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Custer State Park

Is this your business?

5,218 Reviews

#5 of 31 things to do in Custer

Features Animals

Nature & Parks, State Parks

13329 US Highway 16A, Custer, SD 57730-8351

Book In Advance

Custer State Park Safari Jeep Small-Group Tour

Safaris

from $249.00*

Mount Rushmore and More Tour

Day Trips

from $87.86*

3,688

All photos (3,688)

Full view

Certificate of Excellence

Traveler Overview

5.0 5,218 reviews

Excellent84%
Very good12%
Average2%
Poor1%
Terrible1%

Travelers talk about

“wildlife loop”(969 reviews)

“bison”(1,121 reviews)

“needles highway”(704 reviews)

About

A 73,000-acre wilderness that draws comparisons to Yellowstone National Park when it comes to spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife.

Suggested duration: < 1 hour

Contact

13329 US Highway 16A, Custer, SD 57730-8351

Website

+1 605-255-4515

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Ways to Experience Custer State Park

Custer State Park Safari Jeep Small-Group Tour

2 Reviews

from $249.00

More Info

Mount Rushmore and More Tour

213 Reviews

from $87.86

More Info

1 - 10 of 5,032 reviews

Beth B

Wisconsin, United States

7524

Reviewed yesterday

Fun!

This was one thing the whole family was looking forward to during our trip to the Black Hills. It was a beautiful drive, and how fun to see all the wild animals! It is a long drive, I recommend stopping to use the bathroom ahead...More

Thank Beth B

492denverr

Valdosta, Georgia

4515

Reviewed 2 days ago via mobile

Fall visit

Custer State Park A drive through this park is essential for anyone wanting to explore beautiful South Dakota. Of course, the interesting events that transpired under General Custer and Crazy Horse are fascinating. The Welcome Center is a great place to visit. However, the wildlife...More

Thank 492denverr

MB232

South Dakota

13657

Reviewed 2 days ago

Always a enjoyable drive during the spring/fall seasons

This park is a gem and we always enjoy driving thru the park. But the best time spring / fall. Less tourists, more animals. The donkeys are a hoot! Highly suggest you stop by a farm business like Runnings, Bomgar's or TSC and get a...More

Thank MB232

BHLovesTravel

Rochester, Minnesota

11130

Reviewed 3 days ago via mobile

Peaceful

Quiet this time of year. Very peaceful to visit. None of the restaurants or stores open in the park, but stayed at a great cabin by State Game Lodge. Cabins are pet friendly, clean and comfortable

Thank BHLovesTravel

BlueDevilOKC

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

470158

Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile

Fed the donkeys; beautiful hike at Sylvan Lake

Custer State Park is amazing, as good as many national parks. We did the scenic loop, taking in the beautiful landscape as well as prairie dogs and pronghorns. We had brought carrots and cake across the feral donkey herd, so the kids had an opportunity...More

Thank BlueDevilOKC

PegiSioux

Gilbert, Arizona

185

Reviewed 1 week ago

Tatanka!

We went on an Autumn trip to the Black Hills in October, 2018. We arrived in Rapid City at the same time as an early winter storm, and it was glorious! We went to Custer State Park, first on our list of things to do...More

Thank PegiSioux

MN_travelers_18

Cloquet, Minnesota

125

Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Feels like the mountains!

Beautiful park for hiking and driving. Black Elk Peak is a hike not to be missed! Wildlife loop includes impressive buffalo crossing.

Thank MN_travelers_18

Charl0tte2012

Charlotte, North Carolina

22072

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Beautiful Country

Went to the visitor center. They are good in helping you find the buffalo. We rode around and found two herds which was a wonderful surprise. We took the long drive from there to Mt Rushmore which I would strongly recommend.

Thank Charl0tte2012

596Smokey

Bloomington, IN

181170

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

So Nice We Went (and paid!) Twice!

We took the Wildlife Loop one night on our way back to Rapid City. It was nearing sunset which was the perfect time as the animals are very active then! The annual bison roundup had already occurred, so we saw them at the corral, but...More

1 Thank 596Smokey

Sean R

Hamilton, New Jersey

167

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

GO!

Custer State Park is a beautiful place to visit. To those complaining about not seeing animals, the park is NOT a zoo. It is not designed to make the animals come to you. It is a refuge for them, some of which are endangered. They...More

Thank Sean R

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Questions & Answers

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See all 49 questions

mspidell1959

Do any RV sites have water hookups?

September 12, 2018|

Answer

yes

Kiwilover5000

Do they open 24h? Can I see wild animals around 8AM in August or earlier is better? I want to see wild animals in the morning.

August 5, 2018|

AnswerShow all 9 answers

Any wildlife viewing is always better early in the morning or in the evening, especially during warm weather. Although the roads in the park are open park facilities have specified hours of operation.