Cowboys and cowgirls are already gearing up to round up and drive a herd of approximately 1,500 buffalo across the park for the 61st Annual Governor’ s Buffalo Roundup, Friday, Sept. 25 at 9 a. m.
Feel rumble
the story by ESTHER NOE
Are you ready to feel the rumble of 1,500 buffalo crossing the prairie? Have you ever wanted to return to the 1940s for an evening to solve a murder? Or would you like to take a guided night hike through a park?
Cowboys and cowgirls are already gearing up to round up and drive a herd of approximately 1,500 buffalo across the park for the 61st Annual Governor’ s Buffalo Roundup, Friday, Sept. 25 at 9 a. m.
Rounding up the buffalo has always been a land management practice in the park. Originally, it was attended by park personnel, and it grew to include friends and family. Then, in the 1990s, the roundup developed into the attraction it is today.
“ I think it’ s the experience of getting to step back and see the horseback riders and the bison move across the prairie,” said Lydia Austin, Custer State Park visitor services supervisor.“ There’ s not too many places left in the world where you get to watch 1,500 bison rounded up by cowboys and cowgirls.”
For the roundup, the park has a group of core riders who are either park personnel or seasoned locals who have advanced in rank over the years. From there, local riders can apply with a resume of their horseback riding experience for a chance to be part of the roundup. Riders are chosen in a random drawing.
“ We try to make it as fair as we possibly can. If they get chosen, they get to come ride in the roundup. They can only apply every three years if they’ re chosen,” said Austin.
Riders also have to complete a phone interview with the herd manager and a riding tour to ensure they are fully qualified.
“ The riders get to see the landscape, make sure that they’ re comfortable with it and ask those questions before the day of the event. We do have people who take themselves out and realize they’ re in over their heads, and we really appreciate that because we want the roundup to be successful for everybody,” said Austin.
Austin said the local riders return year after year, are familiar with the park and have a passion for the roundup. In that respect, the roundup remains a community event like it was when it first began.
The roundup occurs in the southern part of the Wildlife Loop near the Bison Corrals.
Parking lots open at 6:15 a. m., and Austin recommended getting to the park before 7 a. m. Attendees should plan on bringing folding chairs, cameras, binoculars, layered clothing, rain gear, snacks and sunscreen. Pets and drones are not allowed.
8 Down Country Roads September / June October / July 2026