Between the beauty of South Dakota’s Black Hills and the herds of free-roaming buffalo, one gets the same feeling as the early pioneers must have felt when visiting the area now known as Custer State Park.

Located in the southwestern corner of the state, the park is named for Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer, and was not only the first designated state park in South Dakota, but is also the second largest state park in America (over 71,000 acres).

For those who love close encounters with wildlife, this place is heaven. Not only are there nearly 1,500 bison in the park, but guests will also spot elk, mountain goats, wild burros and more. And since they are allowed to roam the park at will, many will come up close as if to check you out – especially on the Wildlife Loop Road that winds through the park.

In addition to the animals, the park’s other attractions are slender granite formations called “Needles”, which are popular with rock climbers.

It’s close proximity to other South Dakota parks and monuments, makes it a great addition to any vacation itinerary in this area of the state.

Bison Crossing Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park

Nearest major city: Rapid City, South Dakota (60 miles north)

Famous for: Its free-roaming bison herd; Needles Eye (a granite spire with a slit that resembles a sewing needle)

Admission: $15/vehicle for 7 days; $28 for an annual state park pass

Families with young kids will like: The Junior Naturalist Program which allows them to earn a badge for completing activities in the park (ages 7-12). They’ll also enjoy the gold-panning demonstrations.

Families with teenagers will like: The up-close encounters with animals along the 18-mile long Wildlife Loop Road drive. Buffalo Safari Jeep tours (additional fee) are also a hit with the teens.

Other travelers will like: Rock climbers love the challenge of the Needles; the park’s lakes are popular for fly-fishing, canoeing, kayaking and boating.

The end of September is also when the park holds its annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival, complete with a chili cook-off, Western and Native American entertainment, and an actual cowboy-style buffalo roundup.

Easy sightseeing: The Needles Scenic Highway drive is a great way to view all the natural wonders of the park, without having to leave the car.

Camping information: Custer State Park has eight campgrounds. Most have sites with water and electric hookup and some even have camping cabins for rent. 2010 fees range from $16-21 for a basic site; $20-$25 for sites with hook-ups. Cabins are $45 a night. Game Lodge campground tends to be the most popular and crowded. Reservations can be made online for all park campgrounds.

Other park lodging: Custer State Park has four resorts, each one with its own personality. State Game Lodge is the most luxurious of the lot. It served as the “Summer White House” for President Calvin Coolidge in 1927 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also the starting place for the safari jeep tours mentioned above. Blue Bell Lodge is the one to choose if you want a western ranch experience, complete with chuck wagon cookouts and horseback trail rides.

Best months to visit for weather: Late-April/May and September/early-October have the best weather.

Best months to visit to avoid crowds: This is a popular family destination, so it’s best to avoid summer months and school holidays if you wish to avoid crowds.

Getting here:

  • Flying – Rapid City is the nearest major airport
  • Bus – Greyhound services Rapid City.

More info can be found at: South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation

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[Photo courtesy of South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation]