Photos by Donna

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Just north of Deadwood and the Black Hills National Forest is Centennial Valley and location of the 4,750 acre Frawley Ranch (estab. 1880), the largest and most successful cattle ranch in western South Dakota.

Today Frawley Ranch is one of only two National Historic Sites in the entire state of South Dakota.  (more on the interesting history of Frawley Ranch here)

Frawley Ranch provides a glimpse into pioneer life with restoration of the historical buildings and their natural environment, while incorporating modern development for the future that now includes the Elkhorn Ridge Golf Course, “Upper Ranch” Courthouse Barns venue for weddings, real estate development, and the Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort (where we’ve been camping for the past few weeks).

To add historical authenticity, Frawley Ranch includes a small herd of bison.  Today the herd contains approximately 30 bison, including the calves born this past spring.  The herd takes care of themselves.  The ranch does provide a huge bale of hay during the harsh winters to assist their survival.

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Frawley “Upper” Ranch Courthouse Barns (now also a wedding venue)

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Heading out onto the prairie, the herd of bison was spread out and could be seen grazing.

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Frawley Ranch bison out on the prairie

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Frawley Ranch bison

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Eric told us once the herd saw us, they would come running.  Sure enough, they did!

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Bison cows and calves running after us

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They wasted no time in getting right up to our windows, looking for a treat.

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My husband feeding a treat

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With their impressive size and strength, it was incredible to be up close & personal and see their gentle side.  There was no aggressiveness because we did not provoke them.

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Did you know bison have blue tongues?

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Bison’s blue tongue

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The females (cows) were the first to the truck to beat the picking order.  There are two bulls in the Frawley Ranch herd.  We watched the massive young bull take his time meandering to the truck.  All the females and calves quickly got out of the way as he approached us.

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The young bull was getting his share of treats, but he was also getting wary of another approaching bull.  The head bull of the herd.

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Head Bull “Pig” making a grand entrance

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Photo close-ups….bison eyes….

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“When you look a wild animal in the eye, it’s like catching a glimpse into the soul of nature itself.”  — Paul Oxton

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Bison fur….

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Oh, the adorable calves!  These calves (also nicknamed “red dogs” in some parts of the country) were born this past April/May….

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Little blue tongue

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This calf is a year old, born Spring 2020.

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Calf a year old, born Spring 2020

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Calf with its Mama

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Of course, all good things come to an end!  Eric maneuvered the truck away from the bison for our departure.

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But we had one Mama bison and her calf that decided to escort us back, it was awesome as they ran alongside us.

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As we crested over the prairie hill to head back down to the ranch gates, the female and calf stopped and watched us.  Precious!

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“We enjoyed your visit, come back again!”

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It is obvious the bison are well cared for with love and respect.  And though we were in very close proximity to them, there is no real safe way to approach these dangerous wild animals.  If they feel threatened, they will charge and bite.

Thank you, Eric, for your tour, it was a thrilling experience we will not forget!  (Another thank you to Eric in the next post too! 😉)

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