat, bones, and organs.

Children exploring a large anatomical model.

Adult and child examining museum exhibits together.

National Buffalo Foundation’s Buffalo Hall of Fame

Since the latter half of the 19th century, conservationists, preservationists, politicians, private ranchers, Native American tribes, and other advocates have contributed to the restoration of the bison from near extinction.

The Buffalo Hall of Fame was established by the National Buffalo Foundation (then called the National Buffalo Association) in 1980 to honor those who have made significant contributions to help restore the American bison. It honors both historic and contemporary individuals who have helped to advance bison restoration in North America.

The National Buffalo Foundation continues to administer the Hall of Fame, which is one of the National Buffalo Museum’s foundational exhibits.

North Dakota Pottery

This exhibit highlights representative examples of bison themed pottery originating in North Dakota. Various North Dakota pottery producers have been inspired to represent bison in their work. This exhibit spans mid-20th century styles to more contemporary examples of North Dakota pottery, from both large producers and individual ceramic artists.

This exhibit was made possible in large part by members of the North Dakota Pottery Collectors Society (NDPCS).