The annual Custer State Park buffalo roundup, near Custer, South Dakota, has made the American Bus Association’s list of the Top 100 Events of 2010. The event, held each fall on the Wildlife Loop road in Custer State Park, is part of the weekend long Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival.

This year, the roundup festivities begin on Saturday, September 26 with a full schedule of music and children’s programs throughout the day.  More entertainment and a chili cook-off fill the day on Sunday.  Then, bright and early Monday morning, September 28th, is the main event.

According to the folks down at Custer State Park, if you want to see the 1,500 or so bison be rounded up and feel them thunder towards the corrals, you’ll need to be in the park several hours ahead of the 9:30 AM spectacle.

Parking lots open at 6:15 AM and will be closed by 9:00.  Shortly after, park staff along with local cowboys and cowgirls will round up the herd and drive them towards the viewing area.

All visitors are required to stay in the viewing areas until the entire herd of buffalo are safely inside the corrals, which park staff says is normally around noon. Visitors are encouraged to stay into the afternoon and watch the sorting and testing process, as the animals are prepared for the buffalo auction which will be held later in the fall.

I’ve never had the chance to attend the buffalo roundup, but I plan to change that this year! I hope to be there bright and early to get a good view – will I see you there?

For more information about the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival, check out http://www.sdgfp.info/Parks/Regions/Custer/round.htm