Some of the most amazing archaeological finds are unearthed when no one is looking for them. The Vore Buffalo Jump in Wyoming is such a discovery. For almost 500 years, the area hid a gruesome secret that was only uncovered when the construction of an interstate accidentally revealed the area to be an ancient killing field. This Wyoming dig site has a remarkable story to share.

The Vore Buffalo Jump is about five miles west of the Wyoming/South Dakota border, and is in the Redwater Valley.
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The Vore family had been farming the ground since the late 1880s.
Vore Buffalo Jump/Facebook
This picture of William Vore and his 12-year-old son is thought to have been taken shortly after they came out west.
In the 1970s, the southern part of the family ranch was being considered as the location for a section of Interstate Highway 90 (I-90). At least until the survey revealed that a huge sinkhole lay right in the interstate's path.
Vore Buffalo Jump
Because sinkholes are by nature unstable, I-90 was moved a little to the south and onto ground that wouldn't require the extensive filling and compacting that would be necessary if the road would have been built on the originally planned route.
Before the Wyoming Department of Transportation made the decision to adjust their plans for the interstate, they turned the area into a Wyoming dig site. They drilled numerous holes in the bottom of the sinkhole to determine its stability. To everyone's surprise, the drills immediately started bringing up mass quantities of buffalo bone.
Vore Buffalo Jump/Facebook
The archeological department at the University of Wyoming was notified that something historically and culturally significant had been discovered. A crew from the university began excavating the site right away and, over the next two years, they confirmed that the sinkhole contained bone and cultural materials.
Archeologists determined that Wyoming Plains Indians had used the sinkhole between 1500 and 1800 C.E. as a trap. The hunters would drive herds of buffalo toward an almost invisible 40-foot drop, providing their tribes with hides and meat in large amounts. The kills were processed right where they landed and the bones were left behind.
Vore Buffalo Jump
It's estimated that over the course of about 250 years, around 4,000 bison were slaughtered at Buffalo Jump.
In 1989, the Vore family donated 8.25 acres of their land, including the sinkhole, to the University of Wyoming. The land was to be used as an education and research center.
Vore Buffalo Jump/Facebook
U.W. archeologists continued digging in and around the sinkhole and discovered new artifacts for over 20 years. The property has since been transferred to the Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation, a non-profit organization that maintains the site for visitors and continually works toward the goal of furthering educational, scientific, and cultural programs.
In 2013, a visitor's center built to look like a giant teepee was opened to provide education to the public and showcase some of the finds discovered at the Wyoming dig site.
Vore Buffalo Jump/Facebook

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The Buffalo Jump is open to tours. Visitors not only get the chance to see part of Wyoming's history exactly as it was found ...
Vore Buffalo Jump/Facebook
... but they can view exhibits and learn a lot about ancient Native American culture, too.
Vore Buffalo Jump/Facebook
Bones from bison aren't the only things found in the sinkhole. Skeletal remains from wolf-dogs have also been unearthed there.
Vore Buffalo Jump/Facebook
Dogs were essential to Native Americans during the time in which the Buffalo Jump was used. Domesticated dogs were bred with wolves and were used for hunting and guarding. The dogs helped with hauling items from one place to another.
All types of arrowheads have been found at the Wyoming dig site, as well, revealing that several different tribes used the jump over more than two centuries.
Vore Buffalo Jump/Facebook
A metal building has been constructed right down in the sinkhole, as well.
Vore Buffalo Jump/Facebook
It protects the main dig site and serves as a research lab.
Vore Buffalo Jump/Facebook
Excavation is ongoing at Vore Buffalo Jump and new exhibits are added every year.
Vore Buffalo Jump

Have you visited the Vore Buffalo Jump, one of the most unusual sites in Wyoming? What did you find most fascinating about it?

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Wyoming dig site

Courtnie Erickson | June 17, 2021

What are some strange things in Wyoming?

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The World’s Largest Jackalope also calls the Cowboy State home. Located in Douglas, this Jackalope statue is over 8-feet-tall and is quite an impressive sight.

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If you are looking for some unusual sites in Wyoming, place the Smith Mansion at the top of your list. This five-story house was built by an engineer who used no blueprints but just built as he desired. Unfortunately, he fell to his death while working on the house before it was officially complete.

Tree in the Rock is another unusual site in Wyoming that will leave you puzzled. This Wyoming attraction is simply a tree growing out of a large rock. It is quite a unique sight to see.

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The Cowboy State is filled with many beautiful, magical places, but there are also several locations that are downright scary. The Irma Hotel, for example, is located in Cody and was built by Buffalo Bill. It is rumored to be haunted as some guests have reported strange noises, footsteps, and other paranormal activity.

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Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation, Old U.S. 14, Sundance, WY, USA