On the last Friday in September, cowboys, cowgirls and park crews saddle up to bring in a herd of 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 tuning in from home.
60th Annual Buffalo Roundup:
Friday, SepTEMBER 26, 2025
The next Buffalo Roundup will take place on Friday, September 26, 2025. 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.
LIVESTREAM | FAQS | PARK INFO
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.
How many bison are in the herd?
Herd numbers vary from year to year, but typically there are 1,350-1,450. The bison herd roams freely throughout the park and is often found along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road in the southern part of the park. Note: The big bull bison are not included in the Roundup because they are more aggressive and simply hard to round up. Because of this, visitors may see them scattered throughout the park during the Roundup weekend.
Why are the bison rounded up?
The Buffalo Roundup is part of Custer State Park's management plan to maintain a healthy balance between the number of bison and the available rangeland forage. The park can only sustain a certain number of bison, based on the condition of the grassland and how much food is available. The Buffalo Roundup also allows for some of the animals to be sorted out of the herd. They are then sold at an auction in November.
What happens to the bison after they’re in the corrals?
Once placed in the corrals, park staff sorts out 200-500 animals to be sold, vaccinates the new members of the herd, brands the new calves, and checks the cows for pregnancy. It takes about four days to work the entire herd.
How early should I get there?
Parking lots open at 6:15 a.m. the day of the Roundup (but be prepared to wait in line). Visitors who are in the park by 7 a.m. will have plenty of time to get to the viewing areas. The Roundup does not start until 9:30 a.m.
Are TICKETS OR reservations required?
No.
Does it cost anything to attend the Buffalo Roundup?
There is no admission fee for the event, and a park entrance license is not required the day of the Buffalo Roundup.
Are food and drinks available?
Pancakes, sausages and beverages are available starting at 6:15 a.m. in both viewing areas. Lunch is served until 2 p.m. at the corrals once the buffalo are rounded up. There is a fee for both meals.
What should I bring?
The weather can vary. Be prepared for sunny or rainy skies. Also, be sure to bring sunscreen, layered clothing, folding chairs, binoculars, snacks and drinks/water. Custer State Park has compiled other information for visitors, so be sure to look it over.
Is accessible parking available?
Yes. Visitors should clearly display their parking emblem so they can be directed to the right area.
Are shuttles available?
Shuttles are available after the Roundup for those visitors wishing to go down to the corral area.
Which viewing area is best?
Both viewing areas have unique vantage points and visitors get great views from either location. Visitors may not move between viewing areas.
How long does the event take?
The Roundup is generally over by 11:30 a.m., but visitors need to be prepared to stay in the viewing areas until the bison are safely in the corrals.
How are the horseback riders chosen?
Some are Custer State Park staff, others have been long-time riders. Up to 20 volunteer cowboys and cowgirls are selected each year through an application process. For more information, contact the Custer State Park Office at 605-255-4515.
Is there anything else going on?
Fun activities continue the entire weekend following the Roundup. The Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival, with up to 150 vendors, is held Thursday, Friday and Saturday near the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center.
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.
Custer State Park's 59th Annual Buffalo Roundup
Relive the Roundup from September 27, 2024, with South Dakota Public Broadcasting's livestream recording. We'll see you next year!
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
- 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 One: "The Rise and Fall of the Buffalo"
Feel the ground rumble and the dust fly as 60 cowboys and cowgirls saddle up to bring in a thundering herd of 1,300 buffalo at the 58th Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. But we’re not just watching it. We are in the thick of it as we get thrown around on the back of a truck chasing the herd across the wide-open plains! Along the way, we discover that although the Roundup harks back to a different time, the adventurous spirit of South Dakotans — which has been a way of life for centuries — still lives on. And that spirit is infectious.
See how other visitors explored Custer State Park and share your vacation memories with us by using the hashtag #HiFromSD!
