Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
Feel the ground rumble. See the dust fly. Relish the spectacle as one of the last great traditions of the Old West unfolds before your very eyes.
On the last Friday in September, cowboys, cowgirls and park staff saddle up to bring in a herd of more than 1,300 bison through Custer State Park. Located in the beautiful Black Hills of western South Dakota, the park is home to one of the world's largest publicly owned bison herds. Adding to the festivities is the annual Arts Festival, held Thursday through Saturday. Find out everything you need to know about attending this awe-inspiring spectacle or tune in from home.
61st Annual Buffalo Roundup:
Friday, September 25, 2026
The next Buffalo Roundup will take place on Friday, September 25 2026. This event is free and open to the public. Be sure to determine which viewing area you will be going to prior to arriving at the park on Friday morning. More on that below!
Event Details
- Gates open at 6:15 a.m.
- Roundup begins at 9:30 a.m.
- Branding and sorting begins at 1 p.m.
Viewing Locations
- North Parking and Viewing: Head south from the State Game Lodge area on Wildlife Loop Road.
- South Parking and Viewing: Head east on Wildlife Loop Road near Blue Bell campground.
Please note that while pets are allowed in the vehicle, it's recommended that you leave them at home.
"Into the Roundup"
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're a first-timer or a repeat visitor, here are some helpful tips and answers to common questions about the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup.
2025 Roundup Livestream
About Custer State Park
Established in 1919, Custer State Park is South Dakota’s first and largest state park, welcoming more than 1.5 million visitors every year. Its mountains, hills and prairies provide ideal habitat for a wealth of wildlife, including white-tailed and mule deer, prairie dogs, pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and, of course, the park’s herd of American bison. In addition to wildlife, the park features several historic sites, like the State Game Lodge and the Mount Coolidge Fire Tower, as well as four resorts, several lakes, numerous hiking and biking trails, and the Black Hills Playhouse, which hosts a variety of shows throughout the summer.
Stay in Touch With the Herd
Social Media Feeds
For photos and video from the day, follow along on Facebook (@TravelSouthDakota), X (@SouthDakota) and Instagram (@TravelSouthDakota). Use and follow #BuffaloRoundup when sharing about the event.
Buffalo Roundup Videos
- Check out our brand new, five-part YouTube series: "Into the Roundup."
- Watch videos from previous Buffalo Roundups to get a sense of this authentic Western adventure.
- Also available on CriticalPast.com is a 42-second archival video of stock footage from a Roundup held July 16, 1934.
The Travel South Dakota Stories
Episode 1: The Fall and Rise of the Buffalo
Feel the ground rumble and see the dust fly as 60 cowboys and cowgirls saddle up to bring in a thundering herd of 1,300 buffalo at the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. But we’re not just watching it. We’re in the thick of it, as we get thrown around on the back of a truck chasing the herd across the wide-open plains!
Share Your SoDak Adventures
See how other visitors explored Custer State Park and share your vacation memories with us by using the hashtag #HiFromSD!
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