Local Attractions and Businesses in Custer, South Dakota - Econo Lodge

Buffalo herds on the Great Plains is one of the iconic images of the "Wild West". Cowboys and park staff host the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup as they gather the 1500-strong herd of buffalo and drive them into corrals.

The dust flies and the ground trembles as the largest herd of buffalo in the country is rounded up and driven past by cowboys on horseback. Designated viewing spots, described by the organiser, Craig Pugsley, as "pretty darn close", are picked out on the hill and mountainsides by the park rangers, for the adventurous viewer. If you want a taste of "real America", this has to be it.

The buffalo are rounded up annually to prepare them for the autumn buffalo sales, which normally take place on the third Saturday in November. After the round-up, spectators can watch the herd being branded and the calves being vaccinated. Some of the buffalo are sold off every year as there is only enough winter pasture (when the herd is left to fend for itself) to feed around 1500.

In conjunction with the Roundup is the annual Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival: a three-day event held near the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center and State Game Lodge, off US Highway 16A. The festival features artisans and crafters from around the region. Visitors can start the morning off with a pancake and sausage breakfast and then browse the many exhibit booths.