Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup

What is the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup?

The Custer Buffalo Roundup is an annual event taking place in September that combines the thrill of cowboy tradition with wildlife conservation. Custer State Park is located in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota and is home to a herd of roughly 1,300 American bison that roam the park freely. Once a year they are rounded up for vaccinations, health, and pregnancy checks. Approximately 200-500 animals are selected for auction. This is to maintain a healthy herd size appropriate for the foraging land within the park.

The spectacle of the roundup is truly thrilling, park rangers and selected cowboys and cowgirls round up the herd on horseback, leading them to the corrals. Once the animals are safely corralled, visitors are allowed to watch the sorting and checking. Following the excitement of the morning there is an arts festival featuring many local artisans and their handicrafts.

Need to Know

Parking for the event usually opens around 6 am, but round-up does not begin until 9:30 am. Roundup usually finishes around 11:30 am, but visitors are not allowed to depart until all bison are safely corralled.

Did you Know?

Custer State Park is home to one of the world’s largest publicly owned bison herds. The herd can be seen roaming the park year-round and while they seem like gentle giants, they can run very fast and weigh over 2,000 pounds. Visitors should always be cautious and never get too close.

For more information on this event, check out the link we have provided on the left and plan an unforgettable experience.