Custer State Park Activities and Programs

Scenic Cruising:
Visitors should take the time to enjoy driving the park’s scenic byways. Some of the most popular drives are Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, Wildlife Loop Road and Mount Coolidge Lookout. Drivers of large vehicles such as motorhomes and busses should check ahead because many of these scenic drives contain tunnels with height and width restrictions.

Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding:
The park offers miles of trails for guests to explore. Trails range in length and difficulty. Maps and other sources of information about hiking, mountain biking and horse trails may be obtained at either park visitor center and at local bookstores. A general trail map is also located in the park magazine given to guests upon entering the park. In addition to the designated trails, hiking is allowed anywhere in Custer State Park.

Summer Interpretive Programs:
Interpretive programs at Custer State Park allow visitors to learn about the region’s natural and cultural history first hand. Summer interpretive programs are held between late May and early September. Some of the programs include gold panning demonstrations, guided nature walks, fishing, geocaching, Wildlife Loop Road caravan, living history demonstrations, evening programs and the Junior Naturalist Program.

Wildlife Watching:
Custer State Park is a world class wildlife refuge. Watchable wildlife in the park include bison, whitetail and mule deer, antelope, mountain goats, elk, coyotes, burros, bighorn sheep, birds, wild turkeys and prairie dogs. Most wildlife can easily be seen from your car. Please remember these are wild animals, so keep your distance.

Water Fun:
Swimming is allowed at the park’s five lakes Center Lake, Legion Lake, Stockade Lake, Sylvan Lake and the Game Lodge Pond. Please keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty at any of the park’s lakes. Boating is permitted in the four lakes; however, restrictions apply. Please refer to the park magazine or ask at the visitor centers for these restrictions. Fishing is allowed anywhere in Custer State Park. A valid South Dakota fishing license is required.



Black Hills Playhouse:
The Black Hills Playhouse is a non-profit professional summer theater located in Custer State Park. The Playhouse is associated with the University of South Dakota College of Fine Arts. Actors, directors and designers from all over the country participate in this summer theatre and training program.

Buffalo Safari Jeep Rides:
Take an exciting open air jeep ride in search of wildlife, with educational and historic commentary. The jeep rides leave from the State Game Lodge. This is a one and a half to two-hour adventure and reservations are recommended. (605) 255-4541



Chuck Wagon Cookout Adventures:
For an evening adventure, take the Buffalo Safari Jeep Ride or a vehicle-drawn hayride to a chuckwagon cookout. You will be taken to a beautiful secluded canyon for entertainment and cowboy cookin’. Sing-along country/folk music entertains throughout the evening. Reservations are required; call (605) 255-4531.

Horse Trail Rides:
Guides lead visitors through some of the park’s most scenic back country. One- or two-hour rides are available daily leaving from Blue Bell Lodge. Full-day and half-day rides are available by special request. Reservations are recommended; call (605) 255-4571.

Sunday Services:
Non-denominational Sunday services are available June through August. Chapels are located at the State Game Lodge, Blue Bell Lodge and Sylvan Lake Lodge.