Custer State Park in South Dakota is home to one of the largest publicly-owned bison herds in the United States, and every September, the park hosts the renowned Buffalo Round Up – an event that draws thousands of visitors from around the world to witness the spectacle of cowboys and cowgirls herding the park’s approximately 1,300 bison.
Event Overview
The Custer State Park Buffalo Round Up is an annual event held on the last Friday of September. In 2024, the event is scheduled for September 27th, with the roundup beginning at 9:30 a.m. MT. Parking opens as early as 6:15 a.m. MT, and visitors can choose between the North Parking and Viewing area (south of the Game Lodge) or the South Parking and Viewing area (east of the Blue Bell campground on Wildlife Loop Road).
During the event, visitors can watch as cowboys and cowgirls on horseback round up and drive the massive herd of bison. Breakfast is available at both viewing areas starting at 6:15 a.m., and lunch is served at the corrals once the bison have been rounded up. After the roundup, the bison are tested, branded, and sorted, a process that typically lasts until around 3 p.m.
The Bison Herd
Custer State Park is home to one of the largest publicly-owned bison herds in the United States, with approximately 1,300 bison roaming the park’s 71,000 acres. The annual Buffalo Round Up is a critical management tool, ensuring a balance between the bison population and the available land and resources.
| Herd Size | Herd Management |
|---|---|
| Approximately 1,300 bison | The roundup is a crucial management tool to maintain a strong and healthy herd. |
Arts Festival
In addition to the Buffalo Round Up, Custer State Park also hosts an Arts Festival during the same weekend, from September 26-28, 2024. The festival features up to 150 vendors offering a variety of fine arts and crafts, including South Dakota-made products. Visitors can also enjoy a pancake feed and Western and Native American entertainment under the big top.
Tips and Essentials
When planning your visit to the Custer State Park Buffalo Round Up, be sure to bring the following essentials:
- Folding chairs
- Cameras and binoculars
- Layered clothing, rain gear, and sunscreen
- Leave pets at home or keep them in the vehicle
Accommodations are available at the French Creek Horse Camp in Custer State Park, with regular camping fees of $40 (+tax) per unit, per night.
Roundup Riders
The Custer State Park Buffalo Round Up is not just a spectator event – the public can also apply to be Roundup Riders. Applications must be received by May 31, 2024, and riders must provide their own horse, which should be shod and fit for the rough terrain and close proximity to the bison. Riders must be prepared for strenuous work and follow the instructions of their assigned Team Leader.
Livestream and Videos
For those unable to attend the event in person, a livestream of the Buffalo Round Up will be available on the day of the event. Additionally, you can watch videos of previous roundups on YouTube and CriticalPast.com to get a taste of the excitement.
Additional Resources
To help plan your trip to the Custer State Park Buffalo Round Up, be sure to check out the travel guides available from Travel South Dakota. You can also follow Travel South Dakota on social media for updates and photos from the event.
References
- https://gfp.sd.gov/buffalo-roundup/
- https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/buffalo-roundup
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeS95dj4spE
- https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/events/custer-state-park-buffalo-roundup-arts-festival
- https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/article/custer-state-park-buffalo-roundup