From Rapid City: Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup Tour

Discover the Unique Buffalo Roundup in South Dakota

This tour offers a chance to witness the famous Buffalo Roundup at Custer State Park in South Dakota, a once-a-year event occurring on September 26th, 2025. Starting at $185 per person, the 10-hour guided experience from Rapid City provides a full day of action, education, and local flavor. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, it’s ideal for those wanting a seamless way to see this iconic gathering of bison.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of early morning logistics, engaging ranger work, and delicious local food. It’s designed for travelers eager to see wild bison in action and gain insight into their management, all while enjoying the beautiful South Dakota scenery. Keep in mind that this is a full-day experience, so comfortable clothes and an adventurous spirit are recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Famous Buffalo Roundup happens only once a year on September 26th, 2025
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Rapid City for ease
• Starts early at 6:00 AM, with breakfast served at 8:00 AM
• Shuttle service takes visitors close to the corrals around noon for lunch
• Watch buffalo being gathered, vaccinated, and branded by rangers and cowhands
• Guided tour with English-speaking guides and bottled water provided

The Exciting Buffalo Stampede at Custer State Park

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Rapid City at 6:00 AM, ensuring plenty of time to reach the roundup grounds before the action starts. You’ll head to the south area of Custer State Park just above the corrals, where early road closures protect the process. From this vantage point, you’ll observe the buffalo being driven by horseback and trucks into the pens, a spectacle that showcases both nature and human skill.

You’ll witness the buffalo being vaccinated and calves branded, an essential part of wildlife management. The rangers work meticulously to ensure each animal’s health and safety. The entire process unfolds against the backdrop of South Dakota’s rolling hills, providing a striking setting for this authentic agricultural event.

Breakfast Experience Before the Buffalo Come Over the Ridges

At around 8:00 AM, the tour offers a hot breakfast featuring egg-buffalo sausage, vegetables, muffins, fresh fruit, and beverages including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and bottled water. Guests are provided with bag chairs to sit comfortably while waiting for the buffalo to appear over the ridges.

This morning meal provides a relaxed opportunity to prepare for the upcoming excitement. The waiting period, which may last from 10 to 11 AM, allows time to soak in the scenery and anticipate the stampede into the corrals. It’s a quiet moment before the high-energy gathering of hundreds of buffalo.

Watching the Buffalo Stampede Into the Corral

Once the buffalo descend from the hills around 10 or 11 AM, the big stampede into the corrals begins. You’ll see the massive animals gathering in a dramatic rush, a sight that captures the power and agility of wild bison. This part of the experience is often the highlight, showcasing nature’s strength driven by the rangers and cowhands’ expertise.

After the buffalo are gathered, you can take the shuttle around noon to the nearby corrals to purchase a Buffalo Brisket sandwich with chips, beans, and a drink, all for about $20. This gives you a chance to enjoy a local specialty and watch the work of the rangers as they continue their animal management activities.

More Great Tours Nearby

In-Depth Look at Ranger Work at the Corrals

Following lunch, you’re encouraged to walk over to the corral area to observe the rangers in action. They work with the buffalo, performing health checks, vaccinations, and branding calves. This close-up view provides insight into wildlife conservation efforts and the careful handling of these iconic animals.

The rangers’ work showcases a combination of animal management and public education, making the experience both informative and engaging. Watching individual animals being vaccinated illustrates the ongoing efforts to maintain the health of the herd.

Returning to Rapid City and Tour Logistics

The tour concludes with a drop-off back in Rapid City around 3:00 PM, giving plenty of time to relax after a full day of adventure. The entire experience is designed for comfort and convenience, with hotel pickup and drop-off included and bottled water provided throughout.

The tour operates on a flexible schedule with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, allowing you to plan your trip without immediate financial commitment.

Practical Tips for Participants

Guests should bring a hat, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water, along with comfortable clothes suited for outdoor activity and variable weather. The physical demands are moderate, but the tour is not recommended for people with back problems, wheelchair users, or those with animal allergies.

Since pets and smoking are not allowed, travelers should plan accordingly. The experience is in English, ensuring clear explanations and storytelling from the guides.

The Significance of This Annual Event

The Buffalo Roundup at Custer State Park is a rare, one-day-per-year event that offers a unique glimpse into wildlife management. It’s a well-organized tour that combines education, scenic vistas, and cultural insight into the history and care of the bison herd.

This tour is perfect for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in South Dakota’s cultural heritage. The combination of early morning logistics, ranger work, and delicious local food makes for a fulfilling, memorable day.

Final Thoughts on the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup Tour

For $185 per person, this guided tour from Rapid City provides an immersive experience of one of America’s most iconic wildlife events. The full-day schedule includes early pickup, breakfast, buffalo watching, and lunch, making it an excellent choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive look at the buffalo roundup.

While physically demanding and scheduled on a single day, the tour’s strong focus on wildlife management, cultural significance, and scenic beauty makes it a valuable experience. It’s especially suitable for those interested in wildlife conservation and outdoor adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a tour guide, and cold bottled water. Food and drinks besides water are not included, except for breakfast and lunch.

When does the Buffalo Roundup take place?
The event occurs only once a year, on Friday, September 26th, 2025, making it a highly anticipated occasion.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting early at 6:00 AM and returning around 3:00 PM.

Is this tour suitable for children or individuals with mobility issues?
The experience may not be suitable for people with back problems, wheelchair users, or those with animal allergies. Participants should be prepared for outdoor activities and walking.

What should I bring for the tour?
Guests are advised to bring a hat, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing to fully enjoy the day.

Can I cancel or reschedule this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. You can reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby