About Cook's Bison Ranch
Cook's Bison Ranch is a family farm in southeast LaGrange County, a short drive from Shipshewana. Everett Cook bought the 83 acres, house and barn in 1939 and raised cattle, crops and chickens. His grandson Peter grew curious about bison after family trips west, and in December 1998 the Cooks brought home their first 30 head. In spring 2025 the herd numbered about 40, with calves arriving each year.
The heart of a visit is the wagon ride. Erica Cook drives an antique tractor pulling a covered wagon out into the pasture, and riders hand feed pellets to bulls, cows and calves from the safety of the wagon. Guided tours also include a short video on the farm and North American bison and time for questions. Open tours run on select days in summer; in 2025 the wagon ride cost $10 for adults and $8 for children.
Groups of 20 or more can book a private tour on weekdays, with options that add a bison burger meal or a chuckwagon barbecue dinner. School field trips, motor coach groups, churches and civic clubs all come through. Before leaving, stop in the Buffalo Treasures gift shop for bison meat, jerky and souvenirs.
Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender Farm & Apothecary in LaGrange is about 15 minutes north, an easy second stop for its handmade lavender goods.
What to do
- Ride a covered wagon into the pasture and hand feed the bison
- Watch the farm's short video and ask questions about the herd
- Book a group tour with a bison burger meal or chuckwagon barbecue
- Shop the Buffalo Treasures gift shop for bison meat and jerky
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open public tours on select days in summer; group tours by appointment
- Admission
- Wagon ride $10 adults, $8 children (2025)
Good to know
- Reservations
- Recommended
- Payment
- Credit cards accepted
Tips for your visit
- Open tour days change by season, so check their social pages or call before driving out
- Groups of 20 or more should call ahead to book a weekday tour
Pair it with a lavender farm
Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender Farm & Apothecary · about 15 minutes away
After feeding the bison, drive about 15 minutes north to LaGrange for Bloomfield Schoolhouse's lavender goods.
Getting there
Questions
Can you feed the bison?
Yes. Visitors feed pellets to the herd from a covered wagon pulled by a tractor.
How long has the ranch had bison?
Since December 1998, when the family bought its first 30 head. The farm itself has been in the Cook family since 1939.
Do they take groups?
Yes. Groups of 20 or more can book tours, including meal options, by calling 260-854-3297.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of LaGrange & Shipshewana, Indiana
Checked in October 2026 against local tourism and news pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
