Golden Gate Park Bison Paddock
The Verdict
"American bison roam an 11 acre paddock on the west side of JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park, first introduced in 1891 by park superintendent John McLaren. Viewing from the fence is free. They are most active in the morning and easiest to see near the road."
What you need to know
What’s There
A small herd of American bison (typically 5 to 30 animals over the program’s history) lives in an 11-acre paddock along JFK Drive in the western half of Golden Gate Park. The animals are usually visible from the fence line, grazing or standing in the meadow. The first bison arrived in 1891, brought in by park superintendent John McLaren as part of a species preservation effort.
There’s no interpretive center, no feeding, no interaction. Just a fence and a meadow.
Visiting
Hours: Visible from the road during park hours
Cost: Free
Best time to go: Mornings, when the bison are more active and often closer to the fence.
What to know: Stay behind the fence. Don’t feed or approach the animals.
Getting There
Transit: Muni 5-Fulton to 36th Avenue, then walk south into the park. The 29-Sunset also passes nearby.
Parking: Free parking along JFK Drive near the paddock.
Walking: Near Spreckels Lake, the Portals of the Past, and the Dutch Windmill at the park’s western edge.
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