Cook’s Bison Ranch
Wolcottville, IN
It all began in 1939 when Grandpa Everett Cook purchased an 83-acre farm, complete
with house and barn, for a grand total of $5,000. After being told it was the worst investment
he had ever made, he paid it off with two good years of popcorn. Today, that "worst
investment" has become a third-generation dream...Cook's Bison Ranch. The same striving
spirit of innovative and visionary ideas of grandpa was passed down to his son, Wayne Cook, a
former successful business owner and inheritor of the farm. Further, this same spirit now
thrives in a 3rd generation.
A young, hometown boy from Wolcottville had a dream—a dream of raising bison.
Having traveled with his family for a number of years to Wyoming, he became fascinated with
the bison. Picture-taking, trips through Yellowstone, and visiting buffalo museums were not
enough for Peter Cook. After becoming a member of the National Bison Association along with
extensive research and, of course, convincing his father that raising this seemingly wild
animal was a sensible idea, we got our first 30 bison in December of 1998, thus establishing
Cook's Bison Ranch.
Those first bison traveled in strong blizzard conditions from Tennessee and from
Bourbon and Bremen, Indiana. Just as the once-endangered bison have begun to multiply, our
herd and farm continue to grow and host group tours of all sizes, including motor coach and
school groups.
Bison...the meat of the future
Cook's Bison Ranch believes that bison meat is the meat for the future. We strive to
produce a quality product that is naturally tasty, tender, and healthy. Bison meat has no
gamey flavor. You can now imagine eating a delicious red meat and not feel guilty. Our
animals receive no growth hormones or stimulants, and we raise almost all our own hay and
grain for feed. We feel it is important that we can provide all of our customers with accurate
information on the meat they are buying. What all began with family: grandpa's farm as a
home for the bison, grandpa's old hay wagon used for giving hay ride tours, grandpa's tractor
for doing chores, grandpa's barn for storing equipment, and grandpa's spirit which still lives
on, still perseveres with family. The whole family welcomes you to be our guests for a distinct
taste and unique trip out to see a true American icon. Visit Cook's Bison Ranch and be a part
of our living history.
5941 W. 82nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46278
317-872-0101 piazzaproduce.com