Begging Burros, Bison Herds & Pure Wilderness Meet at This South Dakota State Park

Custer State Park, South Dakota

The tourists rush to Mount Rushmore while the real South Dakota plays out in Custer State Park. Buffalo block traffic like they own the place – because they do. Granite spires shoot up through misty mornings, and lakes mirror the kind of sky that makes you forget about your phone. Here are some of the best things to do in Custer State Park.

Drive the Wildlife Loop with 1,400 Bison

You’ll find amazing wildlife viewing along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road that curves through pine-covered hills and open grasslands of Custer State Park.

Here you might spot the park’s famous bison herd, which now includes about 1,400 animals roaming freely across the landscape.

Watch for the friendly “begging burros,” descendants of pack animals once used in the park, who often walk right up to cars looking for snacks.

During your drive, you’ll likely see pronghorn antelope, elk, deer, coyotes, prairie dogs, and mountain goats going about their day in their natural habitat.

If you want to get even closer to the wildlife, you can join a Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour that takes you off the main road with guides who know all about the park’s animals and plants.

Explore Granite-Ringed Sylvan Lake by Boat

Sylvan Lake shines as the most beloved spot in Custer State Park, with dramatic granite formations creating a stunning backdrop for your adventures.

You can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards at Sylvan Lake Lodge from May through early October to glide across the crystal-clear water.

When temperatures rise, you can cool off with a swim in the designated areas of the lake. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy trying to catch trout, but remember to bring your South Dakota fishing license.

Many hikers begin their journeys at Sylvan Lake, with trails leading to various destinations including Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota.

Navigate Hairpin Turns on Needles Highway

You’ll marvel at the engineering feat that created the 14-mile Needles Highway (SD Hwy 87) as it winds among towering granite spires nicknamed “the Needles.”

This scenic byway challenges drivers with tight turns and narrow tunnels carved right through solid rock formations.

Driving through Needles Eye Tunnel gives you an unforgettable experience as your vehicle squeezes through an opening just 8 feet 4 inches wide.

Plenty of pull-offs along the way let you step out safely to take in the incredible rock formations up close.

Stay Overnight in President Coolidge’s Lodge

Custer State Park gives you four unique lodges to choose from, each with its own special character and modern comforts.

History buffs love the State Game Lodge, a beautiful stone and wood building on the National Register of Historic Places where President Calvin Coolidge stayed during the summer of 1927.

Sylvan Lake Lodge puts you right next to the lake with amazing views of the Black Hills all around you. Blue Bell Lodge welcomes guests with a Western feel and cozy cabins, while Legion Lake Lodge gives you rooms right by the water with cabins nearby.

See Mount Rushmore Through Tunnel Frames

Iron Mountain Road (US 16A) connects Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore National Memorial through 17 miles of incredible roadway.

You’ll drive across unique “pigtail bridges” that spiral upward, helping the road climb in elevation where space is limited.

Three cleverly designed tunnels along the route perfectly frame Mount Rushmore in the distance when you look through them. With 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, and these three tunnels, this road wants you to slow down and enjoy every twist and turn.

Hike 12 Miles Along Pristine French Creek

French Creek Natural Area gives you a quieter experience away from the busier parts of Custer State Park.

Here you can explore a 12-mile backcountry trail that follows the creek through meadows, forests, and rocky canyon sections.

Fly fishing enthusiasts come for the native brook trout that swim in the clear waters of French Creek. Be prepared to get your feet wet as the trail crosses the stream multiple times during your hike.

Swim and Paddle Around Intimate Legion Lake

Legion Lake provides a smaller, more personal setting for water activities in Custer State Park. You can safely swim in the designated beach area marked clearly by buoys.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats from the Legion Lake Marina to explore the water. A gentle one-mile walking path goes all the way around the lake, connecting to other trails throughout the park.

Legion Lake Store sells everything you need for a day at the lake, including fishing gear, snacks, and basic supplies.

Ride Wagons to Campfire Steak Dinners

Blue Bell Lodge puts on a Chuck Wagon Cookout that combines food, fun, and transportation through beautiful areas of Custer State Park.

You’ll climb aboard covered wagons at the lodge for a ride to a mountain meadow where dinner awaits.

Your meal features steak, hamburgers, or veggie burgers cooked to order, plus traditional sides like beans, corn bread, watermelon, and coffee. Cowboys entertain everyone after dinner with western music and stories around the campfire.

This popular activity runs nightly from late May through late September, weather permitting, but you’ll need to make reservations ahead of time.

Cast for Rainbow Trout in Coolidge Creek

Grace Coolidge Creek gives fly fishing enthusiasts a perfect spot to practice their skills in a beautiful setting within Custer State Park.

This special walk-in fishing area stretches about 3 miles along the creek, with parking areas along the main park road providing easy access.

You’ll need a valid South Dakota fishing license and trout stamp, available at the park office or visitor centers.

Well-maintained trails follow the creek, making fishing spots accessible for most people regardless of hiking ability.

Visit the Poet Laureate’s One-Room Cabin

Badger Clark, South Dakota’s first poet laureate, lived in a simple cabin he named “The Badger Hole” within what we now know as Custer State Park.

His rustic home remains just as it was during his lifetime, filled with original furniture, books, and personal belongings.

You can walk through the one-room cabin where Clark wrote many famous cowboy poems and essays from 1924 until he died in 1957. Displays around the site tell the story of Clark’s life and work, and a short nature trail lets you experience the forest setting that inspired him.

Self-guided tours run from May through September, with a small fee that helps preserve this historic site.

Get All Essential Visitor Details Before You Go

You’ll find Custer State Park at 13329 US Highway 16A in Custer, South Dakota 57730. The park welcomes visitors year-round, though some facilities close during winter months.

Daily entrance fees run $10 per vehicle or $5 per motorcycle, while annual passes cost $36. You can purchase a 7-day pass for $20 if you’re staying longer.

Park offices stay open from 8am to 8pm during summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and 8am to 5pm during off-season.

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