Buffalo-at-Custer-State-Park South Dakota Tourism

Custer State Park

Custer State Park is a 71,000-acre vacation paradise that’s abundant with adventure, wildlife, and scenic landscapes. While exploring the park you’ll discover a diverse range of wildlife including bighorn sheep, antelope, deer, elk, coyote, prairie dogs and "begging" burros. The park also contains one of the nation's largest free roaming buffalo herds, making it common to experience a "Buffalo Jam" while driving Wildlife Loop. For a guaranteed buffalo encounter book the unique Buffalo Safari Jeep ride where they take you off road straight into the herd! Custer State Park and South Dakota have been named as one of the World's Top 10 Wildlife Destinations.

The park is home to five lakes: Sylvan Lake - considered the “Crown Jewel” of the park, Legion Lake, Center Lake, Stockade Lake and the Game Lodge Pond. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities at each. The park also offers numerous trails to explore and the seemingly impossible to build road called Needles Highway, which winds you through a breathtaking portion of the park. Open year-round, it's a place packed with outdoor adventures that will leave you with a whole new appreciation of the beauty South Dakota offers. If you’re looking to hit the ground running exploring this park check out our Go-Getters Guide and find more information below!

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