Sublette County Courthouse | Pinedale

Information

Landmark: Sublette County Courthouse
City: Pinedale
Country: USA Wyoming
Continent: North America

Sublette County Courthouse, Pinedale, USA Wyoming, North America

The World’s Largest Buffalo Monument, known as “Dakota Thunder,” is a concrete sculpture located in Jamestown, North Dakota, USA.

Visual Characteristics

Dakota Thunder is a 26-foot tall, 60-foot long concrete sculpture of a bison. It is painted a dark brown color, simulating the hide of a live animal. The sculpture stands on a concrete base.

Location & Access Logistics

The monument is situated at 1000 10th St SE, Jamestown, ND 58401, adjacent to the Jamestown Tourism Information Center. It is approximately 2 miles south of the city center, accessible via 10th Street Southeast. Ample free parking is available at the Tourism Information Center lot.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The sculpture was designed by Elmer Petersen and completed in 1992. It was commissioned to represent the importance of the bison to North Dakota’s history and ecology. The bison is a symbol of the Great Plains and was once a primary food source and cultural element for Native American tribes.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can view and photograph the sculpture. The adjacent Jamestown Tourism Information Center provides context and information about the monument and the region. Interpretive signage is present at the base of the sculpture.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the Jamestown Tourism Information Center. Shade is limited around the sculpture itself, but the Information Center offers indoor seating. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this area. Food vendors are not directly on-site, but dining options are available within a short drive in Jamestown.

Best Time to Visit

The monument is accessible year-round. For optimal photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides softer shadows. Weather is most favorable for outdoor viewing between May and October.

Facts & Legends

Dakota Thunder is officially named "Thunder" and weighs approximately 60 tons. It was constructed using a steel rebar framework covered in concrete. The sculpture was designed to withstand North Dakota's climate conditions.