Terry Bison Ranch Railroad | Cheyenne

Information

Landmark: Terry Bison Ranch Railroad
City: Cheyenne
Country: USA Wyoming
Continent: North America

Terry Bison Ranch Railroad, Cheyenne, USA Wyoming, North America

The Terry Bison Ranch Railroad is a heritage railway operating on a private ranch near Cheyenne, Wyoming. It offers scenic train rides through a large bison herd.

Visual Characteristics

The train consists of a diesel locomotive, typically painted in a red and white livery, pulling open-air passenger cars. The cars are constructed with wooden benches and metal railings, designed for unobstructed viewing. The locomotive is a standard gauge engine, approximately 50 feet in length.

Location & Access Logistics

The ranch is located 15 miles south of Cheyenne, Wyoming, accessible via Interstate 80 East. Take Exit 14 and follow the signs for Terry Bison Ranch. The ranch has a dedicated parking area for visitors. Public transport is not available to the ranch.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Terry Bison Ranch was established in 1902 by the Terry family. The railroad was later introduced to facilitate tours of the ranch's bison herd, which is managed for conservation and tourism. The land itself is part of the high plains ecosystem of southeastern Wyoming.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is the 1.5-hour train tour through the bison herd. Passengers can observe and photograph bison at close range. The train stops at a designated point for photo opportunities. A narrated history of the ranch and bison is provided during the ride.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the ranch headquarters. Shade is provided by the train cars' roofs. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors and a restaurant are located at the ranch headquarters.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is late afternoon when the light is softer. The train operates from May through October. Bison are generally active throughout the day, but morning and late afternoon offer the best viewing conditions.

Facts & Legends

The ranch is home to a herd of over 3,000 bison. A unique feature of the tour is the opportunity to feed bison cubes from the train, a practice managed by ranch staff.