Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
Episode 1:

The Fall and Rise of the Buffalo

This podcast will have you feeling the rumbling ground and watching 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. Join us in the thick of it as we get thrown around on the back of a truck chasing the herd across the wide-open plain!

Immerse yourself in the intensity and revelry of the roundup! Join host Brian Thacker in an intensive 39-minute exploration featuring organizers and crew discussing the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup's history and importance, plus Bear Butte State Park's Jim Jandreau giving enlightening info on what the buffalo mean to the state's Indigenous people.

available on Spotify, Apple and Amazon

Featured Locations
Custer State Park - Sylvan Lake
Custer State Park

Journey in the hoofsteps of bison, pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats and a band of begging burros as you wander the park's 71,000 acres. Whether you're driving along the winding Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway, summiting the highest point in the state or kayaking on Sylvan Lake, there's no end to the adventures at Custer State Park.

bear butte state park
Bear Butte State Park

Located in the northern Black Hills near Sturgis, Bear Butte State Park is best known for the 4,426-foot laccolith structure at its center, considered sacred by many of the area's Indigenous tribes. Hike to the top to see four states at once before enjoying the park's other offerings, including a large lake and the starting point of the 111-mile Centennial Trail.

Play Video
A cowboy wields a bullwhip to make a sound that moves bison during the Buffalo Roundup in Custer
Play Video

Check out the trailer now!

Experience the

Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup

Cowpokes herd more than 1,000 bison at Custer State Park during the annual Buffalo Roundup.

Ready to saddle up and see the Roundup with your own eyes? Mark your calendar for the last Friday in September. The event is free and open to the public. Adding to the festivities is the Arts Festival, held Thursday through Saturday, where you'll find hundreds of local and regional vendors selling handmade creations.

Share Your SoDak Adventures

See how other visitors explored Custer State Park and share your vacation memories with us by using the hashtag #HiFromSD!

START PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP TO SOUTH DAKOTA
Illustrated image of three bison grazing in Custer State Park. The Needles rock formation is visible in the background.
Order Your Free Vacation Guide

Find our Travel Guide, state map, and other free publications to aid in your travel planning.

Dignity: of Earth & Sky Statue Chamberlain South Dakota
Sign Up for the E-Newsletter

Receive monthly inspiration about places to see, activities to try and upcoming events.

Newton Hills fall hiking
Discover South Dakota's Great Finds

Earn prizes and discounts as you explore off-the-beaten-path attractions on your next South Dakota adventure.