Custer State Park, South Dakota

Custer State Park

Upon arriving to Custer State Park, it is worth your while to stop at one of the park's visitor centers. Located at the Peter Norbeck Center along Highway 16 and at the Wildlife Station Visitor Center on the Wildlife Loop, you'll find knowledgeable park experts ready to answer all of your questions. Displays, books, and videos about the Black Hills area will also enhance your trip through Custer State Park. Don't forget to pick up the latest issue of "Tatanka", a guide to the park provided by the park service.

Throughout the Summer and early September, the park offers a variety of Naturalist programs in efforts to increase natural as well as cultural awareness about the area. You can participate in evening programs at one of the park's campgrounds or go on a guided nature walk. There are also gold panning demonstrations and patio activities for the kids.

In addition to the plethora of on going recreational and educational activities, Custer State Park offers a spectrum of special events all summer and throughout the fall. Special trail walks are held throughout the summer, and come October, the park holds several Buffalo Roundup events. You can enjoy the Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival, Buffalo Wallow Chili Cookoff, and the Buffalo Roundup which features cowboys and cowgirls driving a heard of 1,450 bison into buffalo corrals. The bison are then branded and auctioned off. On Halloween, the park offers a wacky guided and costumed night hike. Visitors will be exposed to the sounds and sights of the park at night.

Custer State Park charges a small entrance fee to enjoy its resources. From May 1 through October 31, expect to pay $5 per person or $12 per vehicle. From November 1 though April 30, the rates drop to $2.50 per person or $6 per vehicle. Whatever kind of adventure you are looking for, you'll find it in Custer State Park.

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