The Ultimate Guide to Custer State Park

My XO Adventures Black Hills Tours Include a Visit to Custer State Park

Just outside the small town of Custer, South Dakota, lies the sprawling expanse of Custer State Park. This cherished beauty is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in America. From rolling prairies, rocky cliffs, and lush forests surrounding glistening lakes and crystal clear streams, this park provides a unique landscape for exploration.

The Wildlife Loop Road has long been a popular attraction at Custer State Park. Visitors can drive along the 18-mile round-trip path as they admire native wildlife, including bighorn sheep, whitetail deer, coyote, elk, and even Bison!

In addition, the Wildlife Loop Road offers some of the best chances to view America's largest land mammal, the buffalo. Herds of these majestic creatures can often be seen grazing and meandering across the open spaces of Custer State Park.

Speaking of Buffalo, Custer State Park is home to one of the world's largest publicly-managed bison herds at 1,300 strong! Visitors can also view over 200 other animal species that call this park their home, including pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, wild turkeys, and even bald eagles soaring high above.

With 71,000 acres of land, it is no surprise that Custer State Park is one of the largest state parks in the country! Its sheer size and abundance of wildlife are indeed a sight to behold. In addition, there are endless activities for visitors to explore, such as hiking trails, camping sites, and historical landmarks like the Needles Highway.

Photos of Custer State Park

Black Hills Tour in Custer State Park spotting Animals at the visitors center with Buffalo outside the car window

My XO Adventure Guest Photographing Bison in Custer State Park

Animal of Custer State Park spotted Wallowing on a Black Hills Tour at Wildlife Loop Road

Bison Wallowing along Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park

Wildlife Loop Road Donkeys and Burros being fed by visitors with a carrot on a My XO Adventures Black Hills Tours

Visiting Custer State Park and the Beggin Burros wanted a carrot!

Black Hills Tour of Custer State Park with Female Pronghorn Sheep on a Ridge in the grass with blue sky background

Female Pronghorn Sheep on Ridgeline in Custer State Park Wildlife Loop

Prairie Dog feeding on grass during one of our Black Hills Tours

Chubby Black Tailed Prairie Dog on Custer State Park Wildlife Loop

My XO Adventure Guide Ashley on a tour of the Black Hills teaching Guests in Custer State Park at the Visitors Center

Ashley Teaching Guests at the Visitor Center in Custer State Park

Male Pronghorn Sheep Antelope in the grass of Custer State Park along Wildlife Loop Road South Dakota on a Black Hills Adventure Tour

A male pronghorn sheep (Antelope) along Wildlife Loop Road

Male and Female Bighorn Sheep of the Black Hills in Custer State Park Feeding on the grass while on with Black Hills Tour Company My XO Adventures

Male Bighorn Sheep Feeding on the Grass in Custer State Park

Black Hills and Custer State Park Tour Reservation Request

Custer State Parks sheer size and abundance of wildlife are indeed a sight to behold. In addition, there are endless activities for visitors to explore, such as hiking trails, camping sites, and historical landmarks like the Needles Highway.

Custer State Park is a National Wildlife Preserve, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience no matter the season. Wildlife of all shapes and sizes await you to explore this special place - from breathtaking landscapes to majestic creatures roaming the prairies in the shadow of the Black Hills. It truly is one of America's most incredible outdoor destinations.

The park's diverse terrain makes it ideal for a variety of activities. Hikers can trek up Black Elk Peak – at 7242 ft., the highest point east of the Rockies – or explore one of the many trails that weave through the Cathedral Spires granite peaks.

Cathedral Spires in Custer State Park with Blue Sky in the Background

Cathedral Spires in Custer State Park Black Elk Wilderness

Cathedral Spires Trail on the way to Black Elk Peak on a Black Hills Tour

Climbing up Cathedral Spires Trail

Black Elk Peak Fire Tower

Overlooking the Black Hills Spires and Granite Formations on a clear day in Custer State Park

The Black Hills Spires and Granite Formations in Custer State Park

For those who prefer two wheels, Custer State Park is an excellent place for mountain biking, or you can even horseback ride across the sweeping plains. If you're looking for water activities, there are plenty of opportunities to fish and boat on Sylvan Lake or any other five lakes within the park.

As if there needed to be more, be sure to take advantage of one of Custer State Park's signature events. The park hosts Its annual Buffalo Roundup every summer, where hundreds of Bison are rounded up and sorted into separate herds.

It's an incredible spectacle that will stay with you for a lifetime. My advice is to arrive early to avoid crowds. In the afternoon, a line of vehicles can be found watching the Bison. Early birds will have a better opportunity to see a more comprehensive array of wildlife. The same applies to the late afternoon and an hour before sunset. Photography is best at both times of the day.

So if you're looking for an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors, then Custer State Park is it. Its majestic landscape offers something for everyone – from nature lovers to adrenaline junkies alike. Custer State Park has so many unique sights and experiences, making it one of the most captivating places in the country!

Reserve a Black Hills Tour including Custer State Park

Things to do in Custer State Park

Take a Black Hills Sightseeing Tour
Hike one of the many trails. Here's a Custer State Park Trail Map
Drive Wildlife Loop Road
Visit the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park
Stop at the Visitor Center to learn the last known position of the Bison Herd
Stop at the Bison Center midway through Wildlife Loop
Eat at Blue Bell Lodge
View the sunset and watch as the Elk come out of the forest
Drive to the top of Coolidge Lookout Tower
Swim in Sylvan Lake
Fish in one of the many Lakes of Custer State Park
Take a Ranger Led Walk

Facts About Custer State Park

Custer State Park is 71,000 acres
Between 1000 and 1500 Bison roam Custer State Park
Custer State Park was created in 1912
President Calvin Coolidge and his wife Grace stayed at the Game lodge in the summer of 1927
In 2017, the Legion Lake Fire burned over 54,000 acres in the Southern Black Hills
The park is named after George Armstrong Custer, who found gold in French Creek. He was later Siouxed
The highest point in the park is Black Elk Peak, at 7,242 feet above sea level
The movies National Treasure II and How the West Was Won were filmed in Custer State Park
The Custer State Park Buffalo Her were purchased from Scotty Phillips and introduced in 1936
The park started off with 36 Bison
All of the lakes in the park are manmade