Bo the Buffalo

Standing 37 feet tall on the south side of US-16A, 1.5 miles east of downtown Custer, Bo the Bison is one of the most delightfully unexpected roadside attractions in the Black Hills. This giant buffalo stands upright, wears bib overalls, holds a flagpole flying the Stars and Stripes, and sports a shaggy beard with a suitably serious expression — buffalo are not known for smiling. Bo was assembled in April 2023 by the Dahl Brothers, a duo known for creating massive folk art sculptures from wood scraps and salvaged materials. Every inch of Bo is built from reclaimed wood pieces layered to create the texture of a shaggy bison coat — impressive craftsmanship up close. Despite being constructed entirely of wood, the Dahl Brothers say Bo should stand for many years. Bo lives at Bearded Buffalo Resort and is free to view from the road or up close on the property. It's an easy pull-off from US-16A and a natural stop for families heading between downtown Custer and Custer State Park. Bring a camera — Bo is a genuinely great photo opp.