Custer State Park in South Dakota’s Black Hills offers a breathtaking road trip experience, with scenic drives, abundant wildlife, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a road trip planner, this guide will provide you with the essential details and insights to make the most of your Custer State Park adventure.
Navigating the Scenic Drives
Needles Highway
- Distance: 14 miles
- Expected travel time: 60+ minutes
- Tunnels: Needles Eye Tunnel (8′ 0″ wide by 9′ 9″ high), Iron Creek Tunnel (8′ 9″ wide by 10′ 10″ high)
- Features: Ponderosa pine and Black Hills spruce forests, meadows, and rugged granite mountains
- Closures: Closes with the first snow of the season and reopens on April 1 or later depending on conditions.
Iron Mountain Road
- Distance: 17 miles
- Expected travel time: 60+ minutes
- Tunnels: Doane Robinson Tunnel (12′ 0″ wide by 11′ 4″ high), C.C. Gideon Tunnel (11′ 6″ wide by 10′ 9″ high), Scovel Johnson Tunnel (10′ 9″ wide by 11′ 0″ high)
- Features: Connects Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, passes through beautiful Black Hills scenery
- Closures: Periodically closes during winter depending on conditions.
Wildlife Loop Road
- Distance: 18 miles
- Expected travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes (dependent on “wildlife jams”)
- Features: Twists and turns through prairie and ponderosa pine-studded hills, home to many wildlife species including bison, deer, elk, and more
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late evening for optimal wildlife viewing.
Navigating the Park Entrances
Custer State Park has four main entrances, each offering a unique access point to the park’s attractions:
- East Entrance: Near the visitor center on Highway 16 A, closest to Mount Rushmore and Iron Mountain Road
- West Entrance: Near the town of Custer on Highway 16 A
- Sylvan Lake Entrance: Northwest entrance, closest to the Needles Highway and Crazy Horse Monument
- Blue Bell Entrance: Southwest entrance, closest to Jewel Cave National Park and the Wildlife Loop.
Tips and Recommendations
- Best time of day to drive the Wildlife Loop: Early morning for optimal wildlife viewing
- Driving speed: Drive slowly to appreciate the scenery and avoid wildlife
- Accommodations: Book a resort room to extend your stay and enjoy additional activities
- Additional activities: Hiking, scenic hayrides, and educational stops are available within the park.
Nearby Attractions
Custer State Park is surrounded by a wealth of natural and cultural attractions, making it an ideal base for a broader South Dakota road trip. Some of the nearby attractions include:
- Mount Rushmore: 20 miles, 45 minutes away
- Rapid City: 30 miles, 40 minutes away
- Wind Cave National Park: 11 miles, 30 minutes away
- Hot Springs: 36 miles, 45 minutes away
- Badlands National Park: 1 hour 15 minutes, 70 miles away
- Devils Tower National Monument: 2 hours 15 minutes, 122 miles away.
Custer State Park’s scenic drives, abundant wildlife, and proximity to other Black Hills attractions make it a must-visit destination for any road trip enthusiast. By planning your route, understanding the park’s unique features, and taking advantage of the tips and recommendations, you can ensure a truly unforgettable Custer State Park road trip experience.
References
- https://wereintherockies.com/wildlife-loop-custer-state-park/
- https://gfp.sd.gov/csp-scenic-drives/
- https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/scenic-drives
- https://www.onegirlwholeworld.com/north-america/mount-rushmore-custer-state-park-south-dakota/
- https://www.dirtyshoesandepicviews.com/blog/things-to-do-custer-state-park.