Custer State Park - Custer, South Dakota

Address:Custer, South Dakota
Tel: (605) 255-4515

Custer State Park spans 71,000 acres and is home to abundant South Dakota wildlife, from free roaming bison and mountain goats to antelope and feral burros. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation including hiking to the top of Harney Peak or taking the Badger Clark historic trail, located behind the landmark home of South Dakota's first poet laureate. Visitors will also enjoy gold panning demonstrations and naturalist activities such as guided nature walks and special evening programs. The park also boasts an annual Buffalo Roundup where cowboys and girls are called upon to herd the bison to the corrals. Camping is available here at a number of scenic sites and is the perfect way to take in the full experience of Custer State Park.

Custer State Park in the Black Hills encompasses 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain and an abundance of wildlife. Within the park, you'll discover a world of adventure! Favorite outdoor activities include hiking 7,242-foot Harney Peak, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, chuckwagon suppers and jeep rides to see the bison. The park boasts scenic drives such as the Needles Highway (SD 87), which twists and turns its way past towering rock formations and through narrow tunnels. At the end of one tunnel stands the Needles Eye, a granite spire with a slit only 3 to 4 feet wide but reaching 30 to 40 feet in the air. History and culture also abound. Walk the banks of French Creek, where Custer's expedition first discovered gold in 1874. Take in a theater performance at the Black Hills Playhouse. Or, visit the log cabin that was home to Badger Clark, South Dakota's first poet laureate.