Annual Buffalo Roundup Set for Custer State Park as Part of Arts Festival

Rapid City, SD, September 22, 2026 —

Custer State Park is preparing to host the 61st Annual Governor’s Buffalo Roundup, an event that combines wildlife management with a cultural celebration. The roundup, a long-standing tradition, will see park staff and horseback riders working together to gather and manage the park’s bison herd.

Approximately 1,400 bison are expected to be moved into corrals. This large-scale operation is primarily for sorting the animals and conducting essential health checks. The process is a critical part of the park’s wildlife management strategy, ensuring the health and sustainability of the bison population within Custer State Park.

This year’s roundup is integrated into a larger arts festival, drawing attention to the natural heritage of South Dakota through a different lens. The specific details of the arts festival, including its schedule and participating artists, were not provided in the summary.

The involvement of horseback riders alongside park staff highlights the traditional methods still employed in managing large ranching and wildlife operations. The movement of such a significant number of bison requires careful planning and execution to ensure the safety of both the animals and the personnel involved.

The Governor’s Buffalo Roundup is a notable event for the state, often attracting visitors interested in both the spectacle of the roundup and the natural beauty of the park. Further details regarding the specific dates for the 61st Annual Governor’s Buffalo Roundup and the concurrent arts festival were not available.

Story summarized from the original created by Mary Francis Witte on www.kotatv.com, see more information here.

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