Witness the Roar of the Prairie: Where Wild Buffalo Meet Artistic Flair!
An Annual Spectacle of Wildlife and Culture in Custer State Park
Each autumn, Custer State Park transforms into a dynamic stage for the iconic Buffalo Roundup, an event that allows visitors to feel the earth tremble as thousands of bison are expertly guided across the landscape. This remarkable occasion, coupled with an engaging Arts Festival, attracts nearly 25,000 attendees. Roughly 1,500 bison are herded into corrals near the Bison Center. This free event, a tradition for 60 years, is scheduled for the last weekend of September, with the 2025 roundup on September 26th and the arts festival running from September 25th to 27th.
Maximizing Your Experience at the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
To fully immerse yourself in this captivating event, arrive early. Cowboys and cowgirls commence the bison herding at 9:30 AM, but public viewing areas open at 6:15 AM, requiring visitors to be in position by 9:00 AM. Due to its immense popularity, securing a prime viewing spot is crucial, with early arrivals even permitted to line up along the Wildlife Loop Road from midnight. There are two primary viewing locations: the northern area offers an up-close perspective of the approaching bison, while the southern vantage point provides a panoramic view of the herd traversing the prairie, though the bison's exact path can vary each year.
Essential Preparations for an Unforgettable Day
Once settled in your chosen viewing area for the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, anticipate remaining there until the entire herd is corralled, typically by 11:30 AM or noon. It's advisable to bring a portable chair and dress in layers due to the open prairie conditions. Sturdy footwear is recommended, along with a flashlight if arriving before dawn. Portable restroom facilities are available. Both viewing zones offer a breakfast of pancakes and sausage, and bison barbecue is available for lunch near the corrals. Personal food and beverages are also permitted. Following the roundup, the bison undergo health assessments, vaccinations, and branding over several days. A portion of the herd is later auctioned in November, as the park's grazing capacity supports approximately 1,000 bison. For those with extensive horsemanship and livestock experience, volunteering as a rider offers an unparalleled, albeit demanding, perspective. Applications for the next year's roundup can be found on the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks website, emphasizing that this is a serious undertaking, not merely a recreational ride.
Exploring the Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival and Nearby Lodging Options
The Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival takes place near the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center, a short 25-minute drive north of the bison corrals. The festival atmosphere is vibrant, featuring live musical performances, traditional cowboy poetry, a diverse selection of food and drinks, and numerous vendors offering Western-themed crafts and goods. For those unable to attend in person, South Dakota Public Broadcasting has historically provided live streams and commentary of previous roundups on its YouTube channel. Beyond the roundup, Custer State Park is an exceptional destination for observing bison, rivaling even Yellowstone. Driving the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road offers excellent viewing opportunities of the park's herd. For a more intimate wildlife encounter, the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour provides off-road access, bringing visitors closer to bison, elk, deer, pronghorn, and other native species. The Bison Center also offers insightful information about the herd. If planning to attend the Buffalo Roundup, it is highly recommended to book accommodations well in advance. The park itself offers various lodging choices, including historic lodges, private cabins, and numerous campgrounds. The charming town of Custer, less than 10 minutes from the park, provides a selection of hotels and motels. Additionally, Rapid City, recognized as the gateway to the Black Hills, is approximately a 30-minute drive from Custer State Park.