Wildlife Loop Road
Watch for bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and other wildlife from a safe distance.
Check availabilityCheck availabilitySouth Dakota's Great 8 · Destination guide
Bison, granite spires, scenic highways, and mountain lakes make this one of South Dakota's biggest outdoor days.
Why it belongs on the route
Custer State Park covers 71,000 acres in the southern Black Hills and is known for its bison herd, mountain scenery, lakes, trails, and scenic drives. It rewards travelers who slow down and choose a focused route instead of trying to see the entire park in a few hours.
From Pierre, Custer State Park works best as the next major stop on a westbound itinerary. An overnight in the capital adds the Missouri River and central South Dakota to the trip while keeping the next day's Black Hills route straightforward.
Check official visitor information ↗Build the experience
Watch for bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and other wildlife from a safe distance.
Walk the lakeshore or use the area as a starting point for a longer trail.
Experience granite formations and narrow tunnels when the seasonal road is open.
Plan with confidence
Ready when you are
Choose your dates, check availability, and let Pierre be the easy part of your trip.