CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D. - The Rapid City Journal reports that despite near freezing temperatures, rain and wet snow, numerous spectators turned out for the 53rd annual Bison Roundup at Custer State Park on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. The park’s 1,300 buffalo were herded by 55 mounted riders into corrals, where they received health checkups and follow-up care on injuries sustained during the wildfire that scorched 54,000 acres in Custer State Park, neighboring Wind Cave National Park and adjacent private land last December. New calves were vaccinated and branded. In November, the park auctions part of the herd to buyers.
A three-day Arts Festival runs in conjunction with the Buffalo Roundup each year. Events include live musical entertainment and educational presentations on the ecology and animals of the Black Hills, as well as a pancake breakfast and buffalo barbecue. The park has several campgrounds for RVs, tents and horseback riders, as well as camping cabins.
More information on the annual roundup, festival and auction can be found on the Custer State Park website.