At the confluence of the James River and Pipestem Creek sits Jamestown, North Dakota also known as “Buffalo City”. The Northern Pacific Railroad came to the area in 1871 adding to their transcontinental line and by 1872 Jamestown was founded. The fort that guarded the crossing of the James river was made inactive after only five years but the railway remained open and served as a repair yard that was among the city’s main industries until the 1960’s.
Frontier Village
Enjoy a fresh old fashioned soda from the fountain as you stroll down the streets of Frontier Village. The village features a post office, barber shop, fire department, saloon, sheriff’s office, souvenir shop, and much more. These original frontier buildings were all moved to this specific site and are brimming with artifacts that bring the days of the prairie pioneers to life. Stagecoach and pony rides are made available during the summer months, but be careful that you don’t get caught between an old-time western shootout.
World’s Largest Buffalo Monument
It wasn’t until 2010 that the 26 feet tall, 46 feet long, and 60 ton buffalo received his name, Dakota Thunder. He was created in 1959 by cement sculptor Elmer Peterson, but he was the vision of Harold Newman. Harold Newman was the owner of Newman Signs and commissioned for the sculpture to be built. Over the past 50 years the giant buffalo monument has grown in popularity and become a famous roadside attraction.
White Buffalo
Three very rare albino buffalo can be seen grazing on the 200 acres of rolling prairies here in Jamestown, North Dakota. The North Dakota Buffalo Foundation is responsible for managing the herd of about 30 buffalo. First there was White Cloud then came Dakota Miracle and Dakota Legend. While a white buffalo brings universal interest, it is most often identified with Native American folklore dating back for centuries. White buffalo have been revered as a sacred sign from God and hold great spiritual importance during prayer and other spiritual ceremonies. As if aware of their special status, White Cloud and her calves can often be seen on the edge of the herd or off in the shady brush.
The North Dakota Buffalo Foundation
Since 1991 the North Dakota Buffalo Foundation has been dedicated to preserving the history of the buffalo, as well as, advocating the buffalo management industry of today. The Foundation established the National Buffalo Museum in 1993 and today several of the same people still look after its well being, as well as, the herd. Today, the North Dakota Buffalo Foundation continues to make every effort for excellence through new exhibits, grounds enhancement, educational interpretation at the Museum, and also through extraordinary, hands on care of the herd. Guests to the museum will see such items as: a 10,000 year old skull the authentic Thundering Herd oil painting, wildlife mounts including a full size buffalo mount, and endless buffalo head mounts.
Located in the museum, the Prairie Winds Gift Shop features hand crafted buffalo themed souvenirs made by local artisans. There is no admission to enter the shop. Handicap accessibility is available at the museum.