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State park · Rapid City, South Dakota
Custer State Park
A state park in the Black Hills with herds of bison, free-roaming burros, mountain lakes and winding roads among granite rocks.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Custer State Park
Custer State Park is one of the largest state parks in the United States, in the southern Black Hills, with grasslands, pine forests, lakes and granite peaks.
The park has one of the largest herds of free-ranging bison in the country, about 1,500 animals, which often cross the Wildlife Loop Road. Along that same road, burros descended from pack animals beg for food at cars, and there are pronghorn, deer and prairie dogs. The Needles Highway winds between granite needles and through narrow tunnels cut in the rock, and Sylvan Lake, ringed by stone, is a spot for hiking and canoeing.
In late September the park holds its annual bison roundup, with cowboys on horseback.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day to a day.
Best time
From May to October; to see the bison, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
How to get there
By car, about 40 km south of Rapid City and about 20 km from Keystone.
Tip
The park charges a vehicle entrance fee; check the park website for current rates. Check the dimensions of the Needles Highway tunnels if you have a large vehicle.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Custer State Park
Where can you see bison in the Black Hills?
In Custer State Park, especially along the Wildlife Loop Road, in the morning and late afternoon.
What is the Needles Highway?
A road in Custer State Park that passes between granite spires and through narrow rock tunnels.
When does the bison roundup happen?
In late September, with cowboys on horseback.