Category: Tourism Listing Date: 2010-09-21
Buffalo Roundup 2010
The annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup is an incredible sight, a display of the buffalo's power and grace, as cowboys and cowgirls roundup the buffalo herd. It takes place on a Monday in late September or early October at Custer State Park, and is open to the public. Somewhere upwards of 10,000 people, drawn to the power and majesty of the buffalo, attend the annual 3-day event.
In the days before the main event, the buffalo roundup, there are plenty of activities to participate in. The Buffalo Roundup Arts Festivals showcases Western and Native American art, as well as products made in South Dakota, so that you can come home with a souvenir from the event. A chili cookoff also keeps visitors busy, tasting the bounties of the contest. There is also live entertainment during the cookoff, to keep the spirits up.
On the day of the buffalo roundup, you can start your day with pancakes, sausages, and a hot cup of coffee. Visitors can view the roundup from either a north or south viewing area, both of which have their own parking. The buffalo roundup itself is a marvel of skilll, agility, and pure power. The coyboys and cowgirls roundup and drive the 1,500 strong herd of buffalo into the buffalo corrals. Once all of the buffalo are corraled, they are sorted, branded, and vaccinated in preparation for the annual fall buffalo sale.