Why The Buffalo Roundup Matters In South Dakota

It's one of those quintessentially South Dakota happenings, and it's set to return this month.

The annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, which has been going on for more than six decades, is back September 26th, and this year, there's a new way to get up close with this legendary event.

Travel South Dakota has launched a five-episode video series, “Into the Roundup,” which looks at the roundup from a number of different angles.

The series launched on Tuesday, September 9, in collaboration with Custer State Park.

The series showcases not only the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, but also Western culture and the preservation efforts protecting one of North America’s most iconic animals—the American bison—the series offers a rare, immersive look at South Dakota’s proud traditions.

The full series is available on the Travel South Dakota website and on Travel South Dakota’s YouTube channel.

Episode 1: “The Ride”

Watching the Buffalo Roundup in the crowd is one thing. Riding through the dust and thunder on horseback is another. See for yourself what it’s like for cowboys, cowgirls, and park rangers to unite and round up approximately 1,300 bison.

Episode 2: “The Purpose”

Custer State Park’s herd began with just 36 bison and today is more than 1,300 strong. For 60 years, the Buffalo Roundup has played a vital role in sustaining this herd in a park that dates back to 1912.

Episode 3: “The Legacy”

Meet some of the riders who carry this living tradition forward. This episode reveals the work required to maintain a healthy and sustainable herd. Step back through time to see how this living tradition continues to ride strong, passing the Old West spirit to future generations.

Episode 4: “The Companion”

There’s a lot more than just reins between a rider and their horse. There’s a relationship of movement, trust and understanding. Learn about the skill, strategy, and heart behind herding the buffalo.

Episode 5: “The Backdrop”

While other roundups exist, none take place against the backdrop of South Dakota’s Custer State Park. Here, the vistas stretch on forever, and the spirit of the West roams free. It’s a view, and a moment, that could only happen here. Home to sweeping grasslands, rugged landscapes, and a thriving herd, this state park is unlike any other.

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What Was It like to Vacation in South Dakota’s Black Hills 60 Years Ago?

This time of year our thoughts often turn to planning that perfect getaway to enjoy the warmer weather and extended daylight.

For a lot of us in South Dakota, that means a trek to the Black Hills and all of the things they have to offer.

But vacationing in western South Dakota is hardly a new concept. People from all over the globe have been coming to the area for decades.

Gallery Credit: Jeff Harkness/B1027.com

Mount Rushmore's Secret Chamber

Many of us have had the pleasure of visiting South Dakota's most famous monument, Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills.

But, did you know there's a secret chamber in Mount Rushmore?

Gallery Credit: Andy Gott

The 10 Most Redneck Towns in South Dakota

Are you a 'Redneck?' I guess to some people, all of us in South Dakota are rednecks.

If we use the Jeff Foxworthy Scale of Redneckeness, I have, in fact, been too drunk to fish. So by definition, I am a redneck. And so are many people I know.

Not that being from the country is a bad thing, and it can be fun to poke fun at ourselves.

With that in mind, we found that the folks at RoadSnacks put together a list that claims 'These Are The 10 Most Redneck Cities In South Dakota.'

What is a Redneck?

The dictionary says that a redneck is someone "...who lives in a small town or in the country, especially in the southern U.S., who typically has a working-class job, and who is seen by others as being uneducated and having opinions and attitudes that are offensive."

Well, a few things. First, South Dakota isn't THAT kind of 'south.' We're to the south of North Dakota, but to the north of 'The South.'

Plus that definition sounds awful mean and serious. I thought we were having fun here.

RoadSnacks leaned into the funny, Jeff Foxworthy-based version of a redneck. Then they rounded up select data on places in SD to determine their rankings. RoadSnacks Redneck Criteria: