Welcome to the Custer State Park Tour
Drive through Custer State Park, where bison roam freely and the sweeping landscapes of the Black Hills stretch out in all directions. This loop is renowned for the wildlife that can be found here, from majestic bison to timid prairie dogs. It also showcases the very best of South Dakota’s Black Hills, from rugged mountains to verdant meadows. Any trip to Mount Rushmore or the Badlands is incomplete without a stop at Custer State Park along the way.
This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.
About the Tour
Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. This self-guided driving tour takes you through Custer State Park, one of South Dakota’s most iconic natural landscapes.
For the duration of this tour, you’ll drive along Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop Road, where bison roam freely. Keep an eye out for pronghorns, elk, and more! 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 call Custer State Park home, including the bison that roam the plains and the efforts being made to protect them.
If you visit at the right time, you might catch the annual Buffalo Roundup, a historic event that draws visitors from far and wide. Whether or not you catch the event itself, you’ll hear about the tradition and the role it plays in preserving the park’s wildlife.
Hikers won’t want to miss the next stop, the Prairie Trail. This scenic two-mile loop traverses some of the park’s most picturesque terrain and makes for some exceptional wildlife-spotting opportunities.
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.
And no visit would be complete without heading up to the scenic overlook atop Mount Coolidge, featuring sweeping views of Custer State Park and the surrounding Black Hills.
Finally, you’ll arrive at Legion Lake, a serene spot that’s perfect for photos and offers an easy hike around the lakeshore.
This driving tour is best paired with other South Dakota adventures, like Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and the ultimate Black Hills road trip.
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Nearby Tours
Driving
32+ Stories
1 - 2 Hrs
Driving
60+ Stories
2 - 3 Hrs
Walking
17 Stories
0.5 - 1 Hrs
Where To Start?
Starting Address: Welcome to Custer State Park Sign, US-16A, Custer, SD 57730
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good Wi-Fi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- 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.
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
This is an immersive, GPS-triggered audio tour that guides you through Custer State Park in South Dakota. The 27-mile route includes over 25 narrated stories, highlighting the park’s wildlife, history, and scenic beauty.
The tour typically lasts between 2 to 3 hours, but you can pause and resume at your convenience to explore at your own pace.
Begin at the “Welcome to Custer State Park” sign on US-16A, Custer, SD 57730. The app will automatically start the narration when you reach this point.
After booking, you’ll receive a unique password via email or text. Download the Action Tour Guide app, enter your password, and select the Custer State Park tour. Ensure you download the tour content while connected to Wi-Fi.
Yes. You can pause, rewind, or replay sections at any time, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Spring and fall offer mild weather and scenic beauty, while winter provides a snowy wonderland. Since ours is a driving tour, it’s best done during spring or fall to avoid road closures that may affect park access during winter months.
Explore 200+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or Wi-Fi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, get travel tips, hear narrated guides, and see hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
