CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D. – More than 20,000 tourists once again piled into Custer State Park's iconic Wildlife Loop on Friday to witness riders on horseback corral the 1,500 bison that call the park home.
The Buffalo Roundup saw its 61st iteration this year, capping off a historic tourism season in the Black Hills marked by the 250th anniversary of American independence and a visit from the president to nearby Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
The event was predictably busy this year, with lines to enter the park stretching for hours and hopeful visitors lining up before the sun rose.
"The crowds were amazing. People that I talked to along the way were just super stoked," Gov. Larry Rhoden said during a press conference after the roundup.
South Dakota Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen said the event marks the beginning of the fall "shoulder season" for the region and that the summer season was successful, though marked with "challenges here and there" thanks to higher-than-usual gas prices.
"I have met visitors from all over the United States, from all over the globe who are coming to South Dakota to experience this slice of Americana and the American West," Hagen said during the press conference. "We've had a pretty steady summer season. It's been a good season."
Here are some images from the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, captured by News Watch reporters:
Riders and trucks surround the Custer State Park, S.D., bison herd, which currently sits at around 1,500 animals, on Sep. 25, 2026. (Photo: Molly Wetsch/South Dakota News Watch)A rider charged with corralling the 1,500-strong bison herd in Custer State Park, S.D., sits atop a hill on Sep. 25, 2026. (Photo: Molly Wetsch/South Dakota News Watch)Gov. Larry Rhoden hoists the American flag on horseback before the 61st annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup on Sep. 25, 2026. Rhoden is a lifelong rancher from Union Center. (Photo: Molly Wetsch/South Dakota News Watch)Bison cross in front of attendee viewing areas during the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup on Sep. 25, 2026. During the roundup, bison travel north from the bottom of the park's Wildlife Loop Road to their corrals. (Photo: Molly Wetsch/South Dakota News Watch)Spectators watch the 61st annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup from the top of a hill, reserved for guests of Gov. Larry Rhoden, on Sep. 25, 2026. (Photo: Molly Wetsch/South Dakota News Watch)Crowds at the south viewing section of the 61st annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup on Sep. 25, 2026. (Photo: Molly Wetsch/South Dakota News Watch)Riders Phil Randall and Tracy Spaans, longtime flag bearers for the roundup, carry the American and South Dakota flags while corralling buffalo in Custer State Park, S.D., on Sep. 25, 2026. (Photo: Molly Wetsch/South Dakota News WatchA tourist takes a photo in front of the bison corrals after the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup on Sep. 25, 2026. (Photo: Molly Wetsch/South Dakota News Watch)Riders linger south of the Custer State Park bison corrals as the herd approaches the area on Sep. 25, 2026. (Photo: Molly Wetsch/South Dakota News Watch)The Custer State Park bison herd crests a hill to approach the corrals on Sep. 25, 2026. (Photo: Molly Wetsch/South Dakota News Watch)
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Bart Pfankuch
