About
Imagine driving alongside a thundering herd of bison, followed later by driving past towering granite spires. Custer State Park offers this and more in its 71,000 acres in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Peter Norbeck, a South Dakota governor, is credited with championing the 1912 state game preserve to a full state park in 1919. He also scouted the terrain to design drives showcasing the diverse landscape. Such forethought is evident in every switchback and tunnel.
The park is named after George Armstrong Custer, who discovered gold in the Black Hills in 1874. As a result, settlers flocked to the area that Lakotas considered sacred ground. As a result, conflict ensued, and today, some celebrate Custer as a frontier cavalry officer, while Native communities view him as a symbol of displacement and broken promises.
While on the topic of Custer, be sure to visit the Crazy Horse Memorial that’s a 30-minute drive away. The monument pays homage to the Lakota leader who defeated Custer in 1876 at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Aside from history, the park is renowned for its wildlife management. In 1910, a small group of bison was introduced that now number around 1,300.
Other animals to look for are pronghorn antelope, deer, wild burros, and elk, to name a few. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of birds, while the various lakes are home to fish.
Today, Custer State Park blends preservation with recreation through its lakes, streams, hiking trails, and lodges. Visit and discover a genuine sense of the American West.
Custer State Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road is one of the park's biggest draws, and for good reason. With “wildlife” in its name, expect to see bison, pronghorn, elk, and white-tailed deer roaming the grasslands and rolling hills.
A fun perk is the "begging burros," descendants of donkeys once used for guided rides. These friendly animals often approach cars for a snack. As tempting as it will be to offer a treat, feeding wild animals is prohibited.
Set foot on any of the trails found at Custer State Park. An easy trek the whole family can enjoy is the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail. The 1.1-mile loop offers water views on a wide and flat path. The back half features fun stone stairs and a rock tunnel to walk through.
A more challenging trek that AllTrails ranks as “moderate” is the Cathedral Spires Trail. This 1.7-mile out-and-back path will have you climbing 501 feet, but offers breathtaking views of the Spires. While the trail’s elevation around 7,000 feet could make some hikers more winded, it's the rocky path and elevation gain that gets the heart pumping.
Speaking of the Cathedral Spires, you can also see them on the Needles Highway designed by Peter Norbeck. The road climbs through granite formations on switchbacks and narrow tunnels, offering views of the slender granite spires.
Water lovers find plenty to enjoy as well at Sylvan Lake, often called the crown jewel of Custer State Park. Here, swimming, paddling, fishing, and hiking add adventure to your visit.
The annual Buffalo Roundup rounds out the park's signature events. Each fall, riders and vehicles herd the bison across the prairie for health checks and population management. The event comes with an arts festival and chuckwagon meals.
The Black Hills Playhouse, rebranded as Theatre 605, adds an artistic touch to your visit with live performances in its indoor 345-seat venue.
Custer State Park packs wildlife, scenery, history, art, and outdoor adventure into one destination, making it a must-visit on your South Dakota getaway.
Local Tips
- Feeding wildlife is prohibited.
- Buy an annual pass if you plan more than one visit.
- Stay at least 100 yards from bison and elk.
- Cell service is spotty; download maps before arriving.
