Saturday, September 2 is the Final Black Hills National Forest Moon Walk of the 2023 season. In partnership with Custer State Park (CSP), the walk will begin at 7 p.m. with a casual walk through the CSP buffalo corrals, located southeast of Custer, SD. Â
CSP is home to one of the largest publicly owned bison herds in the nation. September signals the time of year for the Buffalo Round-Up and park efforts to manage the herd size. Come and learn about the management practices of our beloved CSP– the crown jewel of South Dakota State Parks. Parking for this event will be provided at the CSP Bison Center, located next to the corrals. No CSP park pass is required for vehicles attending this event. Â
To get to the Bison Center from Custer, SD, take Highway 16A for 6.6 miles and turn south on SD-87 (before Legion Lake). Continue south on SD-87 for 5.5 miles and turn left (or east) onto the Wildlife Loop Road. Travel on the Wildlife Loop Road for approx. 9 miles. Turn left at Lame Johnny Road into the Bison Center parking area. Travel time is approx. 47 min. (one-way). Event signs will also be posted to help guide participants to the parking area. Â
Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, flashlights, water, and bug repellant, and dress for cooler evening temperatures. Long pants and sturdy footwear (hiking boots or athletic shoes) are recommended for your comfort and safety while hiking on uneven terrain. Please arrive early to aid in parking vehicles. Â
The program may be canceled unexpectedly due to unforeseen reasons such as lightning, high fire danger, wildfire, and other safety reasons beyond control. The program will not be canceled due to rain unless lightning is spotted. If the Moon Walk is canceled in advance due to severe weather forecasted, the notice of cancelation will be placed on the Black Hills National Forest Facebook and Twitter pages. The public is encouraged to check online before heading out to the event. Â
The Black Hills National Forest, in partnership with Black Hills Parks & Forests Association (BHPFA), is offering 2023 Moon Walk Collector’s Pins at each event for $5.00 each. The sale of lapel pins supports the interpretive and educational efforts across the Forest. The Moon Walk Programs are supported by BHPFA through financial assistance and staffing. BHPFA is a non-profit partner with the U.S. Forest Service. Â
Learn more about the Black Hills National Forest Moon Walk program. Â