Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer State Park is one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich parks in the Midwest. Granite peaks rise from pine forests, bison roam the grasslands, and winding scenic drives reveal breathtaking overlooks around nearly every corner.
We spent part of our South Dakota road trip exploring this beautiful park and quickly discovered why it is considered one of the must-see destinations in the Black Hills.
From wildlife encounters along the famous Wildlife Loop Road to scenic drives like Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road, Custer State Park offers incredible scenery and unforgettable moments for visitors traveling through western South Dakota.
Custer State Park Visitor Information
| Location | Custer State Park, South Dakota |
| Region | Black Hills |
| Known For | Bison herds, scenic drives, granite peaks, Sylvan Lake |
| Popular Drives | Wildlife Loop Road, Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road |
| Best For | Wildlife viewing, scenic drives, hiking, photography |
| Park Pass | 7-Day South Dakota State Park Pass |
| Google Map Location | View Custer State Park on Google Maps |
Entering Custer State Park
When entering the park we purchased the 7-day South Dakota State Park pass, which provides access to all state parks during your visit.
Before heading deeper into the park we reviewed the park rules and wildlife safety information. The summary was simple: don’t approach the wildlife, don’t feed the animals, and whatever questionable decisions you make around bison are entirely your responsibility.
With that in mind, we began exploring the scenic drives and open grasslands of Custer State Park.
Wildlife Loop Road
One of the most popular scenic drives in the park is the Wildlife Loop Road. This 18-mile route winds through grasslands and rolling hills where visitors often see bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and other wildlife.
Even though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, the drive itself is beautiful and provides a great opportunity to experience the open landscape of the Black Hills.
The Famous Begging Burros
Toward the end of the Wildlife Loop Road we ran into one of the most entertaining sights in the park — the famous begging burros.
Several burros had completely taken over the roadway, stopping cars and wandering between vehicles. Visitors seemed delighted by the friendly animals, many of which walked from car to car hoping for a snack.
We chose not to feed them on this stop, but that didn’t stop a curious burro from sticking its head right into our car window to check if we had anything to offer.
A Wildlife Encounter
While exploring near the visitor center, I spotted a beautiful bluebird perched on a fence post. As I focused my camera on the bird, I suddenly heard a deep snorting sound behind me.
When I turned around, a massive bison was standing just a short distance away, watching me carefully. A nearby park ranger quickly radioed additional staff and mentioned that the herd would soon be moving through the area.
It was a powerful reminder that the wildlife in Custer State Park truly lives wild and free.
Sylvan Lake
Another highlight of the park is beautiful Sylvan Lake. Surrounded by granite rock formations and pine forest, this peaceful lake is one of the most photographed locations in the Black Hills.
The area around Sylvan Lake offers hiking trails, picnic spots, and stunning scenery that make it a favorite stop for visitors exploring Custer State Park.
Scenic Drives of Custer State Park
Several of the Black Hills’ most scenic drives begin inside Custer State Park. The famous Needles Highway winds through granite spires and narrow tunnels, while Iron Mountain Road features dramatic switchbacks and tunnels that frame views of Mount Rushmore.
Both drives offer unforgettable scenery and are highlights of any visit to the Black Hills.
If you enjoy wildlife, scenic drives, and beautiful mountain landscapes, Custer State Park is easily one of the best destinations to explore in South Dakota.