Custer State Park Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Many Acres are in Custer State Park?
A: Custer State Park is 71,000 acres, making it one of the largest State Parks in the U.S.
A: Custer State Park is 71,000 acres, making it one of the largest State Parks in the U.S.
Q: How far is Custer State Park from Mount Rushmore?
A: 20 miles if your starting point is the State Game Lodge. The driving time is about 46 minutes.
A: 20 miles if your starting point is the State Game Lodge. The driving time is about 46 minutes.
Q: How large is the Buffalo Herd in Custer State Park?
A: 1400 Buffalo. The number fluctuates from about 1000-1400 depending on the time of year. In the spring, after calving, the size is about 1400. At the end of the season and after the Buffalo Round-Up, it decreases to about 1000 head.
A: 1400 Buffalo. The number fluctuates from about 1000-1400 depending on the time of year. In the spring, after calving, the size is about 1400. At the end of the season and after the Buffalo Round-Up, it decreases to about 1000 head.
Q: How much does it cost to enter Custer State Park?
A: $20 per vehicle, and the pass is good for 7 days. You can purchase an Annual Pass to Custer State Park for $36. Park entrance fees and passes can be purchased at the gate or a kiosk at the Visitors Center.
A: $20 per vehicle, and the pass is good for 7 days. You can purchase an Annual Pass to Custer State Park for $36. Park entrance fees and passes can be purchased at the gate or a kiosk at the Visitors Center.
Q: Are there bears in Custer State Park?
A: No, there are no bears in Custer State Park. Sightings of bears occur in the Central and Northern Black Hills but are considered rare.
A: No, there are no bears in Custer State Park. Sightings of bears occur in the Central and Northern Black Hills but are considered rare.
Q: Can you tell us what to do in Custer State Park?
A: In Custer State Park, you can enjoy hiking, swimming, horseback riding, wildlife watching, photography, and rock climbing.
A: In Custer State Park, you can enjoy hiking, swimming, horseback riding, wildlife watching, photography, and rock climbing.
Q: Are there opportunities for Custer State Park Photos?
A: Yes, absolutely. Custer State Park has some of the most impressive features and places in South Dakota. We provide free photos of your group throughout our Tours of Custer State Park.
A: Yes, absolutely. Custer State Park has some of the most impressive features and places in South Dakota. We provide free photos of your group throughout our Tours of Custer State Park.
Q: Where is the Custer State Park Visitor Center?
A: The Custer State Park Visitor Center is located at 13400 US-16A, Custer, SD 57730. Inside, you'll find a map of latest Bison sightings, and interpretive center, and a movie about the park.
A: The Custer State Park Visitor Center is located at 13400 US-16A, Custer, SD 57730. Inside, you'll find a map of latest Bison sightings, and interpretive center, and a movie about the park.
Q: What time does Custer State Park Open?
A: Custer State Park is open 24 hours a day.
A: Custer State Park is open 24 hours a day.
Q: Are dogs allowed in Custer State Park?
A: Yes, but they must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet.
A: Yes, but they must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet.
Q: Is Needles Highway in Custer State Park?
A: Yes, Needles Highway is in Custer State Park and one of the top destinations.
A: Yes, Needles Highway is in Custer State Park and one of the top destinations.
Q: Can you tell me where to see Buffalo in Custer State Park?
A: Wildlife Loop Road. While Buffalo can be seen throughout the park, this is the most likely place.
A: Wildlife Loop Road. While Buffalo can be seen throughout the park, this is the most likely place.
Q: How long is the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park?
A: 18 miles long and about one hour if you drive straight through. Plan on at least one and a half hours.
A: 18 miles long and about one hour if you drive straight through. Plan on at least one and a half hours.
Q: Is Sylvan Lake located in Custer State Park?
A: Yes, Sylvan Lake is located off Needles Highway and is one of the most beautiful places in the park.
A: Yes, Sylvan Lake is located off Needles Highway and is one of the most beautiful places in the park.
Q: When is the Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park?
A: Buffalo Roundup occurs on the last Friday in September.
A: Buffalo Roundup occurs on the last Friday in September.
Q: Are there Elk in Custer State Park?
A: Yes, there are many. Elk are best seen during the Golden Hour of sunrise and sunset.
A: Yes, there are many. Elk are best seen during the Golden Hour of sunrise and sunset.
Q: Can you tell us where to stay in Custer State Park?
A: There are many places to stay. One of the most popular is the State Game Lodge. Check out our lodging recommendations in Custer State Park.
A: There are many places to stay. One of the most popular is the State Game Lodge. Check out our lodging recommendations in Custer State Park.
