News, Facts and Events

Bison Facts

 

The buffalo was fully used by the Native American populations from the plains. They depended on the buffalo for survival and honored it in sacred ceremonies. The entire buffalo was put to use. For the Native Americans, the buffalo could be described as an "all-purpose supply store." Those parts not used for food were still used - they became clothing, tools, furnishings, ceremonial objects and weapons.

Interesting Buffalo Trivia

Life Span: 30 or more years
Weight: Up to 2000 lbs. (1 ton)
Maturity: 5-7 years
Running Speed: Can run up to 35 mph with more stamina than a horse
Jumping: Can jump over 6 foot fences easily
Hearing: Very keen
Nose: Important for locating food and detecting danger
Sight: Weak
Gestation: 9 months, 1 calf weighing about 40 lbs. (twins are rare)

North American Buffalo Population

(From Los Alamos Homepage)

In 1800 there were approximately 5 million Buffalo. By 1875 this decreased to 1 million. Five years later the estimate dropped to a 395,000; 20,000 in 1885 and less than 1,000 in 1895.

Luckily there was a change before the buffalo became extinct. In 1983 there were 50,000 Buffalo and the number continues to rise.

How Native Americans Utilized the Buffalo

Edible Parts - Food and ceremonial use

Fat and Marrow - Food, paint, soap

Bones - Paint brush handles, knives, scrapers, sled runners, arrowheads, sewing awls, counters for games

Brain - Food, tanning agent

Intestine - Cord, pouches

Rawhide - Moccasin soles, shields, containers, ornaments, rattles, snow shoes, mortars, lariats, bridles, boats, luggage, food boiling, medicine bundle, saddles, thongs, stirrups

Hide - Tipis, robes, dresses, breech cloth, shirts, leggings, moccasins, bedding, dolls, regalia, cradleboards, implements, drums, tipi furnishings

Skull - Altars, entire head worn as mask

Horns - Spoons, ladles, cups, implements, headdress ornaments, games, powder flasks

Hair - Rope, stuffing, ornaments, ceremonial use, brushes

Dung - Fuel

Sinew and Muscle - Thread, cord, bow strings

Tail - Fly brush

Stomach - cooking vessel, container for carrying/storing water

Bladder - Drinking vessels

Tongue - Rough side used for hairbrush

Nutritional Information

 

Source: USDA Handbook 8-5; 8-10; 8-13; 8-17

Per 100 Grams of Cooked Lean Meat
	Calories	Fat	Cholesterol
Bison	149	2.42 g	82 mg
Beef	211	9.3 g	86 mg
Pork	215	10.5 g	92 mg
Chicken*	190	7.41 g	89 mg

*Skinless

 

 

Upcoming Events:

Take a Look at Our 2012 Events

Valentine's Celebration:

--February 11, 2012 at 2:00 PM

Come enjoy a wagon ride to see the bison. Bring a blanket for you and your favorite Valentine. After the ride, warm up, indoors, with a FREE hot chocolate. Children 12 and younger create their own Valentine Photo Frame.
Cost--$10.00/person

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Celebrate St. Patrick's Day:

--March 17, 2012 at 2:00 PM

Take a wagon ride to see the bison. Warm up, indoors, after the ride with popcorn and hot chocolate. Children 12 and younger will make their own "Pot o' Gold".

Cost--$10.00/person

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Easter Egg Hunt:

--April 7th at 2:00 PM

Take a wagon ride to see the bison, then join us at the gazebo for an Easter Egg Hunt -- with a prize in every egg! Games and prizes! Please -- only children 12 and younger.

Cost--$10.00/ person

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Ice Cream Pizza Party:

--June 30th at 2:00 PM

Enjoy a wagon ride to see the bison. After the ride, join us for a slice of ice cream pizza -- a brownie crust, vanilla ice cream, topped with fudge, cherries, M&M's and chocolate chunks.
Cost-- $10 per person.
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A Bison Adventure!

--July 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th at 12:30 PM
--August 4th, 11th and 18th at 12:30 PM
-- September 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th at 12:30 PM 
 Enjoy a bison burger, hot off the grill. We provide all the fixin's to make sure you get your burger exactly the way you want it. Complete your lunch with chips, a beverage and ice cream. Finish your adventure with an exciting wagon ride to see the bison @ 1:30 PM.
Cost--Adults $15.00; Children $13.00 
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Family Fun Day:

--July 15, 2012 at 11:00 AM

Make your own ice cream and butter. Visit the barnyard pets. Take a trip around the "Flowers For Food" Children's Maze. Make a craft. Play games. All from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. At 1:30 climb aboard for a wagon ride to see the bison. Burgers will be available for purchase from the grill 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Cost--$12.50 per person.

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Sundae Social:

--August 12, 2012 at 1:30 PM

Take a "Sundae" wagon ride to see the bison. Following the ride, create your own sundae with Premium New England ice cream, and a variety of toppings. FREE "ice cream" cup and spoon for all paid participants 12 yrs. and younger.
Cost--$10 per person.

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Walktober Event:

--October 7th & 8th at10:00 AM

Take a walk to see the bison and their handling facilities. Warm up with a free sample of Wild Rice and Barley Bison Soup. Stay for a while and let your children, 12 yrs and younger, make a free fall craft project. Make sure you wear sturdy walking shoes that can get dirty.
There is no fee for this free walk.
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Pumpkin Tours:

--October 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th at 2:00 PM

Take a covered wagon ride to see the bison. On the return trip we stop at the pumpkin patch where you will pick you own prize pumpkin. Back at the farm store we provide all you need to decorate our own award-winning beauty.
Cost--$10 per person.

*This tour is also available to private and school groups during the month of October. Please call for rates and scheduling.

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Turkey Time:

--November 17th at 2:00 PM

Bundle up for a wagon ride to see the bison. After the ride, warm up, indoors, with cookies and hot cider. Complete the day with a turkey craft project for the children 12 yrs and younger.
Cost--$10 per person.
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Take A Break:

--December 28th at 2:00 PM

Had enough "vacation"? Take a break, with a wagon ride to see the bison. Warm up after the ride with a sample of Wild Rice and Barley Bison Soup, Children 12 years and younger make a snowman craft project.
Cost--$10 per person

*Private group tours are also available. Call for dates and reservations for private groups. Our store's Fall and Winter Hours are Saturday, 10:00 m to 2:00 pm and by appointment. Call 860-779-0837.