The Herds
Bison & Elk at LC Nature Park
Discover the powerful presence of two of North America’s most iconic species, bison and elk, right here on our prairie. These animals play a vital role in shaping healthy ecosystems and offer visitors a chance to experience wildlife the way it was meant to be: wild, majestic, and unforgettable.
The American Bison: A Conservation Success Story
Once numbering in the tens of millions, bison roamed across most of North America. By the late 1800s, they had nearly vanished. Thanks to conservation efforts and partnerships between land stewards, tribes, and wildlife organizations, bison have made a remarkable comeback.
At LC Nature Park, our herd helps restore the prairie through their natural behaviors. Their heavy hooves break up soil, encouraging new plant growth. Their grazing patterns create a mosaic of habitats that benefit birds, insects, and countless other species. Watching the herd, whether wallowing in the dust, caring for calves, or grazing peacefully, is a window into the past and a testament to the resilience of this national mammal.
Elk: Voices of the Prairie and Forest
Elk once lived throughout Indiana and the Midwest, shaping forests and grasslands through their browsing and seasonal movements. Today, their range is smaller, but places like LC Nature Park offer a glimpse into the landscapes they helped form.
Our elk herd is especially active in the fall, when males bugle, a haunting, beautiful call that echoes across the park. Elk browse on shrubs and young trees, helping maintain open spaces and creating habitat diversity. Visitors often notice their graceful movements, strong social bonds, and striking seasonal coats.
Why These Animals Matter
Both bison and elk are considered keystone species, animals that have a defining influence on the ecosystems around them. By maintaining healthy populations at the park, we support:
- Prairie and forest regeneration through natural grazing and browsing
- Soil health and nutrient cycling created by their movement and feeding
- Biodiversity, providing habitat for pollinators, birds, and small mammals
- Environmental education, offering visitors a chance to see ecological relationships in action
Their presence allows LC Nature Park to model conservation practices that echo natural systems while giving guests an up-close, respectful wildlife experience.
Caring for our Herds
At LC Nature Park, we aim to allow our animals to live as naturally as possible within the limitations of their enclosure. While we try to maintain a mostly hands-off approach to handling them, there are certain things our animal care team does to balance allowing them to live as they would in the wild while still taking responsibility for both their health and the health of the ecosystems they influence. We do this by assessing how many animals our prairies can realistically support, working with local bison and elk producers to introduce genetic variety, and keeping a close eye on any injury or illness we see in individuals.
Every morning, members of our stewardship team drive around the entirety of the enclosure to feed and observe our bison and elk herds, and to check the integrity of our fences and gates. We supplement their diet with corn and a high-protein nutritional pellet to ensure they are meeting their mineral requirements, as well as spread hay around the enclosure for forage in the winter. As they get a majority of their food from the prairies from grasses inside their enclosure, they are not as heavily dependent on us for daily feeding as traditional livestock (especially in the summer), but there are a few benefits to doing this. It makes close observation much easier, and it is important for us to be able to move our animals on occasion. If you have ever attempted to force a 1000+ pound animal to do anything, you are probably doing it wrong.
Meet the Herd
Throughout the year, visitors may spot new bison and elk calves, observe seasonal changes in the herd, or watch the animals from the comfort of a safari ride. Respectful distance is always maintained for the animals’ safety and yours, but every sighting offers a meaningful connection with wildlife.
Whether you join us for a guided program or explore the trails on your own, the bison and elk are at the heart of what makes LC Nature Park a truly special place.
