If you’re visiting Rapid City and craving an activity that blends adrenaline, quirky fun, and a touch of the Old West, the Buffalo Hunt Coaster offers a unique twist on amusement park rides. This isn’t your typical roller coaster — it combines a high-energy shooting gallery with a scenic coaster ride that puts you in the middle of a western buffalo hunt.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on your own, this experience promises laughs, some friendly competition, and plenty of memorable moments.
What really sets this attraction apart is the unlimited ride wristband, allowing visitors to hop on the coaster as often as they like within a two-hour window. Coupled with access to the Fort Hays Old West Town and the Dances With Wolves film set, it makes for a fun-packed, authentically themed outing.
A key highlight is the shooting challenge — aiming at targets while swinging on a coaster, which is both hilarious and surprisingly challenging.
That said, keep in mind that dinner and show are not included in the ticket price, so you might want to plan for a meal afterwards. Also, while most will find this activity suitable, there are some height and weight restrictions — children over 40 inches tall can ride, and there’s a maximum weight limit of 375 lbs per cart.
If you’re looking for a fun, offbeat experience that combines scenery, action, and a sense of the Old West, this is one to consider.
- Key Points
- A Deep Dive into the Buffalo Hunt Coaster Experience
- The Ride and Shooting Adventure – What to Expect
- The Fort Hays Old West Town and Film Set
- The Practical Side: Timing, Accessibility, and Cost
- The Experience’s Appeal and Possible Drawbacks
- Who Will Enjoy This?
- Why This Tour Is a Great Addition to Your Black Hills Trip
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
- The Best Of Rapid City!
- More Tour Reviews in Rapid City
Key Points
- Unique experience blending a roller coaster with a shooting gallery, unlike any other in the world.
- Unlimited rides with a wristband, making it great value for a two-hour session.
- Authentic Western theme with access to Fort Hays Old West Town and a fun film set.
- Challenging shooting targets while swinging on the coaster, adding a playful competitive element.
- Family-friendly with restrictions: children over 40 inches tall can participate, but weight and safety rules apply.
- Good for thrill-seekers and casual visitors looking for something different beyond the typical Black Hills attractions.
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A Deep Dive into the Buffalo Hunt Coaster Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rapid City.
The Ride and Shooting Adventure – What to Expect
The core of the Buffalo Hunt Coaster experience is a combination of thrill and skill. The coaster itself is set in a vivid Old West-themed environment at Fort Hays, which transports you to an era of cowboys and buffalo herds. The wristband grants unlimited rides on this one-of-a-kind coaster, where each trip lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 minutes.
What makes this coaster special is that it isn’t just about the speed or height — it’s about the interactive shooting gallery element. As you glide over a herd of more than 20 fiberglass buffalo, you’ll have over 40 targets to aim at. The targets are designed to be hit in a challenging environment, with the coaster swinging side to side, making your aim a little more difficult but also a lot more fun.
Most visitors love the humor and novelty of being able to claim they shot a buffalo during their vacation, even if it’s just a fiberglass one. One reviewer chuckled that “you can tell your friends you shot a buffalo — just don’t tell them it’s fake!” The physical act of swinging side to side while trying to hit targets adds a layer of challenge that many find entertaining and a little competitive.
The Fort Hays Old West Town and Film Set
Included with your ticket is access to the Fort Hays Old West Town, a well-preserved set that offers a glimpse into frontier life. It’s a great spot to walk around, take photos, and soak in the nostalgic details of the Wild West, making it more than just a ride.
On top of that, visitors can explore the Dances With Wolves film set, adding an educational twist to the adventure. For fans of Western movies or those interested in history, this set offers a chance to see authentic-looking buildings and props from the iconic movie.
The Practical Side: Timing, Accessibility, and Cost
The experience is designed for a roughly two-hour window, giving you plenty of time to ride multiple times, enjoy the scenery, and explore the film set. The ticket costs $26.50 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the unlimited rides and access included. Compared to other Black Hills attractions, this offers a good value for a unique, interactive experience.
The location for ticket redemption is at 2255 Fort Hays Dr in Rapid City, with operation hours from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM during peak season (May to early September). In the shoulder months, hours drop slightly to afternoons, so be sure to plan accordingly. Booking 16 days in advance is typical, indicating good demand — so plan ahead if possible.
The Experience’s Appeal and Possible Drawbacks
We loved how this activity combines scenic fun with interactive gameplay. The novelty of shooting while riding, set against the backdrop of a Western town, keeps the experience lively and memorable. It’s especially great for families and groups wanting a break from traditional sightseeing.
However, the main drawback might be that some younger children or less adventurous guests could find the swinging coaster or shooting targets a bit intimidating. Also, since dinner and show are sold separately, it’s best to consider this as part of a broader evening plan rather than a standalone event.
Who Will Enjoy This?
This experience is ideal for families with children over 40 inches tall, groups of friends looking for a fun challenge, or anyone curious about combining a theme park ride with interactive entertainment. It’s also perfect if you’re interested in a Western theme and want to add a playful, active element to your Black Hills itinerary.
Why This Tour Is a Great Addition to Your Black Hills Trip
The Buffalo Hunt Coaster offers a rare blend of adventure, humor, and historical ambiance. For about $26.50, you get unlimited rides, access to an Old West film set, and a chance to test your shooting skills while enjoying scenic views. It’s a worthy choice for those seeking something different from the usual Black Hills attractions like Mount Rushmore or Custer State Park.
While it may not replace a full-day sightseeing tour, this experience adds a delightful, interactive layer that appeals to the young and young-at-heart. We think it’s especially well-suited for families, thrill-seekers, and history buffs who want a fun story to tell afterward.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after an activity that’s both entertaining and memorable, the Buffalo Hunt Coaster is a clever twist on the traditional amusement park ride. Its interactive shooting element combined with a scenic, Old West setting creates a unique and playful experience. It offers good value, especially with the unlimited ride feature, and provides a break from more conventional Black Hills sightseeing.
Despite some limitations for very young children or those with mobility issues, most visitors will find this a fun and engaging addition to their trip. The combination of scenery, challenge, and humor makes it a solid choice for a family outing or group adventure.
Overall, if you’re looking for something offbeat, interactive, and authentically themed, the Buffalo Hunt Coaster is worth the time and money. Just remember to book ahead, plan for some extra time to enjoy the setting, and be prepared for a few laughs and friendly competition.
Buffalo Hunt Coaster Multi Ride Wristband in the Black Hills
FAQ
Is the ticket price of $26.50 per person good value?
Yes, considering it includes unlimited rides on the coaster and access to Fort Hays Old West Town and the film set, it offers a fun and reasonably priced activity.
How long does each coaster ride last?
Each ride takes about 2.5 to 3 minutes, giving you plenty of time for multiple rides in the two-hour window.
Are children allowed to participate?
Children over 40 inches tall can ride the coaster. However, shooting at targets while swinging might be less suitable for very young children or those under 40 inches.
What should I know about the shooting challenge?
The targets are set over the herd of fiberglass buffalo, and the swinging motion of the coaster makes aiming challenging but fun. It’s a playful test of your reflexes and aim.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the experience offers free cancellation if done at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.
Is there a dress code or special equipment needed?
No special gear is required. Dress comfortably and be prepared for some moderate swinging and activity.
What if the weather is bad?
Since the activity depends on good weather, cancellations due to poor conditions are possible. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if weather disrupts your plans.
In essence, the Buffalo Hunt Coaster provides a playful, interactive way to enjoy the Wild West in the Black Hills. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking for a unique photo op, it’s worth considering as part of your Rapid City itinerary.
