From Crazy Woman Canyon to Cowboy Boots: A Rodeo Dream Realized
A Long-Awaited Stop in Belle Fourche
In the fall of 2022, my wife and I finally made it to the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo in Belle Fourche, South Dakota—a stop we had planned nearly two decades earlier. Back in 2008, we were pulling our trailer westward toward Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons with our kids, a couple of tents, and a Dodge Durango packed with totes. That trip was unforgettable, not just for the scenery, but for the unexpected detour down Crazy Woman Canyon Road.
A flat tire on that narrow, winding road—where the river runs right alongside—forced us to pull off and miss the rodeo we had planned to attend that evening. Thankfully, we had a spare, and the adventure continued. But the rodeo remained on our bucket list until we finally made it happen on our way to California for the winter.
The Black Hills Roundup: A Century of Western Spirit
The Black Hills Roundup is one of the oldest continuously held outdoor rodeos in America. It began in 1918 when 15,000 people gathered in Belle Fourche to raise funds for World War I—a staggering turnout for a town with a population of just over 1,400. That first event was raw and rugged, more a test of real ranching skills than the polished performances we see today. Cowboys would “ear down” wild broncs—sometimes biting the horse’s ear to distract it—before saddling up and riding. Injuries were common, but the spirit was undeniable.
Today, the Roundup is a six-day celebration around the Fourth of July, featuring top-ranked cowboys and cowgirls competing in events like barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling, and team roping. One of its most unique features is the Belle Fourche Cowboy Band, which has been performing since before the turn of the 20th century and even played for President Eisenhower at Mt. Rushmore.
Where Rodeo Began: A Global and Cultural Tapestry
Though rodeo is often seen as a quintessentially American sport, its roots stretch far deeper and wider. The word “rodeo” comes from the Spanish verb rodear, meaning “to encircle” or “round up.” The sport traces back to the vaqueros of Mexico in the 1500s—skilled horsemen who developed techniques for managing cattle that would later influence American cowboy culture.
These early rodeos were practical gatherings for branding, sorting, and taming cattle. Over time, they evolved into competitive spectacles. Vaqueros, mestizos, Black cowboys, and Indigenous riders all contributed to the sport’s development. Figures like Nat Love and Bill Pickett—who invented steer wrestling—helped shape rodeo into the thrilling, diverse sport it is today.
Why the Rodeo Still Matters
Rodeo is more than just entertainment; it’s a living tribute to the grit, skill, and heritage of the American West. Events like the Black Hills Roundup preserve that legacy while embracing modern safety standards and inclusivity. From the dusty fields of Belle Fourche to the global stage, rodeo continues to evolve—welcoming new generations of riders, fans, and storytellers.
For us, finally making it to the Roundup was more than a checkmark on a travel itinerary. It was a celebration of perseverance, family memories, and the enduring spirit of the West.
Capturing the Spirit of the West—One Piece at a Time
As a tribute to that long-awaited moment, we turned one of the photos we captured at the Black Hills Roundup into a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle for my puzzle line, MI Puzzles. It’s more than just a scenic image—it’s a piece of our story, a reminder of the winding roads, the unexpected detours, and the joy of finally arriving. For anyone who loves the spirit of the West, this puzzle offers a chance to piece together a bit of rodeo history and personal adventure.
