Custer State Park

Custer State Park is one of the few truly wild places remaining in the United States, and a visit here is a visit to an America of old. Spanning 71,000 acres of magnificent scenery and home to an impressive range of wildlife, the park offers ample opportunities for outdoor adventure, from hiking and rock climbing to biking and camping. But the real highlight is the local herd of 1,300 bison that freely roam the prairies and hills of this beautiful state park. Close encounters can be had along the 28km Wildlife Loop Road that winds around the southern edge of the park, and a guided safari tour is highly recommended to go off the main roads deep into their habitat. You’ll also get to encounter other native wildlife like pronghorn antelope, elk, burros, deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs.

Custer State Park also boasts one of the most scenic drives in the state on The Needles Highway – a 22.5km stretch of road that winds you through stunning pine and spruce forests, towering granite pillars and spires, lush meadows surrounded by birch and aspen, and the serene waters of Sylvan Lake – where you can go swimming, paddle boarding and fishing.