Not a single cloud could be seen as we left Stockade Lake Campground.

On our first full day in Custer State Park, my goal was to kick things off by spotting some wildlife. With the morning well underway, we weren’t sure how lucky we’d be, but we were determined to give it a shot. Wildlife Loop Road seemed like the perfect place to start.

Slowly making our way, we scanned the green pastures for any sign of brown fur. Just as I began to think today might not be the day, we stumbled upon a bison traffic jam.

And so the spark of love for Custer State Park was well on its way to a full-fledged bonfire …

Custer State Park is one of the first and largest state parks in South Dakota. As a matter of fact, it is one of the nation’s largest. It contains 71,000 acres of lakes, pastures, pine forests, historic sites, and granite rock formations. Unfortunately, state parks tend to get less love and attention than their big brothers, national parks. I’m here to tell you that this park should get your undivided attention.

Custer State Park should be on your travel radar, and here’s why.

1. Thrilling Animal Encounters

There is a reason Custer State Park made Fox News’ travel list, “The World’s Top Wildlife Destinations.” Friendly donkeys, hefty bison, goofy prairie dogs, wild turkeys, strong elk, sheep, deer, and mountain goats freely roam within the park’s borders.

It’s not a matter of if you will encounter one of these fascinating creatures, it’s when. The park is home to over 1,300 animals, and they are not bothered at all by tourists. If anything, they want you to know that you are on their turf. Driving down the street to get to your campground and run into a bison on the road? Well, guess what? You might have to wait because he is going to take his time and leave when he wants to leave.

2. Close Proximity to Many Bucket List Attractions

Custer State Park is a great base for visiting many spectacular sights and towns. Crazy Horse Memorial, Sturgis, Jewel Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon, and Wind Cave National Monument are all just a short drive from the park. 

And the extraordinary Badlands National Park is only an hour away. You can add it to your itinerary as a side trip or a separate destination before or after your visit to Custer. 

3. Incredible Scenic Drives

Ah, the driving! Taking a ride in or around the park is an absolute delight. Within its borders, you’ll find three of the four roads that make up the 70-mile Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, voted one of America’s 10 Most Outstanding Byways.

Needles Highway (SD HWY 87), which starts in the park’s northwest corner, is a 14-mile stretch packed with one-lane tunnels, hairpin turns, and breathtaking rock formations. The journey begins with pine and spruce forests before leading you to stunning needle-like granite spires.

Iron Mountain is an 18-mile road that runs between SD 36 and SD 244. The exhilarating route MUST be taken on the way to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The scenic drive is brimming with tree-lined roads, pigtail bridges, and three tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore itself.

4. To Hike Up to the Highest Point East of the Rocky Mountains

The Black Elk Peak trailhead begins in Custer State Park, but the majority of the hike and the actual peak are in the Black Elk Wilderness. The 7,242 feet high crest provides sprawling views that reach four states – South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana.

Hikers who make it to the top are at the highest point east of the Rockies and west of the Pyrenees Mountains of Europe.

5. The Remarkable Beauty of the Black Hills

Some claim that the Black Hills are the oldest mountains in the United States and possibly in the world. Others allege that the Appalachian Mountains are. Either way, the Black Hills are old. We are talking millions of years old. Native Americans believed the land to be sacred and spiritually charged.

It’s easy to feel one with nature wandering around the calming pine-covered hills, imposing pinnacles, and mysterious formations while hiking in Custer State Park.

Related: South Dakota’s soon-to-be largest sculpture in the world is dedicated to the American Indians

6. Lake Fun

Kayak, boat, swim, or fish in one of the five pristine lakes in the park.

Walk the 1-mile shore loop around the most popular one, Sylvan Lake. It was featured in Disney’s film, National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

7. Something for Everyone

What type of trip are you planning? Heading out on the open road with college friends? A couple’s retreat? Or maybe it’s a family adventure? Either way, the area has something for everyone.

You can plan your trip around history, nature, culture, hiking, relaxation, or wildlife. If you can’t pick just one, blend a few to make an unforgettable trip. 

TIP: Start at the Custer State Park Visitor Center.

8. Visit Any Season, Open Year-Round

The best time to visit Custer State Park depends on what you are looking for. Summer in the Midwest is the busiest time of year to travel. There’s a reason for its popularity. Kids are out of school, the sun is shining, and the temperatures are great for swimming.

The shoulder seasons, spring and fall, bring flowers and fall color with fewer people wandering around. Poor winter is often overlooked for a time of travel in the Great Plains, but it offers an opportunity for solitude and unique beauty. 

9. Plethora of Lodging Options

The park has many lodging options from the basic of basic to luxury accommodations. Lodging options include rustic cabins, primitive campsites, modern campgrounds, and resorts. You can find whatever you are looking for all within the confines of the park.

10. Accessible to Anyone

The majority of the gorgeous sights and memorable experiences are accessible by car. Whatever age group or physical condition you or your group is in, you can enjoy most of what the area has to offer.

With legendary drives, adorable wildlife, and great hiking opportunities, Custer State Park is a must-visit destination in South Dakota.

Visit Custer State Park – Plan Your Trip

• 13329 U.S. 16A, Custer, South Dakota
• Custer State Park Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours per day
• Fees: Temporary 7-day License $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle or Annual License $40

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Do you have other reasons to visit Custer State Park? Or maybe you have a different favorite state park. If so, tell us in the comments below!

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