World’s Largest Buffalo

404 17th Street SE
Jamestown, North Dakota

Although it’s not visible from the highway, this “world’s largest” entry is worth a short detour on any trek along North Dakota’s Interstate 94. Just take exit 258, then head north for about two miles and make a right on 17th Street. The road will pass the turnoff to the National Buffalo Museum, and travel through Frontier Village, before it dead-ends in a small unstriped parking lot. From there it’s a 150-foot walk down a paved sidewalk to the massive monument. And although there’s a slight incline at the beginning of the sidewalk, if you can make it past the first fifteen feet, you’re good to go. That said, manual wheelchair-users may need a bit of assistance

Erected in 1959 to draw tourists off the newly constructed interstate, the big buffalo lacked a name for 50 years, after which it was christened Dakota Thunder. It’s fabricated from steel beams, wire, and three-inch thick gunite; and it stands and impressive 26-feet tall and tips the scales at a portly 60 tons. The original sculpture — which was repainted in 2016 — cost the town $8,500, which was nearly double the original estimate. It’s a fun photo stop, and if you’d like to also check out the stores in Frontier Village, there’s ramp access up to the boardwalk sidewalks and level access to most businesses. And if your lucky you may be able to spot the National Buffalo Museum’s bison herd from a vantage point near the statue.