Jamestown museum rebrands as North American Bison Discovery Center

The museum in Jamestown long known for its buffalo exhibits has a new name and continues to serve as a local cultural and educational hub. Now operating as the North American Bison Discovery Center, the site on Frontier Village remains focused on the American bison, Plains culture, and regional history while offering pasture tours, on-site herd viewing, group visit options, and special events that draw both residents and visitors.

The center is located at 500 17th St SE, Jamestown, ND, and can be reached at 701-252-8648. Visitors should note regular off-season hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours during the summer season; the center also maintains a website at buffalomuseum.com with current details on hours, tours, and event schedules. Its proximity to the World's Largest Buffalo statue and other Frontier Village attractions keeps it central to Jamestown's tourism circuit.

For Stutsman County, the center plays multiple roles. It is an educational resource for local schools and community groups seeking programming on Plains culture and natural history. Pasture tours and group visit options facilitate hands-on learning opportunities that supplement classroom work and create a steady source of midweek visitation. Special events throughout the year help spread visitor traffic beyond peak summer months, supporting nearby restaurants, shops, and lodging that rely on heritage tourism.

From an economic and policy perspective, the center fits into broader trends favoring heritage and agritourism as strategies for rural economic development. Maintaining consistent hours, group programming, and visible signage at Frontier Village helps maximize spillover spending in Jamestown. The presence of an on-site herd also positions the center to participate in conservation education and potential partnerships with regional agricultural and conservation groups.

Long-term, the center’s rebranding underscores local efforts to position Jamestown as a bison and Plains-culture destination that can attract repeat visitors and school groups. Residents planning a visit can call 701-252-8648 or check buffalomuseum.com for current hours, booking information for pasture tours or group visits, and a calendar of special events. For the community, the center remains both a reminder of regional heritage and a practical asset for tourism and education growth in Stutsman County.