Experience the Animals of Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop Road

Custer State Park

​Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop Road is an excellent place to witness wildlife, with over 71,000 acres of parkland stretching through the Black Hills of South Dakota. Despite being fenced in, visitors can see a variety of animals such as Bison, Prairie Dogs, Pronghorn Antelope, Elk, Bighorn Sheep, and more. In this article, we'll provide practical insights and vivid descriptions to help you make the most out of your visit.

Navigating the Wildlife Loop Road

Navigating the winding roads of the Wildlife Loop Road might be challenging for first-time visitors. However, watching for specific landmarks and turns can make your journey more enjoyable. One such landmark is the Prairie Dog Town, located near the beginning of the loop. Visitors can observe a large population of prairie dogs playing and chirping in the fields nearby. Prairie Dogs are some of the most beloved creatures in Custer State Park, thanks to their playful nature and cute appearance.​

Apart from these landmarks, visitors should also pay attention to various turnoffs and viewpoints along the route. These turnoffs provide access to several hiking trails, picnic areas, and other points of interest within the park. If you're looking for a more in-depth experience, consider booking a private tour of the Black Hills to ensure you see everything you'd like. Additionally, visitors should keep in mind that some Black Hills van and bus tours are restricted by vehicle type, limiting their chances of witnessing some of the most important parts of Custer State Park tours.

Witnessing Wildlife on the Loop Road

As you drive through the Wildlife Loop Road, keep your camera and binoculars ready and look along the tree line. Experienced guides can help spot creatures and stop along the way so you can view, learn, and even listen to their sounds. For instance, Prairie Dogs bark or chirp while Bison grunt! Visitors might also spot other animals in the park, including Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lions and Mountain Goats, often seen on the rocky cliffs and hillsides. Visitors should watch for these animals, give them plenty of space, and respect their natural habitats.

Other animals you might see along the way are the Begging Burros. While we don't recommend feeding them, most visitors do. Please stop at the Iron Mountain Road Visitor Center for proper food, or bring along some carrots. 

To increase your chances of spotting wildlife, it's best to drive slowly and keep your eyes peeled for movement along the roadside or in the distance. Another way to increase your chances of seeing animals is to visit the park in the early morning or evening, known as the Golden Hour, when many animals come out to graze.

Tips for Visiting Custer State Park

Visiting Custer State Park is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Here are some tips to make your visit more enjoyable:

- Increase your odds of seeing the Buffalo Herd by stopping at Custer State Park Visitor Center. Here you'll find a map with the latest sightings of free roaming Bison. 

- Make sure to drive Needles Highway, a scenic drive created by Peter Norbeck that climbs over 6000 feet to Sylvan Lake.

​- If you decide to explore the park independently, make sure to have a map of the area. The roads can be winding, narrow, and confusing, and it's easy to make a wrong turn and miss some crucial places.

- Visiting the park in early summer is the best. You'll see wildflowers everywhere and baby Bison (Red Dogs) playing with their newborn friends.

- To ensure your safety and respect the wildlife, visitors should remember to stay in their vehicles and never approach the animals. Additionally, visitors should drive slowly and watch for movement along the roadside or in the distance.

- Finally, make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, especially during the summer months. The loop takes over an hour to drive, considering the speed limit, and you'll need to be prepared for the journey.

Conclusion

​Regardless of how you choose to explore the park, the Wildlife Loop Road is a fun and exciting experience for all ages. It's a must-do, and even though the park is technically not wild, you won't even know the difference. Come visit the mountains and prairies of Southwestern South Dakota and experience the wildlife of Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop Road.

Whether you choose to explore the park independently or book a private tour, you'll be sure to witness an array of wildlife and enjoy the scenery.