Sept 26 Only - 2025 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup - Public
Overview
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8 hours
Mobile ticket
CUSTER STATE PARK - BUFFALO ROUNDUP - Public
September 26, 2025 Standard Roundup
Feel the earth tremble as the hooves of more than 1,400 American buffalo pound through the valley. At the annual Buffalo Roundup, herdsmen on horseback spur them over the ridge, down the hill and into corrals for sorting.
The Custer State herd passes by only a few hundred feet from your seat. Custer State Park is home to one of the largest American bison herds in the world. The annual roundup keeps the population in balance with the available land and resources.
6:10am Pickup Rapid City
6:50am Pickup at Hermosa
7:30am Arrive South Lot (No Waiting !)
7:45am Continental Breakfast (W/ Hot Coffee/Tea/Cocoa)
9:30am Roundup Begins
11:00am Ends with Bison in Corrals
11:45pm You take a shuttle to the corrals were you watch the Bison branding and vaccinations. Lunch of Bison BBQ sandwich and fixings are available.
1:45pm Shuttle return
2:00pm Depart Park
3:00pm Returned to Rapid City
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Local guide
Bottled water
Snacks
Breakfast
Gratuities
What To Expect
Custer State Park
Custer State Park is home to one of the largest American bison herds in the world. The annual roundup keeps the population in balance with the available land and resources. Most return right back to their home, the grasslands of Custer State Park. This event, is annually held on the last Friday in September - one day only. The Park Rangers move the approximately 1,400 buffalo (bison) from their summer pastures into corrals. This is a way to manage the bison herd, identify calves, and ensure the health and well-being of the animals. It also serves as a spectacle for visitors to witness the traditional cowboy culture and the movement of the large herd. 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.
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Sept 26 - 2025 Buffalo Roundup
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very knowledgeable guide
Susan H,
Jul 28, 2024
- Viator
5.00The beauty and awe of the landscape. The minuteman missile site so interesting. Our guide was quite knowledgeable and had a lot of information to share. It was obvious he has a passion for his job.
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Operated by Black Hills Open-Top-Tours