Buffalo Roundup 2

Dear Friends

Of all the experiences you can have in South Dakota, nothing compares to the Buffalo Roundup. The pageantry. The history. The awe-inspiring power of 1,400 thundering bison. It’s all on display in one of America’s most beautiful places, Custer State Park.

I’d like to personally invite you to experience it for yourself. We have two days filled with events, adventure and time for kicking back and catching up. On top of the main Roundup, we’ve planned a few Black Hills excursions, including fly fishing and a Jeep safari. Then, on Friday morning, you’ll have a front row seat to a timehonored South Dakota tradition.

By the end of the week, you’ll have made some priceless memories. And you’ll have one heck of a belt buckle to show for it.

I hope you’ll join me.

Sincerely,

Kristi Noem | Governor of South Dakota

Jeep

Safari

Get off the beaten path as you trek through the park in an open-air Jeep in search of pronghorn, elk and, of course, the majestic American Bison. Along the way, guides will share historical and educational facts about the park and wildlife. The ride lasts approximately 1.5–2 hours.

Fly Fishing

Participate in an outdoor adventure fly fishing on Center Lake and Grace Coolidge Creek for rainbow and cutthroat trout. We’ll provide the equipment, a guide and memories that will last a lifetime. One-day fishing licenses will be available for purchase prior to the tour: $8 for residents, $16 for non-residents.

Lover’s LeapHike

For those wanting to get immersed in South Dakota’s nature, join us for a hike up Lover’s Leap Trail. This popular trail is located just behind the State Game Lodge and begins with a steep ascent through a ponderosa pine forest. From the top, hikers will view Mount Coolidge, Black Elk Peak, and the Cathedral Spires from the top. This four-mile hike is considered moderately challenging.

Buffalo

Roundup

Friday morning, we’ll depart for the buffalo corrals as the sun comes up. Your reward for early rising is a front row seat as wranglers wrangle 1,400 of the most majestic animals on earth. You’ll have two viewing options. You can choose to ride in a chase vehicle in the Roundup itself, right alongside the herd, or you can view the Roundup from Governor’s Hill, giving you an elevated perspective of the terrain and how the wranglers move the herd through hills, creeks and valleys. Be sure to check your preference on the enclosed RSVP form.

After the buffalo make their way into the corrals, Custer State Park staff begins the process of “working” the animals — sorting, vaccinating, and branding — to maintain a strong and healthy herd.

Arts

Festival

At the arts festival, more than 150 vendors will offer their fine arts and crafts for sale, including many South Dakota-made products.

Start your morning with a pancake feed and enjoy ongoing Western and Native American entertainment under the big tent. All events and vendors will be located on the festival grounds adjacent to the State Game Lodge.

Custer State Park / September 28–30

Crazy Horse

The bi-annual Crazy Horse Memorial Volksmarch (an organized hike) is a 6.2-mile ramble through woodlands and up to the Crazy Horse Memorial carving. The turn-around point is on the arm of Crazy Horse – directly in front of his nine-story-high face.

Crazy Horse Memorial / October 1