Animal Lesson #10: 7 Places to Show Kids Bison

Bison at Yellowstone National Park

Loved how the bison "owned" the Yellowstone National Park, roaming freely where they wanted. If they felt like crossing the road, believe me, you waited. Their size and power and prehistoric look makes you sit back, wait, and enjoy watching.

The kids enjoyed seeing the bison so much, we sought out a closer location with bison.  USA Today listed The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area as one of the "51 Greatest Places to See Wildlife" describing the area, "Located in the national recreation area known as Land Between the Lakes (between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake), Kentucky's only drive-through elk and bison prairie gives visitors up-close views of these majestic animals."  

The Elk & Bison Prairie National Recreation Area (Golden Pond, KY) in Land Between the Lakes offers family an economical deal - only $5 per car.  http://www.lbl.org/EBPrairieGate.html. Only enclosed vehicles allowed.  The loop only covers 3.5 miles, but leave plenty of time to allow bison to cross the road in front of you.

In the past, 40 to 60 million bison roamed across North America (NA).  According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, there are now only 500,000 in NA and most live on ranches.  Conservation herds total an estimated 20,000.  If you'd like to help, check out The American Bison Society http://www.wcs.org/saving-wildlife/hoofed-mammals/bison/the-american-bison-society.aspx


As the kids continued to age, I'd find more places to sight bison.  Look up bison farms where residents raise bison and offer products for sale.  I found one in Wisconsin - Lester's Bison Farm (31807 60th St, Salem, WI).  No entrance fee to pay.

We did purchase meat after learning more about the farm business from the owner himself.  If you do not feel motivated to travel for bison meat, go to meet Lester.  His patriotism shines at the driveway entrance with a row of American flags.  Retired from the United States Marine Corp, he has a lot of stories to tell.
  
If you'd like to show your kids the bison, here's 7 other locations with bison;
1.  Sandsage Bison Range, Garden City, KS, http://www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Wildlife-Areas/Region-3/Sandsage-Bison-Range
2.  Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne, MN, http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/blue_mounds/index.html
3.  Antelope Island State Park, Layton, Utah (UT), near Salt Lake City, $9 per car http://www.utah.com/stateparks/antelope_island.htm
4.  Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford, Nebraska http://www.stateparks.com/fort_robinson.html
5.  Maxwell State Bison Refuge, Canton, KS http://www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Wildlife-Areas/Region-4/Maxwell
6.  House Rock Wildlife Area near Jacob Lake, Arizona, http://www.wildlifeviewingareas.com/wv-app/parkdetail.aspx?parkid=57
7.  Witchita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, OK, bison and elk reintroduced  http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Wichita_Mountains/wildlife_and_habitat/index.html#

Gym Class #2: Rolex Kentucky & 7 Other Horse Events

Photo by Krenda

If you want to help your child envision, show them the best.  Sporting events help kids see what's possible.  Before signing up for horse back riding lessons, take your kids to a competition or event.

Living near Kentucky, we simply drove down to Lexington for the Rolex Three Day event including:  1) dressage, testing the gaits and obedience, 2) cross country, riders and horses go at speeds up to 25 mph over challenging terrain, including obstacles, water hazards, ditches, 3) jumping - a thrill to watch.

Prices can be steep, so check online for lower advanced pricing.  The Rolex takes two tickets, one for grounds admission ($20 to $40 for adults) and one for stadium competition seats ($10-$40 daily).

A friend of mine from my MBA college program has family in KY, living and breathing horse breeding and racing.  Kentucky residents are fortunate to be surrounded by horse farms and events:  Kentucky Derby, North American Junior/Young Rider Championships, American Saddlebred World's Championship Horse Show, Paso Pino Horse Association Grand National Championship Show.

You don't need to live near KY to find a horse event.  You can find events across the US and throughout the year.  Here's 7 other horse events (locations and dates may change):
1.  FEI World Cup Show Jumping & Dressage Finals -April, Las Vegas, NV 

2.  International Friesian Show Horse Association World & Grand National Horse Show- Sept., Burbank, CA

3.  AQHA World Show - Nov., Oklahoma City, OK

4.  Super Ride US Equestrian Drill Ride Championship - June, Lindale, TX 

5.  American Eventing Championships - Sept., Tyler, TX

6.  Arabian Sport Horse Nationals - July, Namba, ID

7.  Arabian Youth Nationals - Albuquerque, NM