Custer State Park: Self-Guided Drive with Audio Guide

What your day looks like

You’ll drive along Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop Road, where bison roam freely. Keep an eye out for pronghorns, elk, and more! This scenic route offers a great introduction to the park’s diverse wildlife and vast, open spaces. Next, stop at the Wildlife Station Visitor Center, where you can explore exhibits showcasing the park's rich history and ongoing conservation efforts. Learn about the wildlife that call Custer State Park home, including the bison that roam the plains and the efforts being made to protect them. If you visit at the right time, you might catch the annual Buffalo Roundup, a historic event that draws visitors from far and wide. Whether or not you catch the event itself, you’ll hear about the tradition and the role it plays in preserving the park’s wildlife. Hikers won’t want to miss the next stop, the Prairie Trail. This scenic two-mile loop traverses some of the park’s most picturesque terrain and makes for some exceptional wildlife-spotting opportunities. Next, visit Prairie Dog Town, home to the entertaining prairie dogs that populate the park. Watch these burrowing creatures dart in and out of their tunnels as you hear about their role in the ecosystem and how they help maintain the park’s biodiversity. And no visit would be complete without heading up to the scenic overlook atop Mount Coolidge, featuring sweeping views of Custer State Park and the surrounding Black Hills. Finally, you’ll arrive at Legion Lake, a serene spot that’s perfect for photos and offers an easy hike around the lakeshore. This driving tour is best paired with other South Dakota adventures, like Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and the ultimate Black Hills road trip.