Towering granite spires, dense pine forests and clear mountain waters make up the magnificent Custer State Park. It stands out as a true sanctuary for those who cherish tranquility and adventure. The possibilities are seemingly endless in this truly wild state park! Encounter wildlife, hike or bike the tens of thousands of acres of varied terrain or paddleboard in the postcard-perfect Sylvan Lake.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Custer State Park, the abundant wildlife will surely join you. Decades of exploration couldn’t cover every corner of the park, but there’s no shame in trying. Here are some ideas to help you start.
Drive the Wildlife Loop Road, Iron Mountain Road or Needles Highway
The Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway is an incredible one-of-a-kind road that sprawls along 18 miles of rolling, pine-covered hills and red-walled canyons. Wildlife sightings and crossings are commonplace in these parts, so drive cautiously along the bends of this road for the safety of both you and the animals. Chances are you’ll encounter bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, elk, deer, coyote, prairie dogs or one of the numerous bird species in the park. Keep your camera ready — but keep a safe distance — as each curve offers a new opportunity to capture the untamed beauty of this scenic route and the creatures that inhabit its surroundings.
Try out another iconic route within Custer State Park for an unforgettable scenic drive: the Needles Highway. The Needles, with their soaring granite rock formations, have become a major attraction, drawing visitors from near and far. This renowned stretch of road features 14 miles of captivating views through Custer State Park, offering glimpses of forests, meadows, mountains and Sylvan Lake.
Iron Mountain Road was famously described as "one of the most crooked 17 miles you’ll ever drive" by South Dakota writer Bernie Hunhoff. And that’s a compliment. This winding route, an integral part of the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, offers a thrilling driving experience complete with three “pigtail” bridges and stone tunnels. Senator Peter Norbeck's ambitious vision has transformed this road into a beloved driving destination, leading to breathtaking vistas of the Black Hills and the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
One of the most sensational events in all of South Dakota is the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, an annual gathering of Custer’s 1,300-strong bison herd. Cowboys and cowgirls collaborate to funnel the bison throughout the park into corrals, attracting thousands of spectators to bear witness. The roundup takes place annually on the last Friday of September. It offers an exciting blend of nature, culture and history, making it a must-see experience for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the American West.
Learn More About the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours
Want to get up close and personal with Custer’s wildlife? The Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour may be the perfect excursion for you. Hop into an open-air jeep and embark on a thrilling wildlife safari that explores the rolling fields and dirt back roads of Custer State Park. These privately led tours span around two hours and offer an intimate, awe-inspiring experience where you come within a stone’s throw of stunning wildlife. Along the way, seasoned guides will help you spot the critters and share historical facts about the park.
Custer State Park Hiking
Miles of backcountry roads and trails, once traversed by early residents, now offer an unforgettable hiking experience. Hike the 7.1-mile Black Elk Peak Loop to reach the highest point in South Dakota. Snap a photo of the panoramic view of the entire Black Hills area. Sit with a lunch and you might make some chipmunk friends. Are you looking for a more family-friendly adventure? The Cathedral Spires Trail provides a more concise hiking experience, guiding you down a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a breathtaking cluster of stone giants and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. If you prefer a leisurely lakeside stroll, consider the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail, a 1.1-mile loop that traces the idyllic Sylvan Lake and typically takes less than half an hour to complete.
Explore More Hikes in Custer State Park and the Black HilLS
Explore Nearby Caves: Jewel Cave National Monument & Wind Cave National Park
Only a short drive from Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park is a must-see while visiting South Dakota's western region. This unique sanctuary offers a mesmerizing underground adventure with its intricate cave system adorned with rare boxwork formations and sparkling crystals. Above ground, the park sprawls with rolling hills of vibrant green grass stretching for miles, providing a haven for diverse wildlife — bison, elk, prairie dogs and more. Guided cave tours allow visitors to explore the hidden wonders beneath the surface, while hiking trails reveal the beauty of the park's diverse landscapes.
Jewel Cave National Monument offers another incredible caving adventure. Jewel Cave is truly one of a kind, famous for both the geologic formations it earns its name from and for holding the title of the third-longest cave in the world. Both Wind Cave and Jewel Cave have various guided tours available. Whether you're seeking family-friendly, accessible tours of the main caverns or intense multi-hour adventures, navigating through narrow passageways with only the glow of headlamps to light the way, there is a tour option to suit every preference.
Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Just 40 minutes from Custer State Park, tucked away in the granite-veiled Black Hills, four of America’s most eminent leaders stand tall — Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and George Washington. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is America’s Shrine of Democracy, featuring 60-foot recreations of four great American presidents’ faces. Immerse yourself in the rich history and majestic beauty as you embark on a Ranger Tour, traverse the awe-inspiring Presidential Trail or bask in the splendor of the evening lighting ceremony. A thrilling quest awaits young adventurers with the Junior Ranger program, led by the National Park Service. Regardless of your age, Mount Rushmore stands as a testament to the extraordinary, beckoning all to witness its grandeur and make unforgettable memories.
Enjoy a Show at the Black Hills Playhouse
Hidden among the trees in the Black Hills National Forest is a truly unique spot to enjoy live musicals, dramas and comedies: the 75-year-old Black Hills Playhouse. Since 1946, this cultural gem has delighted audiences with a diverse repertoire of musicals, romance, comedy and drama. Located on the site of a historic Civilian Conservation Corps camp, this theater holds performances throughout the week every summer. Be sure to make reservations in advance and check the website for tickets, directions and other essential information, as a Custer State Park entrance pass is required for entry. Trust us. You’ve never experienced live theater like this.
More Things to Do Near Custer State Park
The adventure doesn’t end when you leave Custer State Park. Embrace the cowboy or cowgirl spirit with a guided horseback ride in the Black Hills, enjoy an old-fashioned hayride or rent an off-road vehicle and explore the 1.2 million acres of terrain suitable for off-roading in the Black Hills. Take the kids to play in a hot spring pool or try out an extreme sport by embarking on a guided outdoor climb.
Embrace the Old West spirit by combining the region’s pioneering history with modern-day fun. Pose for an old-timey photo or explore an Old West Town. Have some fun in the sun by renting a canoe, kayak or paddleboard at Sylvan Lake. Fossil lovers can find thrills in a fossil finder museum or an active paleontological dig site.
Explore more things to do near Custer State Park with the directory below.
Things to Do Near Custer State Park
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