Custer State Park Reviews (Black Hills, South Dakota)

Nice State Park - Quite a Bit of Wildlife

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

July 22, 2012

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Best of IgoUgo I am going to have to start out with an apology here, as my review will no doubt suffer a "Halo Effect" given that I did this at the start of an eight day driving/camping adventure that culminated in four days in Yellowstone National Park.I ...Read more

From journal More Than Just Badlands

Where the Buffalo roam

by catsholiday

ashbourne, United Kingdom

January 31, 2012

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Best of IgoUgo Custer State Park, Black Hill, South DakotaPARK HISTORYCuster State Park is a whopping 71,000 acres within the Black Hills area and is named after the infamous General A. Custer who led a scientific expedition into the Black Hills in 1874. At this ...Read more

From journal Meeting up in South Dakota

Beautiful Drive Through Nature

by VanessaK

Owasso, Oklahoma

August 1, 2011

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Best of IgoUgo Custer State Park is South Dakota’s largest state park with 71,000 acres of land to explore on foot, bike, horse, or car. It is located in the beautiful Black Hills National Forest and is a great place for a family vacation. In the park you can use ...Read more Custer State Park is South Dakota’s largest state park with 71,000 acres of land to explore on foot, bike, horse, or car. It is located in the beautiful Black Hills National Forest and is a great place for a family vacation. In the park you can use the many campgrounds or you can stay in a hotel out of the park. You can choose to be active and climb one of the many spires or needles created in the rock, or you can just drive around and take in the scenery. That is what we did and we loved every minute of it.

Custer State Park was created in the 1920s and was named after Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer. The cost to enter the park is $6 per person or $15 per car. There are additional costs to camp so research the website at www.nps.gov

The park has one of the largest free roaming herds of buffalo and we saw plenty of them. At one point we even had to stop the car so a few of them could cross the road. They are huge animals, a lot larger than a cow and they really don’t smell that good either. There are overlooks throughout the park where you can exit your car for a photo stop. At one of these stops we saw a women get within 10 feet of one of these large beasts. I’m not sure if she thought it was tame, but I felt that she was going over and above the norm to get a winning photo. I’m glad the animal was not frightened or angered or we might have had a stampede on our hands. We also stopped to see a family of prairie dogs playing in the grass and we also saw a herd of antelope grazing in the field across from us. You may also see mountain goats, sheep, elk, turkeys and mountain lions. We were not lucky enough to see any of those, maybe next time.

It is a beautiful drive full of lakes, forests, fields of flowers and herds of animals at every turn. I think early in the morning would be a great time to visit because more animals would be out then. The park is easily accessed by the road out of Rapid City and is close to five other attractions: Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Badlands National Park. Don’t forget to visit these wonderful parks as you drive through South Dakota, you won’t be sorry.

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From journal Journey to the Old Way of Life in South Dakota

Camp Hosts leave MUCH to be desired

by bestofbeth

Whatcom, Washington

September 15, 2010

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Drove in from Wisconsin to find our reserved site had someone else in it. When ranger came by, he offered to give us another level site. We agreed, but apparently the site "Hosts" disagreed, and proceeded to harass us during our entire stay. ...Read more

Mt Coolidge Overlook

by mnash013

Gaylord, Minnesota

August 20, 2008

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It's a must for thrill seekers! I have a slight vertigo problem and attempted to drive up to the overlook. When I hit the last sharp curve and saw nothing but sky I panicked, big time and couldn't move. My fiancee had to drive from that point on. ...Read more

An Overview of Custer State Park

by shawnw2

Deadwood, South Dakota

March 31, 2008

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Best of IgoUgo Custer State Park is South Dakota's first and largest State Park. It all began in 1897 when Congress granted sections 16 and 36 in every township as school lands. Administering the scattered blocks of state school lands throughout the timbered Black ...Read more Custer State Park is South Dakota's first and largest State Park. It all began in 1897 when Congress granted sections 16 and 36 in every township as school lands. Administering the scattered blocks of state school lands throughout the timbered Black Hills proved to be difficult, so in 1906, negotiations arose to exchange the scattered lands for a solid block. In 1910, South Dakota exchanged 60,000 acres of land in the Black Hills forest for roughly 50,000 acres of forest in Custer County, and 12,000 acres in Harding County. These two parcels were designated as Custer State Forest in 1912. Then, in 1919 South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck urged the State Legislature to change the name to Custer State Park and the resolution passed.

The park enjoyed significant growth in the 1920s, acquiring more Black Hills forest lands. The depression saw the enactment of the Civilian Conservation Corps, who made extensive park improvements in the 1930s, establishing campgrounds and picnic areas, the erection of a park museum and the creation of roads replete with bridges. Perhaps the most important of these improvements was the construction of three reservoirs known today as Legion, Center and Stockade lakes providing water-based recreation to park visitors.

It is relevant to point out how influential Peter Norbeck was in eliciting the most the Black Hills had to offer. He was instrumental in the creation of Scenic Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Sylvan Lake and Wind Cave National Park. Serving as South Dakota Governor for several years, he later became a widely respected State Senator.

Norbeck's influence in Washington D.C. was enough to convince Calvin Coolidge to vacation for 3 weeks in summer of 1927. The State Game Lodge in Custer State Park was remodeled to serve as the Summer Whitehouse, and the creek which runs in front of the lodge was renamed from Squaw Creek to Grace Coolidge Creek and stocked with lunker trout. Aside from the fact that the fresh South Dakota air did wonders for his bronchitis, Coolidge was so impressed with the rugged beauty of the Black Hills that he extended his stay to three months, long enough for Senator Norbeck to persuade Norbeck to dedicate the undertaking known as Mount Rushmore.

People were amazed when "Silent Cal" came out in favor of the project - and promised federal support as well.

You don't have to be President of the United States for Custer State Park to have a profound effect on your sensibilities. Presently the Park encompasses roughly 71,000 acres of pristine scenery. Hikers marvel at the view awarded by Harney Peak, the highest point East of the Rocky Mountains. Fishing, swimming, mountain biking, camping and horseback riding are some more of the many activities the park offers.

There are two significant scenic byways. The first, the Needles Highway gives a spectacular look at the varying terrain that comprises the Black Hills, culminating in awe-inspiring granite spires known as the Needles. Various wildlife can be seen on both loops, but it is the forte of the second, aptly named "The Wildlife Loop."

This 13 mile loop gives visitors the chance to spot white-tailed and mule deer, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, bison, coyotes, bobcats, the elusive mountain lion and a park favorite; the begging burros. The "begging burros" are a herd of wild-roaming donkeys who are fond of begging for food from visitors. Park visitors are encouraged to bring lots of sliced apples if they wish to be especially popular with the four-legged freeloaders.

While chances are fairly slim at seeing elusive creatures like mountain lions or bobcats, the park is home to a free roaming herd of 1,500 bison, also referred to as buffalo. Every year, during the Custer Buffalo Roundup, visitors are invited to watch cowboys and cowgirls round up the entire herd to be examined for health, then have excess bison auctioned off to reflect the Park's carrying capacity. The ground rumbles even from a safe distance as 1,500 of the animals, (some of them weighing over a ton) come running into the corrals. The park also concurrently hosts an arts/crafts fair and buffalo chili feed during this event.

A $10 pass will get you into the park for a week, and if you spring for the annual pass (I'm not sure on the price) it will not only get you into Custer State Park for the entire year, but other South Dakota State Parks as well. Anyone, including myself, who has seen what Custer State Park has to offer will let you know that either way, you'll be getting a bargain for your money. Close

Custer State Park

by Mandan Lynn

Smithwick, South Dakota

August 26, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo Custer State Park is a fantastic place for all sorts of activities. Even just driving through gives you great views of the Black Hills and numerous species of wildlife, especially the Park’s large herd of American bison, which most locals call ...Read more Custer State Park is a fantastic place for all sorts of activities. Even just driving through gives you great views of the Black Hills and numerous species of wildlife, especially the Park’s large herd of American bison, which most locals call “buffalo” even though that’s not technically accurate. You might also catch a glimpse of deer, antelope, elk, mountain goats, big horn sheep, and prairie dogs. We saw many deer and antelope on our latest journey.

There are several lodging options within the park, including the State Game Lodge and cabins at various resorts such as Blue Bell. I’ve stayed at Blue Bell -- we woke up with a buffalo blocking our front door! It’s funny and a great photo opportunity, but you have to remember how dangerous those animals are. They roam free in the park, which includes around your accommodations. It makes for a special experience, but keep an eye on your children and don’t dare get too close. Buffalo are unpredictable and very fast, despite their clumsy appearance.

There are all kinds of activities that allow you to take full advantage of the beauty of the park and the animals that call it home.

Jeep rides last a couple of hours and cost about $30 for an adult. The ride takes you throughout the park and you get to learn about the park’s history and wildlife. I’ve never done one of these, and really don’t feel a need -- you can learn about the park and the animals by stopping by the visitor center, and you can see it all for yourself by driving around in your own car.

Trail rides originate at several different stables throughout the Hills. It’s a great opportunity to see the Hills from a unique perspective -- and how exciting to ride a horse! Horseback riding is one of my favorite activities, so if you’ve never done it, I highly suggest making friends with a local rancher or taking a trail ride through the Hills. Blue Bell Stables in the park organizes trail rides that last from an hour to all-day and cost from $26 to $175.

Take care to follow the laws! I’ve never gotten a speeding ticket, but I’m told that fines can be twice as much in the park. Make sure you have the appropriate licenses for fishing, and put your garbage in the trash can. Remember that there are a lot of animals that make their home in the park, and they definitely don’t appreciate finding plastic in their bedrooms. Neither do the park rangers, who will be sure to slap you with a fine.

The bad news is that you have to pay a park entrance fee. Don’t try to get away without one. The rangers are diligent about checking cars, and those without an admission sticker will be ticketed. There are different passes available, such as one-day, 7-day, and season. You have to buy the one-day pass even if you’re just passing through. Close

From journal My Black Hills

Custer State Park Game Lodge

by Sweetblue

Dayton, Ohio

August 20, 2007

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A clean, well maintained cabin greeted us for a vacation of a lifetime. We had a small housekeeping cabin, which included one queen sized bed, a pull out couch, a full bath, and a kitchen. Highly recommend this facility!

From journal Western Trip 2007

Custer State Park

by Noel F.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

July 9, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo July 5 at Custer State Parkwww.sdgfp.info/Parks/Regions/Custer/index.htm$12/car admission to Custer State Park—valid for a week. We’d been promising our daughter a surprise. Every morning she woke wondering what and when.Today was the day. As we ...Read more July 5 at Custer State Park
www.sdgfp.info/Parks/Regions/Custer/index.htm

$12/car admission to Custer State Park—valid for a week. We’d been promising our daughter a surprise. Every morning she woke wondering what and when.

Today was the day. As we headed out for Custer, she wore shorts and sandals, but I sneaked her jeans and tennis into my daypack. As we neared the Blue Bell Lodge’s stables, we used a beach towel to screen the back seat of the minivan, so she could change. The look in her eyes when she realized our destination was a trip highlight for me.

A few weeks ahead, I had booked a 1-hour trail ride for the daddies and daughters (Stables- (605) 255-4700; Blue Bell Lodge, toll-free- (888) 875-0001). On the day we were there, walk-ons were being turned away because the rides were totally booked. Cost for a 1-hour ride is $28 adult / $25 under 12 years.

No cameras are allowed on the trail, so we mamas got some shots before and after. While the riders were gone, we visited over iced tea at the Blue Bell Lodge. We had hoped to drive up to the Mt. Coolidge Watchtower for the views across the countryside. But for some reason the road was closed.

Instead, we parked in a lot directly across the road and walked maybe 100 yards to a wonderful small, rustic pavilion where we had a picnic overlooking valleys and mountains toward the vast Great Plains beyond.

Usually they know at the the entrance gates where the buffalo are, but today he wasn’t sure and told us to ask at the Wildlife Loop Road entrance. The body mass of a herd of 1000 buffalo is pretty overwhelming. We spotted a couple of pronghorns, but never found any wild donkeys. We heard it would have been better early morning or late afternoon.

Along Needles Highway (Hwy 87), we’d gasp at the scenery and swing onto an overlook. Then the next panorama would be even more stop-worthy. Some tunnels are cut from the stone and are barely one car width.

I especially had looked forward to the Cathedral Spires. We stopped at a couple of overlooks, then discovered the trailhead leading to the Spires. The others hiked right up among the spires and to the top of a shorter spire. While they went, I found a soft bed of pine needles with a gently-inclined back-rest rock, and watched through the tops of the pines the very white clouds scudding across the very blue sky. Their trek lasted an hour and a half and they’re still talking about it and how glad they are that they kept on till they finished, because it was so worth it. I feel the same way about my pine tree meditation. Close

From journal 4th of July in the Black Hills

Custer State Park

by KimberNicola

Lakeville, Minnesota

September 6, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo Custer State park was awesome. We drove from Keystone on 16A. This is a very scenic drive, but it has a lot of switchbacks, so if you get carsick, bring some Dramamine! We entered the park and went south on the Wildlife Loop. We saw some burros ...Read more

From journal Summer Vacation, Part One: South Dakota

IgoUgo

Custer State Park

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