10 Wild Photos of South Dakota's Annual Buffalo Roundup

The Annual Buffalo Roundup in South Dakota's Custer State Park is a real glimpse into the old west. Experiencing the event first-hand feels a lot like starring in a classic western film. (Okay, maybe not starring, but still.) For the past 54 years, the traditional roundup takes place against the backdrop of South Dakota's Black Hills on the last Friday of September. A giant herd of bison (not buffalo!) are corraled by a group of experienced cowboys and cowgirls for yearly health check-ups and as a sustainable way to manage the herd. Hooves pound, bullwhips crack, cowboys yip, and spectators cheer. Here are 10 photos for a little peek into the wild scene of this traditional event.

A line of cars waits to enter Custer State Park on the morning of the Roundup before dawn, as spectators await finding their spot to watch the annual event. Although there is no entrance fee, breakfast is available starting at 6:15 am for a fee. With two viewing areas (north and south), there's plenty of room to watch the scene unfold as the herd is corraled. The Roundup kicks off at 9:30, with the volunteer cowboys and cowgirls split into three teams, plotting their strategies in the minutes before it begins. The excitement in the air is real as they get into place and everything gets started.

The Roundup isn't just a fun tradition, it's also a necessary process to manage the herd size and health. Approximately 1,300 wild bison are driven across the prairie, down through the valley and into the corrals where they will be vaccinated, sorted, the calves branded, and a pregnancy check conducted for the females. About 200 of the bison are selected to be sold in auction in November and ten males are placed back into the park for reproduction.

A total of sixty experienced riders make up the teams participating in the Roundup of the bison. Twenty are chosen to participate through an application process every year and must have their own horse as well as experience riding in this type of terrain and situation. A pre-roundup pep talk and prayer is led by the stables before setting off to gather the wild herd.

Riders can expect to navigate difficult terrain involving large rocks and stream crossings as they herd the bison about five miles to the corrals and patient spectators. Communication is key; radios, hand signals, old-fashioned hollerin' are how it's done. It's an amazing thing to watch, everyone in action. Mark Hendrix, the natural resource program manager at Custer State Park says that's one of the best aspects of the event, "My favorite part of the Roundup...watching the horseback riders work together."

Starting with about 200 spectators when the event began, it's grown to approximately 20,000 attendees this past year, and not just locals. Attendees travel from all over the US, and it's a family-friendly event. The morning is mostly a waiting game while trying to keep warm, but the excitement builds as the Roundup culminates with the starring moment: the herd bounding over the prairie hills and funneling into the valley. Cheers erupt as the cowboys and cowgirls successfully get the herd through the gates and into the corrals.

There are many factors that impact the Roundup and weather is certainly one of them. Although it goes off no matter what, previous years have brought rain, wind, and even six inches of snow despite taking place in September. The elements add to the unpredictability, in combination with the navigation of working with and herding wild animals. The bison do know what's coming; this time of year signifies change and they are aware that the Roundup is on the horizon. If you're lucky, you'll get to witness the vibrant foliage colors as part of the movie-set worthy backdrop that South Dakota provides.

Attending this unique event is unlike anything else. The gorgeous natural surroundings of vast grasslands and mountain giants in Custer State Park add to the western vibes that the Roundup presents. It's impossible not to be swept into the thrill of the adventure as you step through a portal to the wild wild west during the Roundup; a cowboy feast for the senses.

After the herd is in the corrals, a hot lunch and coffee is served ($16) in an area near the stables where picnic tables line the inside of covered tents. It's a chance to mingle with attendees and riders, get your fill of pulled pork sandwiches and cookies, and revel in the lasting excitement of the Roundup.

Interested in going next year? The Annual Roundup will be held on Friday, September 25th. Travelers can fly into Rapid City and the make the 45-minute drive to Custer State Park. Camping is available as well as lodges like the Sylvan Lake Lodge nearby. An arts festival is part of the event weekend offering local artisan goods. Other nearby activities include Iron Mountain Road, the Needles Highway, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial. The area has plenty of hiking and natural attractions to keep you busy during the rest of your visit.