Custer State Park Special Events

Throughout the year Custer State Park puts on special events for their guests. May 16, 17 and 18, visitors can enjoy the park’s open house and free fishing weekend. During this special weekend entrance fees are waived at all South Dakota state parks and recreation areas. As a celebration of the beginning of the summer season, visitors can enjoy nature hikes, hayrack rides, cowboy cookouts, pancake feeds, buffalo chip throwing contests and other special events. During this special weekend fishing licenses are not required on South Dakota waters and the park hosts a free fishing derby.

Throughout the summer Custer State Park offers a volksmarch trail. The entire 6.2-mile trail is marked with yellow flexible posts and is rated a 3+ on a scale of 1-5. This trail meanders around Stockade Lake and past the historic Gordon Stockade. Summer weather conditions can be intense, so all walkers should dress accordingly and bring water and snacks for the two- to three-hour hike. Participants must register at the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center.

To celebrate National Trails Day on June 7 Custer State Park will host a special three-mile Walk in the Park from the Sylvan Lake General Store to Little Devils Tower. Participants should be ready to leave at 1 p.m.

The 43rd Annual Buffalo Roundup will be held September 29. At the Buffalo Roundup, state employees and volunteers coax the park’s herd of 1,500 buffalo over the ridge, down the hill and into the corrals for sorting. The roundup has grown from a functional task to a popular event. The event, which is open to the public, attracts more than 11,000 people each year. The roundup takes place near the corrals on Wildlife Loop Road. Two viewing areas are set aside for spectators. Spectators are asked to arrive between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. The buffalo are usually corralled around noon, with the sorting taking place at the corrals starting at 1 p.m. For 15 years, the Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival has kicked off the Buffalo Roundup weekend. This year the festival will be held September 27 and 28. The event features hundreds of artisans and crafters from around the region, as well as educational programs, family activities, entertainment and food. The annual Buffalo Wallow Chili Cook-off (September 28) is held in conjunction with the arts festival. The contest is limited to 30 chili chefs and the only requirement is the chili must contain buffalo meat.

Each year Custer State Park holds the Annual Halloween Night Hike (October 24 and 25). Following a one-mile paved hiking trail, participants take a guided night hike through a festive educational event. The path is lit only by jack-o-lanterns and spooks in the woods will visit the groups to share some holiday spirit. Costumed characters depict scenes along the path. The hike is suitable for families with young children. Hikes depart every 15 minutes between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. from the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center. Reservations are required and participants are encouraged to dress according to the weather. (605) 255-4464.