World's Largest Buffalo – Jamestown, North Dakota - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

World's Largest Buffalo

Jamestown, North Dakota

A true roadside icon standing on the same plains that the herds once roamed. 

View all photos
If one is going to make a plaque that is supposed to last for posterity, it would be a good idea to check the spelling first. How high is this thing? cyccommute (Atlas Obscura User)
643
573
Top Places in North Dakota
"Grasshopper's Delight" sculpture along the Enchanted Highway, approximately half-way to Regent, North Dakota. Car included for scale.
Enchanted Highway Sculptures
Regent, North Dakota
Salem Sue
New Salem, North Dakota
Legendary Albino Buffalo
Jamestown, North Dakota
 See All

At 60 tons—the equivalent of 60 full grown male buffalo—this is truly “The World’s Largest Buffalo.”

Built in 1959 by Jamestown College art instructor Elmer Paul Peterson, the buffalo is made from gunnite—a type of sprayed cement—over 1/4 inch wire mesh framed with 8 inch steel beaming, and 3/8 inch reinforcing rod. The first giant roadside sculpture built in North Dakota it measures in at 46 feet long, 26 feet in height and cost some $8500 to make.

In 1965 a replica old west town named “Frontier Village,” was built next to it, and includes a grocery store, school house, church, jail house, wishing well, Midland and Northern Pacific caboose, mine shaft, printing shop, post office, fire department with three old fire trucks, train depot, log cabin, art salon, souvenir shop, and even a barber shop.

To celebrate the sculpture’s 50th birthday, a contest was held in 2010 to name the buffalo. Dakota Thunder was the winning name.

Nearby is a live herd of buffalo—including “White Cloud,” an extremely rare albino buffalo—and the National Buffalo Museum.

Know Before You Go

Though visible from the freeway, to find this truly unique North Dakota roadside attraction take Exit 258 off of Interstate 94, Proceed north on Highway 281 for 3 blocks, Turn right at the stoplight and follow the road east for seven blocks. You can't miss it, trust me!

bison statues animals
Nearby
Legendary Albino Buffalo
0.17 miles
Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site
49.86 miles
World's Largest Sandhill Crane
57.43 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
White Cloud, as photographed by Carroll Wentland.
Jamestown, North Dakota

Legendary Albino Buffalo

Three legendary, living albino buffalo roaming their pastures for all to see.
Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site
Cooperstown, North Dakota

Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site

These former Cold War launch sites have been preserved for tourists to see where the button might have been pushed.
Steele, North Dakota

World's Largest Sandhill Crane

The metal bird, nicknamed "Sandy," stands nearly 40 feet tall and is an homage to the birds that migrate through North Dakota every year.
Crossing of 400 kV DC line CU ( on large pylons) of 250 kV DC line Square Butte ( on small pylons).
Tuttle, North Dakota

CU / Square Butte Crossing

Only place outside China and India where two overhead DC power lines cross.
Related Places
Odate, Japan

‘Homesick Hachiko’

Another statue of Japan's most famous dog stands in his hometown.
Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

Bison of Trexler Nature Preserve

An American industrialist hoped this nature preserve could help save the North American bison.
Singapore

Tortoises of Kusu Island

Legend holds that a tortoise turned itself into this island to save two shipwrecked sailors.
Aakirkeby, Denmark

Bison of Bornholm

Even though bison are not native to this Danish island, you might find them walking around the Almindingen Forestas as part of a nature experiment.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web