For guests of Lakeside Motel & Resort looking to learn about bison in Montana, a visit to the Harlow Ranch Bison Company can offer a fun and educational experience. Nestled in the scenic terrain of northwest Montana, Lakeside Motel & Resort in Trout Creek provides a relaxing escape surrounded by natural beauty. Just a short drive from the resort, the Harlow Ranch serves as a reminder of the enduring story of bison in Montana, their important place in American history, and their resurgence during the past century.

Proximity to Harlow Ranch Bison Company

Guests of Lakeside Motel & Resort are conveniently situated to explore the region’s natural and historical offerings. One of the unique nearby attractions is Harlow Ranch Bison Company, a working bison ranch located in Thompson Falls, near Trout Creek. This proximity allows travelers to enjoy lakeside tranquility and also experience bison in Montana, in one well-rounded getaway.

The ranch is just a short drive from the resort, roughly 25 miles or 35 minutes. The ranch is southeast of Trout Creek, in an area known for its clean water, lush valleys, and expansive mountain views. Visitors looking for day trips filled with learning, wildlife observation, and scenic vistas can find these at Harlow Ranch Bison Company.

What Is Harlow Ranch?

The Harlow Ranch Bison Company is a multi-generational family ranch now devoted to raising bison in a humane and natural way that is also ecologically beneficial.

Pastures are maintained as part of a comprehensive effort in “regenerating the ranch from the soil up.” (Harlow Ranch Bison Company) Various crops are grown to increase soil health, and natural amendments are added. This can create a soil environment that discourages weeds and results in healthier grasses. No pesticides are sprayed and only spot treatments are given to noxious weeds. Natural means such as beetles and even goats grazing are used to control edible weeds. These practices can result in more nutritious grasses for the bison which can result in healthier bison and ultimately in more nutritious meat products for the consumer.

The ranch is not just a place of agriculture—it can also be viewed as a place for learning. With a herd managed with both animal well-being and land “well-being” in mind, Harlow Ranch offers visitors the chance to learn about the relationship between people, the land, and bison in Montana.

The Herd at Harlow Ranch

These bison, often called “buffalo,” are majestic animals with tall shoulder humps, curved horns, and coats that adapt well to Montana’s varied climate. Visitors can see the animals up close (yet safely) and learn how they are adapted for life in the Northern Plains and mountains. Seeing the herd in person can leave a powerful impression about the role of bison in Montana landscapes and ecosystems.

Educational Tours and Experiences

Harlow Ranch offers pre-scheduled tours for guests who want to experience the herd in its natural setting. Guests can ride in the cab of the truck or in the back within the livestock guards. The cab can accommodate four guests, and the back can accommodate eight guests. The guide will drive through the bison herd and make stops to feed the bison and describe how they are an essential part of regenerative ranching practice.

Guests can walk away with a deeper appreciation of ranches like Harlow that take a stewardship role in managing the land and animals. It can be an especially valuable experience for families, children, and anyone with a love for wildlife and Western heritage.

The History of Bison in the U.S.

A story of bison in Montana may not be complete without touching on their broader history in North America. Once numbering in millions, bison roamed from Alaska to Mexico and from Nevada to the Appalachian Mountains. These animals were a cornerstone species of the Great Plains, supporting not just the natural ecosystem but the cultural and spiritual life of Indigenous peoples for thousands of years.

However, in the 19th century, bison populations were decimated due to unregulated hunting, the westward expansion of settlers, and the deliberate targeting of herds as a means of undermining Native American tribes. By the late 1800s, fewer than 1,000 bison remained in the wild.

Thanks to early conservation efforts, bison slowly began to rebound. As early as 1872, Yellowstone National Park protected its remaining two dozen bison. In 1905, the American Bison Society (ABS) was formed by William Hornaday, Theodore Roosevelt, and others to help prevent the bison from becoming extinct. As of 2017, U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) lands supported 17 bison herds in 12 states, for an approximate total of 10,000 bison on 4.6 million acres of DOI and neighboring land.

On April 28, 2016, the U.S. Congress passed the National Bison Legacy Act, making the bison a symbol of “Unity, Resilience, and Health (healthy landscapes and communities).” The act was signed on May 9 of that same year, making the bison the national mammal of the United States. Together, the bison and the bald eagle serve as symbols of the U.S. and also of successful conservation efforts.

Symbols of resilience, bison in Montana and other U.S. locations are uniquely suited to their environment. Their large heads allow them to push snow aside to reach forage, and their thick hides help them survive harsh winters. Unlike cattle, bison do not overgraze, and their presence on the land can improve soil health and plant diversity.

The Role of Ranches Like Harlow in Conservation

While public lands and national parks play a vital role in protecting bison in Montana, private ranches like Harlow are essential to the species’ long-term survival. These ranches maintain healthy herds that contribute to modern life. “Private bison producers own about 360,000 bison, creating jobs and providing a healthy meat source as well as leather and wool products to the American public.” (National Park Service)

Ranches that operate under ethical and sustainable standards provide not only food products but also education and tourism opportunities. Visitors gain firsthand understanding of how bison are raised and how ranchers work in harmony with nature. Harlow Ranch, in particular, provides a real-world example of how conservation and agricultural productivity can coexist.

By opening its gates to the public, Harlow Ranch helps close the gap between people and nature. Their commitment to responsible stewardship supports both animal welfare and land preservation, reinforcing the significance of bison in Montana as a symbol of American resilience.

Lakeside Motel & Resort: Your Base Camp for Adventure

For those wanting to explore bison in Montana while enjoying a relaxing and well-appointed place to stay, Lakeside Motel & Resort is ideally located. Just a short drive from Harlow Ranch Bison Company, the resort offers comfortable accommodations, lakeside activities, and a peaceful setting that pairs perfectly with day trips into the surrounding attractions.

Guests can start the morning with breakfast at the resort, head out to experience bison up close at Harlow Ranch, and return in time for a Sunset Cruise Tour or dinner at the on-site restaurant. The combination of outdoor exploration and lakeside relaxation makes for a memorable Montana experience.

Lakeside Motel & Resort is a prime spot for those looking to discover the wild beauty and cultural richness of northwest Montana. Whether you are fascinated by the history of the American West or simply want to see bison in their native habitat, staying at Lakeside puts you right in the heart of it all.

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To plan your Montana adventure and visit nearby attractions like the Harlow Ranch Bison Company, contact us at Lakeside Motel & Resort.

Sources:
“Bison Bellows: America’s New National Mammal.” nps.gov (National Park Service). 2 November 2017 (Last Updated), 23 June 2025 (Accessed). https://www.nps.gov/articles/bison-bellows-5-12-16.htm.
“Our Story” and “Meet the Herd.” harlowranch.com. Accessed 23 June 2025. https://harlowranch.com/about and https://harlowranch.com/the-herd.
“15 Facts about Our National Mammal: The American Bison.” doi.gov (U.S. Department of the Interior). 3 November 2022. https://www.doi.gov/blog/15-facts-about-our-national-mammal-american-bison.