--- title: Buffalo Roundup date: 2022-10-18T09:10:00-05:00 author: Click Rain Inc canonical_url: "https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/buffalo-roundup" section: Pages --- ![Herd of buffalo in the grasslands](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/22-CSPR-Activities_BuffaloRoundUp-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=60&h=35&c=83140ff5&v=24171cb2e6d979a7c5ff24b5478c1c6e31fc1e3b6e1d6974f5edcba3154ff897) # Buffalo Roundup ## Feel the Earth Shake As the hooves of more than 1,300 American buffalo thunder through the valley. At the annual Buffalo Roundup, cowboys and cowgirls on horseback spur them over the ridge, down the hill and into corrals for sorting. The entire Custer State herd passes by only a few hundred feet from your seat. After they are safely in the corrals, you can watch as the herd is sorted, branded, tested, and treated. ![A herd of bison runs across a dusty plain beneath a clear sky, with riders on horseback in the distance.](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Screenshot-2025-09-22-103837.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=56&h=21&c=e874c4e2&v=17bf4f9a15162e7d9e269aa94c6109d06cd81bb6249579998d20b9f6ef318ce0) ## What is the buffalo roundup? 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. The event is open to the public and attracts more than14,000 people each year. It has been designated "The Top Event in North America" by the American Bus Association. Plan your trip at the Custer State Park Resort to coincide with this unforgettable, one-of-a-kind event. Visit our [Downloadable Guides](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/downloadable-guides) page to view a Buffalo Roundup Brochure and Arts Festival Schedule for more details. [Watch the full Buffalo Roundup Mini-Series](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/into-the-roundup) ![Buffalo Roundup](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/News/3.4.0.0-buffalo-roundup.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&c=84dc0219&v=3cb1233e2a802d89efbaf58442d0245fcc8723eab0faed720d930af8a57d7f80) ## Buffalo Roundup 2026 Arts Festival Schedule THURSDAY, SEPT 24 - 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPT 25 - 10:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPT 26 - 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. ### Festival Food Booths Include: *Buffalo Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Apple Fritters, Horatio's Ice Cream, Pretzel Bites, Footlong Corndogs, Jumbo Chili Dogs, Buffalo Chili, Kettle Corn, Specialty Coffee, Lemonade, Philly Cheesesteaks, and local craft brews!* ### Frequently Asked Questions ## 01 When is the next roundup? The 2026 Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival is scheduled for September 24, 2026 - September 26, 2026. The official morning of the Buffalo Roundup is **Friday, September 25, 2026**. Future Buffalo Roundup Dates: Friday, September 24, 2027 ### 02 Where does the roundup take place? The roundup is viewed from the Wildlife Loop, where there is a temporary northern and southern viewing area—both with parking at the southernmost tip of the Loop road. Check out [this map](https://com-custerresorts-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/general-uploads/Roundup-Map-Screenshot-2024-09-16-143806.jpg) for more details about where to go. The corresponding Arts Festival is at the State Game Lodge Arts Festival Lawn, taking place on the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of that same weekend. ### 03 How long does the roundup last? The Buffalo Roundup begins at 9:30 a.m. MT. Parking lots open at 6:15 a.m. We suggest arriving early if you want to choose your spot. Guests must stay in the viewing areas until the herd is safely in the corrals, usually around noon. The Arts Festival runs all day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Specific hours are posted each year in the Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival flyer, found on our [Downloadable Guides](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/downloadable-guides) page. ## 04 Are there concessions? Yes! Pancakes, sausages, and drinks are available at 6:15 a.m. at both viewing areas. Buffalo brisket lunch is served at the corrals once the buffalo are rounded up, or head to the Arts Festival at the State Game Lodge for more lunch selections. ## 05 What is the cost? The Buffalo Roundup is a free event. A state park pass is not required for entry on the day of the Roundup. ## 06 What should I bring? Remember to check the weather in advance and dress accordingly; weather can vary this time of year. Other items to bring: - folding chairs - cameras - binoculars - layered clothing - rain gear - sun screen ## 07 How do I tune in? Tune in on radio 1700 AM to hear the day's play-by-play and behind-the-scenes coverage. ## Lodging for the Buffalo Roundup Staying in the park is the best way to experience the roundup. Our guests save on travel time and tend to secure great viewing spots the morning of the roundup. But be sure to book early—rooms fill up fast for this event! [Find Lodging](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging) ![Wide shot of a Lodge at Custer State Park Resort](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Rich-Content/22-CSPR-HomepageBuffaloRoundUp-Lodging-1600x1040.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&c=b14593bc&v=33eb59428256dfb7a74c8432c430f59224b3a167fbdd7dd93e63587d0bc9ee20) ## Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival The annual [Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival](https://com-custerresorts-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/general-uploads/Arts_Festival_Schedule_2025.pdf) is held the same weekend from Thursday to Saturday on the grounds of the [State Game Lodge](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/state-game-lodge). Many events accompany the festival, but food, entertainment, and art booths top the list. Check back closer to the event for a complete schedule. ### Display Your Artwork We love showcasing local artists' work at the Arts Festival. Vendors, please visit our [downloadable guides](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/downloadable-guides) page to download a vendor application. Questions may go to: . We hope to see you there! ![Visitors outside enjoying the Buffalo Round Up](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Rich-Content/BuffaloRoundUp-Arts-1600x1040.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&c=ba990b70&v=36ea898ebdd80876b96cadda7b94d7e0da9c6e8843e3041bf9bfd424dd8b8610) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)## Things To Do Roundup Weekend ![Group in a Jeep driving by buffalo](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/22-CSPR-Activities_BuffaloJeepSafari-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=4faeead7&v=ca560f166bddc3ded11f3576f73f8e6c93ac4c009c8c35fe2322814299aabd18) ### [Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/buffalo-safari-jeep-tour) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park Take an unforgettable safari through the park in search of pronghorns, elk, and the noble buffalo. ![Visitors riding horses during a guided trail ride](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/22-CSPR-Activities_GuidedTrailRides-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=df681f0e&v=47af0dae4e40a72bbb4f6648ad9deb28cc61abb4299815d34f27162fb33fa013) ### [Guided Trail Rides](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/guided-trail-rides) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park One of the most peaceful ways to explore the park's prettiest spots. ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Chuckwagon-BBL-2024-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=aa657f62&v=cc26039183bde5cba5c66a0a6c5a718e577c5ca0154a043a26f920b65f138b6c) ### [Hayride & Chuck Wagon Cookout](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/hayride-chuck-wagon-cookout) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park Evening scenic wildlife hayride followed by a steak dinner and live entertainment in the CSP backcountry. ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/DSC02089.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=6c879c33&v=957ef2a2e27ac8f877396499bafe30f9c3bb38043f6a5b1f3411016cec2fb098) ### [Peter Norbeck Scenic Highway](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/scenic-drives/peter-norbec-scenic-highway) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park Named one of the 10 Most Outstanding Byways in North America. ![Aerial shot of the Needles Highway](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/22-CSPR-Activities_NeedlesHighway-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=3fcfad83&v=a5c5e31d61359286141e9f715dc3a34054c78146d3317389dd3041032fb3569f) ### [Needles Highway](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/scenic-drives/needles-highway) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park A spectacular Custer State Park drive through pine and spruce forest meadows surrounded by rugged granite mountain spires. ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/CSPRHikingAllie.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=736d63ea&v=8c36137050a566b44cc7be33fd9e429c8de5efef8ba0190d1f116681305b29cb) ### [Hiking](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/hiking) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park World-class hiking. Custer State Park is home to dozens of premiere trails for hikers of all skill levels. ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)## Buffalo Roundup in the News ![Buffalo roaming in the fall](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/fall_buffalo.jpeg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=62ab0603&v=6a292610b816b9f01878a33fc67359f20ac39d4055c2f51685f8ec83737b38ee) ### [CSP's Roundup on the Nightly News](https://www.custerresorts.com/news/csps-roundup-on-the-nightly-news) NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt was out for the 2018 Roundup. Check out the story. ![Rancher rounding up cattle](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/img_1379_0-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=e3ae7aba&v=9233ab46ec1e4cb47bf397c5e6e69ce264ae4b8f7c7d8de571b7f606b124c2f0) ### [CSP's Buffalo Roundup Featured in Midwest Living](https://www.custerresorts.com/news/csps-buffalo-roundup-featured-in-midwest-living) "On a fall trip to South Dakota, feel the thunder of bison on the move at Custer State Park's annual buffalo roundup and arts festival." ![Buffalo Roundup](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/News/3.4.0.0-buffalo-roundup.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=84dc0219&v=fd89dcfaa11d63dcdb29aa8314720bf3402b4c49a6d985003491db90ceb64180) ### [Buffalo Roundup Draws 21,000 Visitors to Custer State Park](https://www.custerresorts.com/news/buffalo-roundup-draws-21000-visitors-to-custer-state-park) A record crowd of about 21,000 visitors attended the 50th annual Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park.