Custer State Park, South Dakota: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Custer State Park is a hidden treasure in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It covers 71,000 acres and is a haven for outdoor lovers. You can enjoy scenic drives, hike through trails, and even spot wildlife. It’s perfect for anyone who loves nature or just wants a beautiful escape.

So, what makes Custer State Park so special? What hidden gems and unique experiences await you within this expansive park? Let’s explore the best activities and top picks for an unforgettable visit.

• Custer State Park is a 71,000-acre wildlife preserve in the heart of the Black Hills region of South Dakota.
• The park is home to over 12 different species of wildlife, including the famous begging burros.
• Visitors can experience scenic drives like the Wildlife Loop Road and the Needles Highway, as well as hike to the summit of Black Elk Peak.
• The park offers a variety of lodging options, from state park lodges to campgrounds, catering to different budgets and preferences.
• Custer State Park is conveniently located near other popular attractions in the Black Hills, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.

Custer State Park is a hidden gem in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It’s perfect for those who love nature and adventure. The park is a wildlife preserve with lots of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Custer State Park is about 30 miles south of Rapid City, South Dakota’s second-largest city. It’s easy to get to by car, but there’s no public transport. You can take scenic routes like the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway to get there.

Founded in 1919, Custer State Park is named after General George Custer. It’s a treasure of natural beauty and home to many animals, including the famous American bison.

The best times to visit are spring, summer, and fall. Summer is warm, while fall brings beautiful colors. Winter is also an option, but some areas might be closed.

Custer State Park is a unique place with its stunning views, rich history, and many outdoor activities. It’s a must-see in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Custer State Park in South Dakota is a top spot for wildlife viewing. The Wildlife Loop Road is an 18-mile scenic drive. It takes you through grasslands and hills, where you can see bison, pronghorn, elk, and more in their natural home.

The best times to go are in the morning and evening. This is when animals are most active. Remember to stay in your car and don’t feed the wildlife. The loop takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how much you see.

There are many places to stop and take in the views. You can also join the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours. They take you on special roads for a closer look at the wildlife.

The Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park is perfect for those who love wildlife. You’ll see bison, pronghorn, elk, and coyotes. It’s a chance to see the natural world up close.

Get ready to be amazed by the Needles Highway. This 14-mile scenic drive links Sylvan Lake to Custer State Park’s heart. It’s famous for its granite spires, or “needles,” that seem to touch the sky.

The drive’s highlight is the Needles Eye Tunnel. It’s a narrow passage, only 8 feet wide and 9 feet 9 inches high. It was carved through the granite formations.

The drive takes 45 to 60 minutes. But it’s worth it for the stunning views and photo spots. The road winds through the park, showing off the rugged granite formations.

The Needles Eye area is perfect for photos. The granite spires make a dramatic backdrop. But, it can get crowded, so be patient and careful.

• The Needles Highway opens in early April and closes in mid-October, depending on snow.
• Drive carefully due to sharp turns, steep inclines, and limited visibility.
• Follow speed limits and watch out for other vehicles, pedestrians, and wildlife.
• Stop at designated overlooks to enjoy the views and take photos.
• Expect delays or traffic jams, especially in summer.

Exploring the Needles Highway is a must in Custer State Park. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you love photography or just want a breathtaking drive, the Needles Highway will impress you.

Get ready for an unforgettable drive on the Iron Mountain Road. It connects Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This 17-mile route has 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, and 3 pigtail bridges. They offer stunning views of Mount Rushmore.

As you drive through the Black Hills, you’ll see the Scovel Johnson and Doane Robinson Tunnels. They frame amazing views of Mount Rushmore. The road is designed to make the journey special, with a speed limit of just 35 miles per hour. This lets you enjoy the scenic drive fully.

The pigtail bridges are an engineering wonder. They have tight 360-degree turns through the rugged terrain. This design adds to the road’s beauty and ensures a safe drive.

Visiting Mount Rushmore or exploring Custer State Park? Don’t miss the Iron Mountain Road. It’s a breathtaking scenic drive that showcases the Black Hills’ natural beauty and engineering marvels.

Sylvan Lake is in the heart of Custer State Park. It’s a beautiful spot with lots of things to do. The lake is surrounded by tall cliffs, making it perfect for enjoying nature.

Swimming at Sylvan Lake is a favorite pastime. The water is cool and clear, great for a swim on a hot day. You can also rent paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes to explore the lake.

There are many hiking trails around Sylvan Lake. The Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is a 1-mile loop that’s easy and beautiful. For a tougher hike, try the Cathedral Spires Trail. It shows off the park’s stunning granite formations and offers amazing views.

Sylvan Lake is perfect for picnics and relaxing. There are picnic grounds with tables and grills. The Sylvan Lake Lodge and General Store are close by, offering more amenities.

Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park has something for everyone. You can swim, hike, or have a picnic. Its natural beauty and activities make it a top spot in the Black Hills.

Start an exciting journey to the top of Black Elk Peak, the highest spot east of the Rocky Mountains. This 7-mile round-trip hike is a tough but rewarding trip through Custer State Park’s stunning views.

The trail to Black Elk Peak, at 7,244 feet, is a real challenge. You’ll climb about 1,600 feet. It takes 2 to 4 hours to finish, depending on your fitness. It’s a hard but rewarding hike.

At the top, you’ll see amazing views of the Black Hills. Check out the historic Harney Fire Peak Lookout, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Learn about the sacred Lakota Sioux heritage of the mountain, named after the revered medicine man Black Elk.

• Round-trip distance: 7 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,600 feet
• Hiking time: 2-4 hours
• Entrance fee: $20 per vehicle for a 7-day pass

Whether you love hiking or want a new challenge, the Black Elk Peak trail in Custer State Park is unforgettable. Dive into the Black Hills’ natural wonders and reach the highest point east of the Rockies.

“The trail to Black Elk Peak is a true test of endurance, but the panoramic views from the summit are worth every step.”

Don’t forget to bring water, snacks, and the right gear for your hike. Also, be ready for the Black Hills’ changing weather. With good planning and a sense of adventure, your Black Elk Peak hiking trip will be unforgettable.

Visiting Custer State Park is a treat, especially for families. The park is home to the famous begging burros. These small donkeys have been around for nearly a century. They are a big hit with kids and adults alike.

The begging burros love to hang out on the Wildlife Loop Road. This 18-mile road is where they often look for treats and attention. As you drive, you’ll see them grazing or strolling by. It’s a special moment you won’t forget.

• Remember, the burros may look friendly but they’re wild. So, be careful around them.
• Don’t feed them. It can make them too friendly and might be dangerous.
• Keep a safe distance and don’t touch them.
• They might get upset, especially when they’re breeding or have young.
• Never try to pet or ride them. It’s not safe for you or the burros.

By following these rules, you can enjoy the begging burros and the wildlife interaction they offer. This way, everyone stays safe and happy.

Custer State Park has many places to stay. You can choose from cozy lodges or scenic camping spots. It’s the perfect place to rest after exploring this beautiful South Dakota destination.

Inside the park, there are four main places to stay: State Game Lodge & Cabins, Sylvan Lake Lodge & Cabins, Bluebell Lodge & Cabins, and Legion Lake Lodge & Cabins. Each offers a different experience, from historic rooms to modern cabins.

The State Game Lodge is big and in the middle of the park. It’s great for seeing the park’s best spots. Sylvan Lake Lodge, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio, is perfect for hikers and lake lovers. Bluebell Lodge is great for families and horseback riders. Legion Lake Lodge is quieter and more peaceful.

For a rustic stay, Custer State Park has 9 standard campgrounds. Prices are $15 to $30 per night, depending on what’s available. These spots are open from April/May to October/November, so you can enjoy the park’s beauty when it’s warm.

If you’d rather stay outside the park, Custer, Keystone, and Hill City have more lodging, cabins, and camping options. They’re close to Custer State Park.

Custer State Park has many beautiful lakes for visitors to enjoy. You can fish, boat, swim, or try water sports. These lakes are perfect for fun and relaxation outdoors.

The park has five lakes where you can fish with a South Dakota license. You might catch trout, bass, or perch. It’s a great chance to try your luck.

For a thrilling water adventure, try boating on some lakes. Sylvan, Legion, Stockade, and Center Lakes allow different boats. You can rent what you need at Legion Lake and Sylvan Lake marinas.

Swimming is allowed in all lakes, but no lifeguards are on duty. Pets are not allowed in swimming areas. Always be careful and follow safety rules when using the lakes.

Custer State Park in South Dakota is a lively place all year round. It hosts many seasonal events and activities. The Buffalo Roundup in late September is a highlight, where cowboys and cowgirls round up nearly 1,300 bison. This event attracts nearly 11,000 people, making it a top attraction.

The park also has guided tours and activities to make your visit better. You can take a Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour for a close look at wildlife. Or, ride a horse through the hills and forests at Blue Bell Stables. In summer, enjoy a chuck wagon cookout and wildlife hayride.

Custer State Park is great to visit any time of the year. It offers exciting events and peaceful tours. Whether you’re into the Buffalo Roundup or guided tours, the park has something for everyone. It’s a place where you can truly experience the beauty of the Black Hills.