Baby Bison in the Black Hills of SD

Unsure when to visit the Black Hills of South Dakota? How about baby bison season? With their curious eyes, fuzzy coats, and spunky attitudes, bison calves are a delight to watch in person.

Before we dive into all the fun facts about baby bison however, let’s clear up one common confusion. Is it bison or buffalo?

Bison vs. buffalo: What’s the difference?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably bison and buffalo aren't the same species, though they're both part of the Bovidae family. The animals you’ll find in the Black Hills are American bison. True buffalo are native to Africa and Asia (think water buffalo and Cape buffalo). Bison, on the other hand, are native to North America and Europe. Even then, the bison differ.

North American bison are larger, have a distinctive hump on their shoulders, and thicker fur than European bison — perfect for withstanding South Dakota’s weather. North American bison also form larger herds and roam wider areas while European bison move in smaller groups through forested lands.

Let’s talk about baby bison

Watching a bison herd can be majestic, like stepping back to a earlier era, but there's something special about seeing that same herd with little red calves tagging behind their mothers.

When are bison babies born in the black hills?

Spring is baby bison season in the Black Hills. Most calves are born between late April and early June, with peak birthing time in May. During this period, the Black Hills come alive as new life emerges.

If you visit during these months, you’re likely to spot grazing herds with new calves lounging beside their mothers, prancing through the fields, or possibly even engaging in mock play-fights.

What are baby bison called?

Baby bison are called calves. They're typically born in the spring and are easily identified by their cinnamon-red coats, which stand out against the darker brown of the adult bison. These calves are also affectionately known as "red dogs" because of their color.

From the moment they’re born, baby bison are impressively mobile. Within just a few hours, they’re standing, nursing, and even running with the herd. This quick start is crucial for survival in the wild and ensures they can keep up with the rest of the herd.

White baby bison

Among the many reddish-brown calves that appear each spring, a white baby bison is an exceptionally rare and sacred sight. These white bison hold significant spiritual importance to many Native American tribes.

How rare are they? Statistically, only about one in every 10 million bison is born white. This rarity makes spotting one in the wild an unforgettable experience — but a sighting shouldn't be expected.

A few white bison have been born and raised in the Black Hills area but mostly in preserves or ranches, or they've been housed for display in places such as:

• Bear Country USA (Rapid City, SD)

• Tatanka: Story of the Bison (Deadwood, SD)

• Some tribal herds 

• Some conservation-focused ranches

However, white bison are not typically seen in the wild in places like Wind Cave National Park or Custer State Park. Most bison in those parks are part of natural breeding populations without selective traits for coat color.

How many babies do bison have in a lifetime?

Female bison, or cows, usually begin having calves around the age of two or three. A healthy cow can have one calf per year, typically for up to 10 to 15 years of her life. That means she might have 10 to 15 babies over her lifetime. Bison are attentive mothers and stay close to their calves, nursing and protecting them until they’re strong enough to roam more independently.

Where should I stay to see baby bison?

To make the most of your baby bison adventure, location is key. One of the best places to base your stay is at Highland Meadows Resort in Hot Springs, South Dakota. This peaceful, scenic retreat is just a ten-minute drive from Wind Cave National Park, home to a thriving bison population. It’s also a short drive from Custer State Park, another top destination for bison viewing.

Both parks offer outstanding opportunities to see baby bison in the wild. Scenic drives through the parks often bring you up close to bison herds, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the animals are most active. So keep your camera ready because you never know when a calf might pop up through the grass or take off on a playful sprint.

After a day of wildlife viewing, you can return to Highland Meadows Resort to relax by a campfire, enjoy the stars, and soak in the serenity of the Black Hills. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to natural wonders, it’s the perfect home base for your Black Hills adventure.

Sample: Black Hills bison tour itinerary

Book a stay between late April and early June. This is when baby bison (calves) are born and most visible, with May being the peak. Make sure to book early because accommodations are in high demand.

Select your base camp

Consider Highland Meadows Resort in Hot Springs, SD.

• Only 10 minutes from Wind Cave National Park

• A short drive to Custer State Park

• Quiet, scenic, and just minutes from downtown

Day 1: Wind Cave National Park + Hot Springs

Early morning

Grab breakfast at Wandering Bison (101 N Chicago St., Hot Springs, SD) then head to Wind Cave National Park to see some bison.

• Enter from Hwy 385 north of Hot Springs

• Drive along NPS 5 (Wildlife Loop) or Red Valley Road

• Look for bison herds in open prairies — calves usually stay close to their mothers

• Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens

Tip: Arrive before 9 a.m. for the best chance of seeing herds when they're most active.

Lunch

Grab a healthy and delicious meal at Olifant's (13006 Fall River Rd, Hot Springs, SD) or pack a picnic to eat while you're out on your drive.

Afternoon

Visit Wind Cave Visitor Center and take a cave tour if you want to mix geology with wildlife.

Evening

Grill up some burgers on your own bbq grill behind your cabin at Highland Meadows Resort, or order food in. Silk Road provides free delivery when you order their Pakistani entrees.

• Enjoy the sunset and stars

• Watch for deer, turkeys, and rabbits on the mesa

Day 2: Custer State Park

Early Morning

Grab breakfast at The Kitchen Ink (741 Jennings Ave, Hot Springs, SD) and then head up to Custer State Park.

• Drive the Wildlife Loop Road

• Arrive around sunrise for peak wildlife activity

• The park has nearly 1,500 bison, many of them calving in spring

• Look for “red dogs” (baby bison) running, playing, and nursing

• Stop by the Bison Center if open for additional learning

• Take an optional hike on Prairie Trail or Lovers Leap Trail

Tip: Stop at one of the pullouts to safely watch and photograph herds

Lunch

Head to Custer and grab lunch at Custer Wolf (506 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD), or Buglin' Bull (511 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD).

Afternoon

Enjoy shopping downtown Custer and take time for some ice cream at Horatio's (548 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD).

Bonus activities

Whether you include some extra activities into a short stay or lengthen your stay to make the most of the Black Hills, here are a few local favorites to consider:

• Bear Country USA (Rapid City, SD)

• Mount Rushmore National Memorial (Keystone, SD)

• Moccasin Springs Mineral Spa (Hot Springs, SD)

• The Mammoth Site (Hot Springs, SD)

• World Fossil Finder Museum (Hot Springs, SD)

• Crazy Horse Memorial (Crazy Horse, SD)

Packing list

• Camera with zoom lens

• Binoculars

• Sunscreen and hat

• Light jacket (mornings can be chilly)

• Water and snacks

• Park map

Safety Tips

• Stay at least 25 yards (2 bus lengths) away from bison — especially calves.

• Never approach a bison, even if it seems calm or far away.

• Calves are protected by the entire herd — mothers can be very aggressive if threatened.

• Use your vehicle as a viewing platform when in doubt.