Drive the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road, where bison roam freely and sweeping landscapes stretch before you. At the Wildlife Station Visitor Center, explore the park’s history and wildlife. The Needles Highway offers a winding route through jagged granite spires, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Black Hills. Mount Coolidge provides panoramic views of the entire park, revealing the diverse terrain that defines this stunning natural haven.
Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!
After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.
Begin from the Welcome to Custer State Park Sign, U.S. 16A, Custer. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Next up is the Wildlife Station Visitor Center, a charming cabin with wooden fences. It’s an excellent spot for a pit stop, as we won’t have another restroom opportunity for a while. The center offers restrooms, small exhibits, and info on the park’s wildlife. It’s open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, and the parking lot will be on our left if you’d like to visit.
Next, we’re heading to Blue Bell Stables, the only riding stables in Custer State Park. Open from mid-May to September, it offers both beginner and advanced trail rides. Rides are available in the morning, and while advance booking is recommended, walk-ups are welcome if you arrive 30 minutes early.
Welcome to Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop Road! This 18-mile scenic route offers the best chance to spot wildlife like bison, burros, deer, elk, coyotes, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep. Remember, these are wild animals, so it’s essential to keep your distance—no petting, feeding, or selfies with bison! Stay alert for wildlife crossings and enjoy the beautiful surroundings safely. Note: The tour is over 27 miles long, with more than 25+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
Off to our left is Mount Coolidge, with the Mount Coolidge Lookout and Fire Tower at the top. At 6,023 feet, it offers stunning views of the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and the Badlands. Back in 1923, it was called Lookout Mountain, and a man named Jack Sheehan once lived here to watch for fires. One day, he had an unforgettable encounter with a bear that turned out to be a pet looking for a friend!
We’re approaching Legion Lake, a peaceful spot with a beach, playground, picnic areas, and a half-mile hike around the lake that takes just 15 minutes. But in December 2017, the lake was part of a wildfire that scorched 35,000 acres. Thanks to improved safety measures, we can enjoy the lake without concern today. Parking will be on our right shortly—don’t miss a quick visit!
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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