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The story of the bison – America’s national mammal – stretches from Plains Indian hunters to entrepreneurial industrialists to dedicated conservationists to today’s producers and enthusiasts. Bison, a traveling exhibit on show at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains tells the story of this quintessentially North American animal. With a focus on bison as a shared resource, the exhibit illuminates the past, present, and vibrant future of bison in North America.

Bison invites visitors of all ages to explore the significance of bison in the cultures of Plains Indian peoples — particularly as a resource for food, clothing, shelter and tools. That co-existence changed dramatically with the closing of the frontier, which subsequently brought new settlers with livestock to compete for grass and water during a time of climate and habitat change. These developments were exacerbated by the commodification of the bison as a source of hide and bone during late nineteenth century industrialization.

The most recent chapter of the bison story is both significant and complex: the romance of rescuing and preserving bison; the science of genetic diversity within the species; the dynamics of poachers, profiteers, and producers both industrial and small-scale; marketing bison fiber and meat to the 21st century customer. The exhibit highlights the role of the National Buffalo Foundation in bringing together a community of stakeholders to celebrate and promote the bison’s heritage and to raise awareness of that story.

“Bison” will be on exhibit through February 5, 2027 in the Prairie Discovery Lab at the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, located at 177 West Hickory in Hesston, Kan. The exhibit is open weekdays from 1 to 4 pm to the general public. It is also available for scheduled group tours by appointment.

Admission to the exhibit is included in the regular Arboretum admission fee, which is $2 per non-member student/adult, $1 per non-member child (ages 3-12). Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Current Arboretum members may present their digital or physical membership card for free admission.