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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Tour Map
Nearby Tours
Driving 2-3 Hours 35+ Stories 34+ Miles Driving 4-5 Hours 60+ Stories 65+ Miles Walking 1-2 hours 15+ stories 0.7 miles Starting Point
Join the tour at the recommended starting point or anywhere along the route.
Welcome to Custer State Park Sign, US-16A, Custer, SD 57730, USA
Begin from the Welcome to Custer State Park Sign, U.S. 16A, Custer.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
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.
Source: Wikipedia
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.
Source: Custer State Park
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.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included. Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours. 
