Custer State Park
- Mount Rushmore - Custer State Park -
Exploring Custer State Park
April 29, 2025
After our memorable visit to Mount Rushmore, we continued our Black Hills adventure with a stop at the nearby Custer State Park, just a short drive away. Even though the two landmarks are close in distance, they offered completely different experiences. Where Mount Rushmore is all about monumental history, Custer State Park immerses you in the rugged natural beauty and wildlife of the American West.
Spanning over 71,000 acres, Custer State Park is a crown jewel of South Dakota’s Black Hills. From dramatic granite spires to wide open prairies teeming with wildlife, this park had it all.
Driving the Scenic Needles Highway
Our first route through the park took us along the iconic Needles Highway (SD Highway 87). This scenic byway winds through towering granite rock formations, narrow one-lane tunnels, and sharp curves that make for an unforgettable drive. It felt like our first real driving test in the West.
At one point, we exited a tunnel and were treated to a stunning view: Mount Rushmore perfectly framed in the distance, like a living oil painting. It was definitely one of those "wow" moments that make travel so rewarding.
Wildlife Loop Road: Our First Encounter with the Wild West
Driving the Wildlife Loop Road was our first real introduction to the wildlife of the American West. Just a few miles into the loop, we spotted our first herd of American bison (often called buffalo), and I couldn’t resist taking a lot of pictures. If I had known how many bison we’d see throughout the trip, I might have paced myself!
As we continued through the scenic 18-mile loop in Custer State Park, we encountered incredible wildlife for the first time on our trip, including pronghorn antelope, prairie dog colonies, and a group of burros.
