paddocks

Although it sounds like something straight out of an old western movie, an honest to goodness buffalo roundup takes place every fall in Custer State Park. Granted, it’s the precursor to the fall buffalo sale, but it’s also a fun stand-alone event that’s open to the general public. Held on the last Friday in September, the Custer Buffalo Roundup (https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/buffalo-roundup) attracts wranglers from across the west who skillfully corral some 1,500 head of buffalo that reside on a 71,000 acre swath of Custer State Park. And it’s a sight to see — and hear — for sure. Even though this rustic event takes place in an open pasture, accommodations have also been made for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. So grab your cowboy hat, and get ready to hit the trail to see the Custer Buffalo Roundup.

Round ’em Up

Although the big round up officially begins at 9:30, you’ll want to get an early start. The two viewing locations along Wildlife Loop Road open at 6:15 AM. It should be noted that you need to choose your viewing area before you set out, as Wildlife Loop is closed to through traffic at the corrals. If you want to use the North viewing Area, then head south from the State Game Lodge on Wildlife Loop Road; and if you want to use the South Viewing Area, head east of Wildlife Loop Road near Blue Bell Campground.

Be sure and display your parking placard as you enter the lot, so you will be directed to the accessible parking area. From there, it’s just a short walk to a level viewing space, and accessible porta-potties. And if you are a slow walker, it’s a good idea to pack along a camp chair, as there’s no seating. Patrons are required to stay in the viewing areas until the buffalo are safely contained, which is usually around 11:30.

So what do you do while you wait for the roundup to begin? Well there’s the pancake breakfast for one. It’s held in a level area near the accessible parking, and to be honest, it’s nice to have a hot breakfast instead of a granola bar. There’s no seating, so you just take your meal back to your area. And then you can always chat and get to know your neighbors until you see the wranglers emerge on the horizon.

And then, there’s a great ruble over the plains, a bit of telltale dust, and with that the buffalo are herded past the crowd into their corrals. After that they are branded, examined and sorted, which the public is invited to watch.

Art, Music & More

After the buffalo are all rounded up, it’s time to head over to the Game Lodge area for the Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival. It actually runs from Thursday to Saturday, but it makes a good post-roundup choice. Here you’ll find hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, music and food.

Parking is available in a remote parking lot that is about a half-mile from the arts festival. That said, it’s a level walk on a paved sidewalk, so it’s doable for many wheelchair-users. Alternatively, there’s a wheelchair-accessible shuttle that runs from the remote parking lot to the arts fair. And there’s also a small accessible parking area close to the vendors, for anyone who just can’t manage the distance.

There’s level access around the 175 vendor tents, that have a wide range of art work, including many native made products. And at the end of the line there’s a place you can chow down on a bison burger and the fixins. Then, take some time to listen to some music for a relaxing afternoon.

Save some time to drive back down to the corrals later in the day, or even the next day. There’s accessible parking near the Bison Center, with level access to the dirt paths around the corrals. And although personal vehicles are prohibited in this area on roundup day, people with accessible parking placards are permitted to drive there. Alternatively, you can visit the corrals on the next day for a close look at the whole vaccination and examination process, as it takes about four days for staff to work the entire herd. It’s a good — and safe — opportunity for a close look at the resident buffalo during the Custer Buffalo Roundup.