8:30 AM: Our day begins with a bus ride along the vista of 250,000 acres of Wind River Reservation land that lies within the boundaries of Hot Springs County. Our first stop will be a visit to the historic Arapaho Ranch. Visit to Legend Rock Petroglyph Site. We will follow our native trail back to Hot Springs State Park, where we will take a bus tour of the oldest buffalo herd in the state outside of Yellowstone. 

 

1:00 PM: Come enjoy a community Bison Burger Feed at the Washakie Shelter in Hot Springs State Park. The meal will be opened with a blessing recognizing the most historically significant gift from our Native American tribes: the hot springs, which established Hot Springs State Park. We will recognize the native people for their contributions that continue to define our community today.

 

2:00-4:00 PM: Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative will lead an educational program at the park pavillion in Hot Springs State Park. Their presentation, "Restoring Our Connection with the Buffalo", will highlight the initiative's mission: to restore the conservation of buffalo through land rematriation, community revitalization, and youth education. The afternoon will also include a presentation on the history of the Hot Springs State Park buffalo herd. 

 

The Learning Center aims to create a meaningful experience that celebrates Native American contributions to our history, recognizes their ongoing stewardship of the land and the buffalo, and advances cultural understanding.