The Vore Buffalo Jump

The Vore Buffalo Jump is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Late-Prehistoric Plains Indians. Discovered during the construction of Highway I-90 in the early 1970’s, the Vore site is a natural sinkhole that was used as a bison trap from about 1500 to 1800 A.D. Buffalo were driven over the edge of the sink hole as a method for the Native American tribes to procure the large quantities of meat and hides needed to survive the harsh prairie winters. 

The site is open to the public during the summer. For information on tours during other seasons, please contact

Photo copyright 2009 Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation. 

In September, an earthwork berm was constructed around the VBJ excavation unit by Steve Sisk, a retired highway engineer.  The berm is intended to accomplish two functions:  to prevent repeated water damage to the excavation unit such as the two flood events that occurred last summer and to serve as support for a building that will be constructed over the excavation unit.  We hope the building will be in place by June 2010 so that the archaeological resources will be protected and so we can expand excavation and interpretive efforts at the VBJ.  Mr. Sisk used his own equipment to construct the berm as an in-kind donation to the VBJF. 

Remaining infrastructure needs are an excavation unit building and a potable water supply and wastewater treatment capability.  Active fundraising is underway, but additional financial help is needed and greatly appreciated.