Buffalo Roundup & Arts FEstival
47th Annual Buffalo Roundup
Monday, September 24, 2012
Reservations for the event are NOT required.
Feel the thunder and join the herd at the 46th Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. Watch cowboys and cowgirls as they roundup and drive the herd of approximately 1,300 buffalo (number of animals vary depending on rangeland conditions). Not only is the roundup a spectacular sight to see, it is also a critical management tool in maintaining a strong and healthy herd.
Following the roundup, stay and watch park staff sort, brand and vaccinate the herd in preparation for the fall buffalo sale.
Arts Festival
September 22-23, 2012
(note: Monday, September 24 is the actual Roundup Day)
At the 19th Annual Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival, up to 150 vendors will offer for sale their fine arts and crafts including many South Dakota made products.
Start your morning with a pancake feed and enjoy on-going Western and Native American entertainment under the big top. The first two days are held on the festival grounds across from the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center. On the third day, a limited number of vendors set up their wares at the Buffalo Corrals. It's a South Dakota experience you won't want to miss!
Chili Cook-off
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Join the "herd" at the 21th Annual Buffalo Wallow Chili Cook-off where the competition is just as hot as the chili! Cooking begins at 10 a.m., public tasting at 2 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment as you stroll the heritage arts and crafts exhibits.
Tasting Fees: Adults: $3 Children: $2
If you're going
Buffalo Roundup
The actual Buffalo Roundup will begin at 9:30 a.m. Guests must stay in the viewing areas until the herd is safely in the corrals, generally around noon.
Parking
Lots open at 6:15 a.m. and close at 9 a.m. Handicap parking is provided in all areas, otherwise personal vehicles are not allowed at the corrals.
Concessions
Pancakes, sausages and beverages are available at 6:15 a.m., in both viewing areas. Lunch is served at the corrals once the buffalo are rounded up until 2 p.m. Fee for both meals.
Exhibit Vendors
Will be located in both viewing areas and at the corrals following the roundup.
Buffalo Handling
Testing, branding, and sorting begins on Monday at 1 p.m. and lasts until about 5 p.m. and continues the week of October 1.
What to Bring
Folding chairs, cameras, binoculars, layered clothing, rain gear and sun screen.
Viewing areas
You will need to determine which viewing area you will be going to prior to Monday morning.
-
North Parking and Viewing
Head south from the Game Lodge area on Wildlife Loop Road. (See green path on map below.)
-
South Parking and Viewing
Head east on Wildlife Loop Road near Blue Bell campground. (See red path on map below.)
Motorcoaches
Will park in the South Lot but access that area via the green route.
Camper units
We encourage you not to bring your camper. Call 605.255.4515 for drop-off locations. If you do bring it, follow the green route on the map, but you will be directed to park in the south lot.
Departing
All vehicles will depart the way they entered.
Shuttle Service
Free shuttle service is provided from the viewing areas into the corrals and back to the parking lots. Some people choose to walk.
Pets
The park encourages you to leave your pet at home. If you do bring your pet, you must leave it in your vehicle.