What to Expect on a Private Wagon Tour at Big Balls Ranch
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel through a pasture surrounded by American bison?
A private bison tour at Big Balls Ranch offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience South Carolina’s largest bison ranch from the comfort of our tractor-pulled, covered wagon. Located in Cleveland, South Carolina, our family-owned ranch gives visitors an up-close look at our bison herds while sharing the work, knowledge, and responsibility behind raising these magnificent animals.
Our private, 90-minute bison wagon tour is more than a ride through the pasture. It is an educational and interactive experience where guests can meet individual members of our herd, learn how bison communicate, discover how we care for the animals, see specialized ranch equipment, and ask questions directly to the ranchers who work with them every day.
If you are considering booking a Big Balls Ranch tour, this guide will walk you through the experience from the moment you arrive until it is time to head home.
Before Your Private Bison Tour
Big Balls Ranch is a privately owned and actively operating bison ranch. All visits require a confirmed tour reservation or appointment. We do not offer general admission or self-guided access to the ranch.
Because our tours are private, availability is limited. Guests can reserve a tour up to three months in advance, and early booking is strongly encouraged. Tour dates are highly requested and may fill quickly, especially during weekends, holidays, and seasons with comfortable outdoor weather.
Before booking, review the number of guests in your party and let us know if anyone has a disability, mobility limitation, or other need requiring assistance. Advance communication helps our team determine the safest and most comfortable transportation arrangements for your group.
Arriving at Big Balls Ranch
Big Balls Ranch is located in Cleveland, South Carolina, in the scenic foothills of northern Greenville County.
When you arrive, you will be visiting a real working ranch rather than a traditional attraction. You may see ranch vehicles, fencing, equipment, pastures, and other signs of daily agricultural operations. That authenticity is an important part of the experience.
Guests should arrive at the designated time provided with their reservation. Arriving on time allows us to welcome your group, review important safety information, answer initial questions, and begin the tour without rushing.
For the safety and privacy of our family, animals, staff, and other guests, visitors should not arrive without a confirmed appointment or explore areas of the ranch on their own.
Meeting Your Ranch Guide
Your private bison tour begins with an introduction to Big Balls Ranch and the American bison.
Before entering the pasture, your ranch guide will explain what guests may experience during the tour and review the safety expectations that must be followed around the herd.
This introduction may include information about:
- The history of Big Balls Ranch
- How our family became involved in raising bison
- The arrival and growth of our herds
- Basic facts about the American bison
- The social structure of a bison herd
- How ranchers safely work around such powerful animals
- Important rules for riding through the pasture
This is also an excellent time to begin asking questions. Because the experience is private, guests can interact directly with their ranch guide throughout the tour.
Boarding the Covered Wagon
Our standard tour experience takes place aboard a tractor-pulled, covered wagon. The wagon features cushioned seating and step-up access and can accommodate up to 12 guests.
The covered design provides shade and creates a comfortable place from which to observe the herd. However, guests should remember that this is still an outdoor ranch experience. Temperatures, wind, rain, dust, insects, and natural pasture conditions may vary.
Before the wagon begins moving, all guests should be seated and follow the guide’s instructions. Children must remain properly supervised throughout the experience, and personal belongings should be secured so they do not fall from the wagon.
Once everyone is safely aboard, the tractor will begin carrying your group toward the bison pastures.
Entering the Bison Pasture
One of the most exciting moments of a Big Balls Ranch tour is entering the area where our bison live and graze.
The ranch landscape provides beautiful views of open pasture, surrounding foothills, and the herd moving naturally across the property. Depending on the time of year and current pasture conditions, the bison may be grazing, resting, wallowing in the dirt, traveling together, or observing the wagon from a distance.
No two tours are exactly alike. Bison are living animals with their own instincts, routines, and preferences. They choose where they want to spend their time and how closely they want to approach.
While we cannot guarantee a particular position or behavior from the herd, that unpredictability makes every private bison tour unique.
Meeting Individual Members of Our Herd
At first glance, a group of bison may appear to move as one. As your guide introduces individual animals, however, you will begin to see that each bison has a distinct appearance, personality, and role within the herd.
Some bison are naturally more curious, while others prefer to watch from farther away. Cows are often attentive and protective of their calves. Young bison may be playful and energetic, while mature bulls have an unmistakable size and presence.
During your tour, you may learn how ranchers recognize individual animals through characteristics such as:
- Horn shape and size
- Coat color or texture
- Body size and build
- Facial features
- Ear tags or identifying marks
- Movement and posture
- Relationships within the herd
- Individual habits and personalities
You may also hear stories about well-known members of our herd, including Big Boy, one of our impressive mature bulls, and Hay Thief, one of the memorable mothers at Big Balls Ranch.
Visit our Meet Our Bison page before your tour to begin learning about the herd.
Learning How Bison Communicate
Bison communicate through more than sound. They use body position, movement, facial direction, tail position, grunts, snorts, and powerful bellows to respond to one another and their environment.
Our ranchers spend time observing these signals every day. Recognizing changes in behavior is an important part of working safely with the herd and monitoring the well-being of individual animals.
During your bison wagon tour, your guide may explain:
- How cows communicate with their calves
- Why mature bulls sometimes separate from the herd
- What happens during breeding season
- Why bison roll in the dirt
- How the herd establishes boundaries
- How ranchers recognize agitation or concern
- Why a calm-looking bison must still be respected
- How bison respond to familiar routines, vehicles, and people
Learning to understand these behaviors can completely change the way guests see the herd. What may initially appear to be a quiet group of animals becomes a complex community with relationships, communication, and social order.
Discovering How We Care for Our Bison
A private bison tour also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the work involved in responsibly raising and caring for these animals.
Bison care is a daily commitment. Our responsibilities continue through changing weather, holidays, busy seasons, and unexpected circumstances. Every day requires observation, preparation, and respect for the natural instincts of the herd.
Guests may learn about:
- Daily herd observation
- Pasture and forage management
- Water access and monitoring
- Fence inspection and maintenance
- Seasonal animal care
- Calving and caring for young bison
- Safe herd movement
- Animal identification and recordkeeping
- Health assessments and veterinary care
- Preparing for the annual roundup
- Maintaining equipment and ranch infrastructure
Our bison are pasture-raised, 100% grass-fed, and raised without growth hormones or routine antibiotics. They are given room to graze, roam, wallow, rest, and interact naturally within their herds.
Seeing Specialized Ranch Equipment
One of the most interesting parts of the tour is learning about the specialized equipment required to manage animals that may weigh well over 1,000 pounds.
Guests may see our Hi-Hog bison handling system, which helps us complete important herd-management and health procedures in a more controlled environment. This equipment is designed specifically with the strength, size, and behavior of bison in mind.
Your guide may explain how the system is used during the ranch’s annual roundup for procedures such as:
- Individual animal identification
- Health evaluations
- Vaccinations
- Weight or condition monitoring
- Recordkeeping
- Other necessary herd-care procedures
The goal is to complete necessary work efficiently while prioritizing the safety of the animals and ranchers.
Opportunities for Questions and Photographs
Because every Big Balls Ranch tour is private, guests are encouraged to ask questions throughout the experience.
You can ask about bison behavior, ranch life, meat production, pasture management, animal care, conservation, equipment, the history of the species, or the personalities of specific animals.
The tour also offers memorable photography opportunities. Depending on the herd’s location and behavior, guests may capture images of:
- Mature bulls
- Cows and calves
- Bison grazing together
- Young animals playing
- Bison wallowing
- The covered wagon and tractor
- Open pastures
- Mountain and foothill scenery
- Family and group memories
Guests must remain in the designated tour vehicle and follow all instructions while taking photographs. Personal safety should always come before capturing a particular image.
Guest Safety Around the Bison
Safety is the highest priority during every private bison tour.
Bison are powerful, agile animals. Their familiarity with ranchers, routines, or vehicles does not make them domesticated or predictable. Even a calm bison can move quickly or respond unexpectedly.
Guests must:
- Remain seated while the wagon is moving
- Keep arms, legs, and personal items inside the wagon
- Supervise children at all times
- Follow every instruction given by ranch staff
- Avoid sudden movements or excessive noise
- Never attempt to approach a bison
- Never touch or feed the bison
- Never leave the wagon without permission
- Respect all fences, gates, equipment, and restricted areas
Our ranchers understand the herd and carefully monitor conditions throughout the tour. However, every guest shares responsibility for following instructions and helping maintain a safe environment.
Are Children Allowed on the Tour?
Yes. Our private bison tours are designed to be educational and enjoyable for guests of all ages.
Children can learn about animal behavior, sustainable agriculture, food production, ranch equipment, and the importance of respecting large animals. Many young guests are especially excited to see calves and learn why baby bison are sometimes called “red dogs.”
Current pricing includes free admission for children ages three and under.
Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising children throughout the tour. Children must remain seated, stay within the designated tour area, and follow all ranch rules.
Weather and Rain-or-Shine Tours
Private tours at Big Balls Ranch are offered rain or shine. Our covered wagon is the standard tour vehicle, but weather and pasture conditions can change quickly.
If rain, wet ground, severe weather, or another safety concern makes wagon travel unsuitable, Big Balls Ranch reserves the right to use enclosed, air-conditioned UTVs instead.
UTVs may provide a safer option when:
- Pastures or travel paths are too wet for the wagon
- Weather conditions create a safety concern
- Ground conditions become unstable
- A guest requires mobility-related accommodations
- Operational or animal-related circumstances require a change
The ranch also reserves the right to reschedule a tour when conditions are not safe for guests, ranchers, or animals.
Guests should monitor the forecast and wear clothing appropriate for current conditions.
Accessibility and Mobility Assistance
We want guests to have a safe and enjoyable experience and will make every reasonable effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities or limited mobility.
The covered wagon has step-up access, which may not be suitable for every guest. When necessary and appropriate, an enclosed UTV may be used to assist someone who cannot safely board or ride on the wagon.
If anyone in your group has a disability, limited mobility, or requires additional assistance, please contact Big Balls Ranch before booking. Advance notice gives our team an opportunity to discuss the guest’s needs, available vehicle capacity, and the safest option for the tour.
Tour Pricing
Current private bison wagon-tour pricing is:
- $150 for up to two guests
- $25 for each additional guest
- Children ages three and under attend free
The covered wagon accommodates up to 12 guests.
Because tours are private, the initial price reserves the experience for up to two guests rather than charging a separate base admission for each person.
Tour availability, pricing, and policies are subject to change. Guests should review the current information on our Private Tours page before completing a reservation.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Information
All private tour payments are nonrefundable unless otherwise stated by Big Balls Ranch.
We understand that unexpected circumstances can occur. If you need to request a different date, contact the ranch as soon as possible. Rescheduling is subject to availability and current ranch policies.
Big Balls Ranch also reserves the right to reschedule a tour because of:
- Severe or unsafe weather
- Poor pasture or ground conditions
- Animal-related circumstances
- Equipment or operational needs
- Emergencies
- Other unforeseen events
If the ranch determines that a scheduled tour cannot proceed safely, our team will communicate available options with the booking party.
What Should You Wear and Bring?
A private bison tour is an outdoor agricultural experience, so guests should dress comfortably and prepare for seasonal conditions.
Consider bringing:
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- A light jacket during cooler months
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water
- A camera or charged mobile phone
- Necessary medications or personal assistance items
Avoid carrying unsecured objects that could fall from the wagon. Guests should also avoid wearing anything that may interfere with safely boarding or remaining seated during the tour.
Shopping for Bison Meat After the Tour
After your bison wagon tour, you may have an opportunity to explore the premium bison meat raised at Big Balls Ranch.
Our bison are pasture-raised, 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, and raised without growth hormones or routine antibiotics. Our meat is USDA-inspected, dry-aged for up to three weeks, vacuum-sealed, and frozen to preserve quality.
Available selections may include:
- Ground bison
- Bison patties
- Filet mignon
- Ribeye steaks
- New York strip steaks
- Sirloin steaks
- Brisket
- Chuck roast
- Short ribs
- Stew meat
- Meatballs
- Sausages
- Organ meats
- Marrow and soup bones
- Quarter, half, and whole bison shares
Inventory changes throughout the year, so guests interested in a particular cut should submit an inquiry before their visit.
You can explore our current offerings on the Bison Meat page.
Take Home Big Balls Ranch Merchandise
Guests can also shop Big Balls Ranch merchandise and take home a reminder of their experience.
Our merchandise collection may include:
- T-shirts
- Hoodies
- Hats
- Keychains
- Decals
- Seasonal designs
- Limited-edition ranch apparel
Whether you want to represent the ranch, remember your tour, or give someone a unique gift, our merchandise allows you to carry a little bit of Big Balls Ranch home with you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Private Bison Tours
How long does the tour last?
A private bison tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Is the tour private?
Yes. Your reservation is for a private group experience rather than a general public tour.
How many guests can attend?
Our covered wagon accommodates up to 12 guests.
Will we see the bison up close?
The tour travels through the areas where our bison live and graze. The herd’s exact position and behavior will vary because the bison move naturally throughout their pastures.
Can guests pet or feed the bison?
Guests should never approach, touch, or feed a bison unless specifically instructed by ranch staff.
Does the tour operate in the rain?
Yes. Tours are offered rain or shine. If conditions are unsafe for wagon travel, the ranch may use enclosed UTVs or reschedule the tour.
Are accommodations available for guests with disabilities?
Accommodations may be available, including UTV transportation when appropriate. Contact the ranch before booking to discuss individual needs.
Are young children allowed?
Yes. Guests of all ages are welcome, and children ages three and under attend free. Parents and guardians must supervise children throughout the experience.
Are payments refundable?
Tour payments are nonrefundable unless otherwise stated by Big Balls Ranch.
Can a tour be rescheduled?
A tour may be moved to another available date when necessary, subject to availability and ranch policies. The ranch may also reschedule because of unsafe weather, animal-related circumstances, or operational needs.
Can we buy bison meat or merchandise?
Available bison meat and merchandise may be purchased through the ranch. Inventory varies, so guests may wish to inquire about specific products before arriving.
Experience a Private Bison Tour at Big Balls Ranch
A Big Balls Ranch tour gives you more than a view of the pasture. It invites you into the daily story of a working family ranch.
From boarding the covered wagon and entering the pasture to meeting individual bison and learning how the herd is cared for, every part of the experience is designed to educate, inspire, and create lasting memories.
You will leave with a greater understanding of the American bison, the responsibility involved in raising these animals, and the work that connects the land, the herd, and the food on your table.
Whether you are planning a family outing, looking for unique South Carolina ranch tours, or searching for an unforgettable bison tour near Greenville, we would be honored to welcome you to Big Balls Ranch.
Big Balls Ranch: Where the bison roam and the adventures begin!