Welcome to the Custer State Park Tour
Drive the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road, where bison roam freely and sweeping landscapes stretch before you. At the Wildlife Station Visitor Center, explore the park’s history and wildlife. The Needles Highway offers a winding route through jagged granite spires, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Black Hills. Mount Coolidge provides panoramic views of the entire park, revealing the diverse terrain that defines this stunning natural haven.
About the Tour
Drive along Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop Road, where bison roam freely, and keep an eye out for pronghorn, elk, and wild turkeys. This scenic route offers a great introduction to the park’s diverse wildlife and vast, open spaces.
Next, stop at the Wildlife Station Visitor Center, where you can explore exhibits showcasing the park’s rich history and ongoing conservation efforts. Learn about the wildlife that calls Custer State Park home, including the bison that roam the plains and the efforts being made to protect them.
Continue to the Buffalo Roundup, a significant annual event that brings thousands of bison together. Learn about the history of this roundup and its importance in managing the park’s bison population. Hear about the tradition and role it plays in preserving the park’s wildlife.
Head over to the Bison Hunters area to discover the role of bison in the lives of Indigenous tribes and early settlers. Learn how bison hunting shaped the culture and economy of the region and hear fascinating stories about this vital part of the area’s history.
Next, visit Prairie Dog Town, home to the entertaining prairie dogs that populate the park. Watch these burrowing creatures dart in and out of their tunnels as you hear about their role in the ecosystem and how they help maintain the park’s biodiversity.
Stop at Blue Bell Stables, where you’ll learn about the park’s ranching history. This area showcases the vital role horses played in the park’s past, and you may even want to take a horseback ride to explore the park’s picturesque landscape further.
The tour continues to Mount Coolidge, where a scenic overlook provides sweeping views of Custer State Park and the surrounding Black Hills. From here, you’ll take in the park’s diverse terrain, including forests, grasslands, and lakes.
Drive along Needles Highway, a stunning route through jagged granite spires and striking rock formations. This scenic highway offers some of the most dramatic views in the park, with winding roads and towering rock formations that make for an unforgettable drive.
Finally, reach Legion Lake, a serene and peaceful spot that’s perfect for unwinding after your adventure.
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Where To Start?
We Recommend Starting From: Welcome to Custer State Park Sign
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.