National Bison Range's long drive opens this weekend

The Daily Inter Lake

Mother's Day weekend is coming up, so National Bison Range hours are changing.

Starting Saturday, the refuge will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. For visitors planning on evening visits, they will need to start the Red Sleep Mountain Drive no later than 7 p.m. to finish before the main gate closes for the evening.

Red Sleep Mountain Drive opens for the season on Saturday.

This is a 19-mile, one-way gravel road that rises 2,000 feet and takes about two hours to complete.

Traveling from the valley grasslands up to the timber line and along Mission Creek, Red Sleep Drive provides visitors with the opportunity to see a variety of animals and birds, including bison, deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and eagles.

Wildflowers create a colorful display. Large vehicles more than 30 feet in length, trailers and all towed units are not allowed on the Red Sleep Mountain Drive.

The visitor center will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Visitors are asked to stop at the center to pay fees. A $5-per-car fee is charged for use of the drives; a season pass is available for $15.

Maps and current information are available at the visitor center. Staffers can advise people on road conditions and inform them of current wildlife sightings. Wildlife books and posters are available for sale.

There is no charge for the visitor center and day use area or for educational groups.

America the Beautiful federal passes, older Golden Passes and the Federal Waterfowl Stamp are accepted for admission.

Call the National Bison Range at (406) 644-2211, extension 201 for more information.

Saturday is the annual observance of International Migratory Bird Day.

International Migratory Bird Day celebrates one of the most important and marvelous events in the life of a migratory bird - its journey between summer and winter homes.

The theme this year is Celebrate Birds in Culture. There will be several activities and guided tours throughout the day at the Bison Range, with some classes requiring prior registration.