A proposed logo for the new Bison World project. Courtesy of Brian Lunde & Apogee Attractions
JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – As fall approaches, the opportunities for Bison World continue to take shape.
Spearheaded by Brian Lunde and Apogee Attractions, work is currently being done to finalize architectural and engineering designs. The JSDC authorized $600,000 in economic development funds to complete the work. It’s estimated these schematics will be completed by mid-October.
Jamestown Tourism Executive Director Searle Swedlund says a common misconception about the cultural experience is using “amusement park” as a description for the $60 million project.
Swedlund says a common question he receives is how will the attraction find staff. He likens this dilemma to another popular destination in the state.
He added that another big portion of the project is using information collected by Apogee Attractions in order to ensure smooth operation of Bison World. Known for the design and operation of many other theme parks such as Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, Swedlund says relying on their expertise will be vital for making Bison World work.
Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation (JSDC) documents from a study conducted on the feasibility of Bison World show that nearly 8.8 million people will drive directly by the park on I-94 each year while paid attendance is expected to average some 250,000 upon opening and grow from there.
The study shows Bison World would create around 361 direct jobs and 517 indirect jobs, generating a projected $70 million to $76 million in taxable revenue over a five-year period, bringing a net earnings of at least $14 million to North Dakota.
Swedlund says while other details on the project may seem “dark” at this time, he’s hopeful once Apogee Attractions is done with their schematics, they’ll have a better idea of what the project can do and bring to North Dakota.
Bison World would consist of developing approximately 120-acres of State of North Dakota land that is currently being used as a pasture for the National Buffalo Museum’s bison herd. Plans currently include, but are not limited to the development of a hotel, restaurant, discovery center, gondola/skyway, safari tour, and more.
The project is seeking about $60 million in funding from the Legacy Fund. If the funding is approved, construction could begin in the spring of 2022.