Ranch Tours & Lodging
Some people say we live in the middle of nowhere...
we say, like nowhere on earth.
We invite you to come for a visit or a stay at our home ranch, the Cheyenne River Buffalo Ranch. The Cheyenne River Buffalo Ranch is located between the Black Hills National Forest and Badlands National Park, and borders the Cheyenne River and the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, in western South Dakota.
Between May 23rd and September 14th, we will be offering private ranch tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you are a Wild Idea customer and are traveling through the area outside of those dates, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Tours start at 9:00 a.m. and last for two hours. The cost of the tour is $200.00 for 1 to 4 people. Additional people may be added at $50.00 per person. For groups of 8 or more, please contact jill@wildideabuffalo.com for special arrangements. Children under 12 are free.
Before booking, please review all of the frequently asked questions and other listed details below. After you have selected your date, please reach out to jill@wildideabuffalo.com to schedule your tour. Once your tour is confirmed, a confirmation will be sent with an invoice, payment details, and specific directions to the ranch. For lodging information, please see the details noted at the bottom of the FAQ section.
FAQs
When are tours given?
- Tours are offered from May 23rd to September 14th, every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m.
Why are tours limited to those particular dates?
- We are a working ranch and all of the family members have full time jobs. We appreciate your understanding.
What time do tours start?
- Tours start at 9:00 a.m.. We chose this time of day for the optimal temperature, making it more enjoyable for you, us, and our animals. If you're an early riser and would like to start earlier, we are happy to accommodate you - just let us know!
Where is your ranch located?
- Our ranch is located between the Black Hills and Badlands National park. It is about 55 minutes from Rapid City, South Dakota, 45 minutes from Hermosa, South Dakota, and 45 minutes from Scenic, South Dakota on the edge of the Badlands. Detailed directions will be sent upon tour booking.
Who will be my tour guide?
- As this is a family-owned ranch, you will get the opportunity to spend time with Dan, Jill, Jilian, or Colton. Lucky you!
Will I be able to meet Dan O'Brien?
- Dan often gives the tours himself. If he is unavailable to give the tour but is still on the ranch, you will more than likely have a chance to meet and visit with him.
What should I expect on the tour?
- Upon arrival at the ranch, you will head out for your tour in an open air ranch vehicle, weather permitting. Your guide will give you an overview of the ranch, stopping along the way to show you the regenerative work we have done or currently have in process. You will learn about the prairie flora and fauna and have plenty of time for discussion and questions. The highlight of the tour will undoubtedly be a drive through our buffalo herd, with plenty of time for photos.
Can I bring my pet?
- We love animals and you are welcome to bring them, but we ask that they stay in your vehicle for the duration of the tour. We will make sure to provide a shady place for you to park to ensure your pet's comfort and safety.
What should I wear?
- Our biggest recommendation is to wear weather-appropriate clothing. These tours are not offered during the winter, so you can plan to leave the heavy-duty snow gear at home. Although you will be spending most of the tour in an open-air ranch vehicle there may be short walks, so make sure you wear appropriate shoes. It also never hurts to bring a jacket, just in case it's chilly or windy!
- If it is a wet year, mosquitoes may be an issue, so we recommend wearing bug spray. If you are averse to bug spray, we recommend wearing long sleeves and pants.
Do you offer food or drinks?
- We offer a variety of free drinks during the tour. We do, however, encourage you to bring your own water bottle.
- Unless you're staying on the ranch, we do not offer prepared food; all food and restaurant options are approximately one hour from the ranch.
Can I buy meat on my tour?
- We have a small selection of our meat for purchase at the ranch.
- We also stock our products at several of the amazing health food grocers in Rapid City. Be sure to check out Breadroot Co-Op, The Market, and Staple & Spice when you're in town!
Do you offer lodging?
- We do have lodging available for rent! Our guest house offers a full kitchen, gas grill, spacious living room, two baths, and three private bedrooms furnished with queen beds. There is additional sleeping space for two on pullout futons in the living area. We'll even throw in beautiful views of the prairie and the Black Hills, right outside the window.
- For complete details or to view and book the property, you can visit our AirBnb listing or email Jill directly at jill@widlideabuffalo.com. Guests staying on the ranch will have the option to schedule a tour outside of the listed tour times and dates.
What if I have to cancel?
- Sometimes the unexpected happens and you might need to cancel - we get it! A full refund will be given if emergency circumstances arise.
What if the ranch has to cancel?
- Sometimes the unexpected happens and we might need to cancel due to illness, inclement weather, or wet pasture conditions (we like to avoid rutting up the prairie). We will make sure to reach out ASAP to reschedule or issue a full refund, should we have to cancel.
Thank you for your interest and we hope to see you out here soon!
