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What You Need to Know About the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup

2020 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup – Everything You Need to Know

You’ll hear them before you see them; “thunder down under” takes on a whole new meaning at the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup.  Since 1914, the culling of the Custer State Park buffalo herd has been a highlight of the onset of fall in the Black Hills.  Scheduled from September 24-26, 2020, this three-day event gives people a closer look at some of the most time-honored traditions of South Dakota. 
 
For those interested in taking a closer look at the roots of the land and feeling closer to the great outdoors, the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup is a “can’t miss” event.  Aside from the thrill of watching real cowboys and cowgirls round up a stampeding herd of bison, there is a slew of other things to do and see. 

The following is everything you need to know about the 2020 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup:

Before the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup

To get a good glimpse into the old West and other traditions of the wild plains of South Dakota, out-of-towners need to do some prep work before they travel.  First, ensure your hotel reservations at The Grand Gateway Hotel. We are just a hop, skip and jump away from Custer; you also get the bonus of driving through our beautiful Black Hills!  To attend the Roundup, all you need to do is procure a park license at visitcuster.com.

The event is a hub for enthusiasts of the old Wild West to see some cowboys in action. You can enjoy stories told around the fire by real cowboys, traditional dances by Native Americans, and good old country entertainment such as square dancing. 

During the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup

The main event of the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup is the Roundup itself. This event starts in the morning around 9:30 am. However, the parking lots open at 6:15 am; if you want to pick your spot to witness the cowboys and cowgirls work in tandem teams as they herd and round up the park’s 1300 buffalo then safely drive them into corals, you have to be an early bird. Once the herd gets corralled, a break is taken before the branding, testing, and sorting of the buffalo begin. 

Since this task can easily last for at least two hours, breakfast and lunch are available for a fee, so bring your wallet! It’s also a good idea to bring essentials like folding chairs, rain gear, layered clothing, and sunscreen. The park asks that you not bring your camper, although motorcoaches are welcome. 

After the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup

When the Roundup finishes, you can relax, walk around, and enjoy the natural scenic beauty of South Dakota. There are other events at the Buffalo Roundup, including a Pancake Feed that is open from 8 am to 10 am. While it is a paid option, it is incredibly reasonable; adults only have to pay $5, and children are $3. All proceeds generated at the Pancake Feed are donated to the Custer Food Pantry. Additionally, there are other musical events, art displays, dances, and more where you can interact with, sit, and admire the rich cultural diversity of South Dakota. 
 
If you’re looking for excitement, fun, and the great outdoors all rolled into one, the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup the perfect choice. Don’t forget to book your stay right away with The Grand Gateway Hotel – the Roundup is an extremely well-attended event, and you don’t want to miss out on our awesome deals and comfortable rooms.  We can’t wait to see you here in our beautiful Black Hills – happy buffalo watching!

Call us Toll Free for the best rates and most up to date information, Rapid City SD Hotel: (866) 742-1300