Ride deeper into Custer State Park on a guided 2-hour horseback trail
2 hours
Up to 16 people
2-hour guided horseback ride
Ride with wranglers from Blue Bell Lodge Stables on a 2-hour guided trail through Custer State Park, including multiple creek crossings and valley views. This ride is walk-only and you stay in the saddle the full time.
Ages 7+ and children must ride alone on the trail. Maximum weight is 230 lbs for riders 6 feet or less; ask Greetwell about limits if you are 6 feet or taller. Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and required waiver forms, and cash gratuities are customary for wranglers.
Receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Receive a full credit if the operator cancels due to unforeseen circumstances, including severe inclement weather. No-shows or cancellations within 48 hours will be charged the full price.
Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Leave behind backpacks, purses, fanny packs, cameras, Go-Pros, ponchos, neck accessories, and water bottles—nothing can hang from or be tied to you. If you wear a jacket, keep it on and zipped for the full ride. You may bring a cellphone for photos.
Yes. You ride for the full two hours with no breaks and no dismounting.
Beginners are welcome, but riding in a saddle can be physically demanding. You need to be physically fit, able to remain upright, and fit properly in the saddle, and you must follow the wranglers’ instructions.
This historic 1920s lodge sits in a spectacular location within Custer State Park, offering an ideal home base for exploring the Wildlife Loop, Iron Mountain Road, and Needles Highway. Guests consistently praise the impeccably clean rooms and cabins, with accommodations ranging from the main lodge to creekside units and cozy private cabins. The deluxe rooms with outdoor patios are particularly popular for wildlife watching right from your door. The restaurant earns high marks for its buffet and bison steak, with friendly service and generous portions at reasonable prices. Staff throughout the property get plenty of mentions for being welcoming and helpful. The setting is genuinely stunning, with that peaceful, tucked-into-the-hills feeling that makes for a memorable stay. Keep in mind this is a place to unplug and enjoy nature rather than catch up on streaming. Visitors from near and far seem genuinely charmed by the combination of historical character, natural beauty, and convenient park access.
If you want to see wild buffalo, this is the place. If you're lucky, you might find yourself surrounded by buffalo and unable to get out of your car.
S Yoshioka
March 16, 2026
If you want to see wild buffalo, this is the place. If you're lucky, you might find yourself surrounded by buffalo and unable to get out of your car.
S Yoshioka
March 16, 2026