Kankakee Sands Bison Herd Reaches 100 Head in Northern Indiana

A herd of approximately 100 bison now grazes on 8,400 acres of prairie and wetland in northern Indiana. The animals reside in the Kankakee Sands and surrounding wildlife areas, which lie an hour’s drive from the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks.

The presence of the herd is the result of a specific conservation project. The Nature Conservancy transported 23 bison to the site in 2016. The organization introduced the animals to aid in the development of the local grasslands. Since that initial arrival, the population has grown to its current size.

Visitors can observe the animals at a designated Bison Viewing Area. The herd coexists with 86 threatened and endangered species native to the region. The Kankakee Sands ecosystem includes diverse habitats such as prairies, wetlands, and forests.

The area offers alternatives to the beaches found along the 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline at the Indiana Dunes. While the Dunes feature hiking trails through swamps and marshes, the Kankakee Sands focus on prairie conservation and wildlife viewing.

Northern Indiana hosts other family-oriented attractions near these natural sites. In Fort Wayne, Science Central occupies a former power plant and offers interactive exhibits on physics and engineering. The Hall of Heroes Super Hero Museum displays life-size figures and rare comics for younger visitors.

The Albanese Candy Factory allows guests to watch gummy bears and chocolates move through production lines. The facility includes a gift shop where visitors can taste new sweets. These locations provide hands-on experiences that differ from the passive observation typical of many museums.

For a slower pace, Shipshewana operates a Tuesday and Wednesday flea market with between 300 and 400 vendors. The town also features Menno-Hof, which presents Amish and Mennonite history through audio tours and buggy rides. Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery serves family-style meals in the area.