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buffalo roundup and arts festival

Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival

Experience one of the West’s most iconic traditions as riders guide hundreds of bison across the open prairie of Custer State Park.

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Tour Capacity

2 - 6

Duration

8 Hours

Distance

155 Miles

Tour Details

Key Highlights
  • Buffalo Roundup Admission
  • Custer State Park & The Wildlife Loop Road
  • Coolidge Lookout Tower
  • Blue Bell Lodge
  • Needles Highway
  • Needles Eye Tunnel
  • Sylvan Lake
  • Cathedral Spires
  • Fully Customizable
  • Leisurely Pace, No Rushing
  • All Guides CPR/AED Certified
  • Expert Guide of the Black Hills
  • Snacks & Goodies
  • Bottled Water
  • Pick up & Drop off at your accommodations
  • Photos Taken By The Guide
  • Picnic Lunch
  • All Admissions and Entry Fees​
  • Restrooms are available mid-way through this tour.
  • This tour is best suited for guests who are comfortable with extended walking and standing. It may not be ideal for those with limited mobility.
  • A very early pickup in the morning is required
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • A sense of adventure!
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  • Important

Although walk-up guests are welcome, our tours often sell out in advance. To secure your preferred date and avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend booking early.

Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival Tour Overview

The Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival is one of the most iconic annual events in the Black Hills, and this tour gives you the chance to experience it in a meaningful and unforgettable way. Each year, thousands of spectators gather in Custer State Park to witness the thundering movement of the park’s bison herd as skilled riders guide them across the prairie. Pair this thrilling display with a vibrant arts festival filled with regional crafts, local food, music, and community spirit, and you have a South Dakota experience that feels both historic and intensely alive.

This tour brings you close to the action while keeping the day relaxed, informative, and enjoyable. As we travel into the heart of the Black Hills, your guide shares the history of the bison herds, the purpose behind the annual roundup, and the stories of the ranchers, wildlife managers, and tribal communities who help preserve these animals. You learn why the Buffalo Roundup and arts festival is so crucial to the management of Custer State Park and how the event continues traditions that go back generations.

Once we arrive at the viewing area, you have time to settle in, explore the grounds, and enjoy the anticipation as the hills come alive with movement. The sound of hooves rolling across the grassland is powerful as hundreds of bison sweep past in a dramatic surge. Guests often describe this part of the Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival as breathtaking and emotional because it captures the raw spirit of the American West.

After the roundup, the energy shifts from adrenaline to celebration. The arts festival offers a whole afternoon of browsing handcrafted goods, meeting regional artists, sampling local foods, and enjoying live entertainment. From beadwork and leather craft to pottery, paintings, and Native-inspired artwork, the festival showcases the creativity and culture of the Black Hills. Your guide helps you navigate the booths, shares insight into local makers, and ensures you do not miss any must-see features of the Buffalo Roundup and arts festival.

Throughout the day, you travel comfortably, learn about the land and its wildlife, and experience one of the most meaningful events in South Dakota. This tour is ideal for photographers, families, cultural travelers, and anyone who wants to make the most of their visit. The Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival stands out as an event filled with excitement, heritage, and community pride, and we are here to help you enjoy every moment.

Let My XO Adventures handle the planning, share the stories, and guide you through this unforgettable celebration. From the thundering bison to the handcrafted treasures, this tour brings you close to the heart of the Black Hills.

Reviews for My XO Adventures

buffalo roundup and arts festival
buffalo roundup and arts festival
Tracy Schupbach

Daniel picked us up at our place of stay and took us on a magical ride throughout the Black Hills and Badlands. Wonderful knowledge and history of the locations. I highly recommend the Badlands at the Golden hour. Aimee recommended that tour and WOW! Nothing I could write would do it justice. Daniel was the best. We came in the off season and it seemed we had the hills to ourselves. We saw so many things going the back roads with Daniel that we may never would have seen had we driven. The best tour we have ever taken.

buffalo roundup and arts festival
B. Castetter

Tour guide Dan was awesome! He was very knowledgeable and did not rush us through, always willing to stop onlong the way if we seen anything interesting, like Hawks, Ram, Bison, Deer, Antelope, Prairie Dogs, Porcupine and a Badger! It was awesome with the evening golden light on the clay Badlands formations. Then when it got dark we enjoyed the night skys watching shooting stars, satellites and of course the milky way. Sitting in the provided zero G chairs provided comfort and a mind relaxing experience. Highly recommend this tour of the Badlands!

buffalo roundup and arts festival
Michelle Davignon-DuMond

2 tours and 1 to go with XO Adventures. Both guides, Daniel and Kelli, have been absolutely fantastic! Highlighted the attractions for Black Hills and Devil’s Tower/Spearfish Canyon, but also tailored to meet additional requests. Highly recommended for your personal tours!

Custer State Park and the Wildlife Loop Road

We now reach Custer State Park. Your first stop at the visitor center is an excellent introduction to Wildlife Loop Road, a well-known spot in SD. On the drive, Wildlife Loop Road is the best chance to view various birds, bison, elk, deer, prairie dogs, and pronghorn. Along with wildlife, the geology is also prominent, with red sandstone and yellow limestone seen in the Black Hills. Be prepared for bison approaching our vehicle – and stay inside!

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Sylvan Lake and the Needles Highway

Depending on the weather, we’ll picnic, visit a restaurant, then journey to Sylvan Lake, South Dakota, renowned for its beauty in the Black Hills. We’ll ascend the Needles Highway and Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, then explore the lake and a side trail to the store. It’s a popular wedding spot, so we’ll take all the photos you want before continuing. As we journey, we approach the Needles Eye Tunnel, an often missed Needles Eye. The Needles Eye is an ancient formation that can only be observed from a few locations. In the small parking area, we’ll get out of the vehicle and look to the sky to witness the Needles Eye’s glory with the Black Hills National Forest as a background.
 
 As we journey, we approach the Needles Eye Tunnel, an often missed Needles Eye. The Needles Eye is an ancient formation that can only be observed from a few locations. In the small parking area, we’ll get out of the vehicle and look to the sky to witness the Needles Eye’s glory with the Black Hills National Forest as a background.

Cathedral Spires

The Cathedral Spires, in the mountains of South Dakota, are a remarkable rock formation. Doane Robinson envisioned carving faces into them, but Gutzon Borglum found the rock unsuitable. Locals were outraged when they heard about plans to carve the spires. Thankfully, the Spires remain intact, and we can visit them today to take pictures of this special antiquity. What’s not to love about Custer State Park besides the name?
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Black Hills Parks, Monuments, and Mount Rushmore Tour Day Trip Sneak Peek

The Black Hills region is known for its stunning parks and natural attractions, including Custer State Park, the Cathedral Spires, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Visitors can enjoy granite spires, pine forests, lakes, and waterfalls, as well as attractions like Sylvan Lake, Spearfish Canyon, and Black Elk Peak.

Coolidge Lookout Tower

During their visit, you’ll also enjoy learning about the history of Coolidge Lookout Tower. While exploring its observation deck, you’ll learn about how it was used by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s to detect forest fires and monitor weather conditions.
 
Coolidge Lookout Tower is one of the most remarkable attractions in Custer State Park, offering breathtaking views and a unique glimpse into its past. Whether you’re looking for an awe-inspiring viewpoint or want to learn about its history, Coolidge Lookout Tower will surely provide a memorable experience that will last a lifetime. For those seeking an unforgettable adventure, ensure you don’t miss out on this iconic landmark!
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Palmer Gulch

If you’re looking for a truly unique and breathtaking experience, let us take you on a drive down Palmer Gulch in beautiful Custer State Park. This winding dirt road is named after the original European Settlers of the area, Edgar and Lula Palmer. It is now a popular destination for visitors who want an up-close view of Black Elk Peak, the highest peak in South Dakota, and to take in all the natural beauty that Mother Nature offers.

On your journey through Palmer Gulch, you’ll be surrounded by stunning Aspen trees on either side of the path. These majestic trees are illuminated with gorgeous golden leaves during autumn, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities like camping or hiking. Keep your eyes peeled as you traverse this route; you may even spot some of the park’s wildlife, including wild turkeys and deer.

With its winding dirt road lined with Aspen trees and views of Black Elk Peak that will take your breath away, it’s a great spot to spend time outdoors with friends and family.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Lastly, we head to Crazy Horse. Once complete, it will be the world’s largest sculpture. Carved by Korczak Ziolkowski at Chief Standing Bear’s request, it’s an amazing sight. At the parking lot peak, we’ll share what we know about Crazy Horse. Inside the museum, you’ll learn about his family and foundation. Artifacts, as well as a plaster mini-replica, are displayed.

By the time we’re finished and have you safely back home, we hope you’ve had an excellent experience. It’s our pleasure to share our knowledge and hopefully make new friends in the process!

Your questions answered

Frequently Asked Questions

A personally guided tour. Avoid the crowds, learn the story, and observe the carving.

May, late September and early October are best to avoid crowds.

The Presidential Trail takes you close to the monument, provides unique vantage points, and leads you to the sculptor’s studio. 

Yes! Iron Mountain Road leads you from Mount Rushmore to Custer State Park and Needles Highway. 

It depends on your interests, but typically 1- 1 ½ hours.

Reusable water bottles, a camera, layered clothing, sneakers with a good grip, sunglasses, a hat, and your curiosity.

The Black Hills is known for its unpredictable weather. At 5,725 feet, Mount Rushmore can vary between cool and hot temperatures, with clear skies or rain and sometimes fog. The summer is usually very pleasant, but be prepared. 

Yes! We will stop for lunch at a local restaurant at a time of your choosing. 

We know all the bathroom facilities en route and prompt you when they are nearby. 

The tour’s length can vary depending on several factors, but it typically lasts between 8 and 9 hours. 

No, this is a private tour. We don’t mix groups. 

Your guide will contact you on or a few minutes before arrival with the vehicle description. 

We have Ford Transit passenger vans, GMC Yukon XLs, and a Chevy Tahoe.

We operate the tour rain or shine. The only exception is severe weather. In this case, we may delay pickup, pause along the tour to enjoy an attraction indoors, or allow a storm to pass. Our guests’ safety is the number one priority. 

We customize the tour to your physical ability. If walking is a concern, Mount Rushmore tends to be the longest walk down the Avenue of the Flags. If you enjoy hiking, we’ll add as many moments as possible. 

Yes, you’re chances at seeing wildlife are highest in Custer State Park along the Wildlife Loop Road. 

Common wildlife seen throughout the tour are Buffalo, Deer, Pronghorn Antelope, Prairie Dogs, Raptors, Songbirds, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Turkeys, Yellow-Bellied Marmots, Chipmunks, Coyote, Elk and more. 

While Daniel can be requested, it cannot be guaranteed. All of our guides are highly trained and personable. We have a great team focused on making your experience exceptional!

It depends. If you are outside the Rapid City area, a surcharge covers time, fuel, and expenses. Gratuities are not included and are appreciated. Daniel appreciates gratuities as well! We charge $99 an hour if you want to extend your tour length. 

While this varies from person to person, we set the bar high and work very hard to clear it. Tips vary between $80 to $250. 

Yes, it can be customized to your likes and interests. Please inquire directly about your customization requests. 

Typically, we limit the number of guests to six but make exceptions for certain groups and can accommodate up to eight. 

We are a door-to-door service. Our guides will pick you up directly from your accommodations. If your accommodations are outside the free pickup area within Rapid City and you do not want to pay the additional fee, we can meet at the Holiday Inn Convention Center parking lot at 505 North 5th Street. 

Absolutely. We love our little adventurers. Our guides adjust to ensure kids are learning, happy, and engaged. Out of respect for the land, our guides, and the experience, we ask that cell phones, games, and other electronic devices be left behind or used extremely limitedly during the tour.

There are no additional charges for legal, certified service animals. However, any animal onboard will require additional work to clean surfaces, vacuum fur, and remove dander. You may want to consider this when tipping your guide. 

We offer promotions from time to time. You can find these by subscribing to our newsletter on the website. 

We offer two payment options. One is to make a deposit upfront, with the remainder due 14 days before the tour date. The other is to pay in full. For deposit details and terms, please call. 

Yes, there are. We have an array of My XO Adventures swag and connections with local Native American artists who provide us with authentic items to sell. 

The tours and customer service are not the same. We feel that booking directly gives you the best experience, care, and personal touch you deserve.