Things to do nearCuster State Park

Custer State Park was established in 1919 under the direction of South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck, who shaped much of its road system personally, insisting that the routes follow the natural contours of the land rather than cut through it. That philosophy is still visible today in the spiraling pigtail bridges and tight tunnels of the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road, both of which rank among the most scenic drives in the American West.

The park sustains one of the largest publicly owned bison herds in North America, and each fall a roundup draws visitors from across the country to watch cowboys and rangers work the herd on horseback. Beyond the bison, the grasslands support pronghorn, elk, mountain goats, and the famously bold wild burros that wander roadside looking for handouts.

Hikers can choose from trails ranging from the easy Sylvan Lake Shore Trail to the strenuous Black Elk Peak route, which reaches the highest point in the United States east of the Rockies. The park's resorts and lodges, built in a rustic style that complements the surroundings, serve regional dishes including bison stew and trout.

Custer State Park sits within easy reach of Mount Rushmore and Wind Cave National Park, making it a natural anchor for a broader Black Hills itinerary, and its combination of wildlife, geology, and open space makes it one of the most rewarding state parks in the country.