This post is sponsored by Custer State Park and the South Dakota Department of Tourism, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
It seems the older I get, the bigger my travel bucket list gets. There are so many things I want to see, ranging from the beautiful architecture in Europe to some of nature’s natural wonders here in our own country. Today I want to share my wanderlust and some of the top things to do in Custer State Park, where adventure meets wildlife in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
If you’re the outdoors type, you’ll want to put Custer State Park on your travel bucket list if you haven’t already! Custer State Park, established in 1919, is a 71,000 acre park located in South Dakota. It’s home to roaming herds of buffalo, magnificent scenery, and a variety of outdoor adventures for everyone. There are only a few truly wild places that remain in this country and Custer State Park is one of them.
THINGS TO DO IN CUSTER STATE PARK:
Wildlife Viewing
Custer State Park is home to free roaming bighorn sheep, elk, deer, prairie dogs and wild burros, but the most popular wildlife attraction is the buffalo! The Annual Buffalo Roundup takes place every September, drawing in thousands of viewers to experience cowboys and cowgirls roundup and drive the herd of approximately 1,300 buffalo.
Rock Climbing
Custer State Park is known for its slender granite formations called “Needles”, which accent the skyline. The needles provide excellent rock climbing experiences.
Scenic Drives
There are 3 scenic drives you can adventure down in Custer State Park: Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, and Wildlife Loop Road. Needles Highway is a 14 mile long highway that will give you some of the best views of the granite spears in the park. Iron Mountain Road is known for connecting Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which could make for a great road trip in itself! Wildlife Loop Road is where it’s at if wildlife spotting is what you’re seeking. Common wildlife along this road are deer, prairie dogs, elk, mountain lions, and buffalo, where they are known for causing the occasional traffic jam! Be sure to use caution as these are wild animals!
Camping
One of the most popular things to do in Custer State Park is camping! The park offers a variety of ways to go camping, from traditional campgrounds with scenic sites, to resort style lodging.
Outdoor Adventure
Custer State Park is home to 4 mountainous lakes of crystal blue water that are great for fishing. There are also many trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding throughout the park.
These are just a few things to do in Custer State Park. You can learn more about all of the adventures the park can offer if you visit this helpful site.
Have you ever visited Custer State Park or is it on your bucket list? Share your experience in the comments below!
Jane Davidson says
This has officially been added to my bucket list! It looks beautiful and there is so much to do!
Carly says
This sounds like it is right up the alley for me and my husband!! We have a growing list of places we want to visit and this might have to be added to our list!
Berniedette of PetiteAndToned.com says
a buffalo roundup? I might need to add this to my own personal travel bucket list!!! But perhaps I should practice some rock climbing first!
xoxo,
Berniedette | PetiteAndToned.com
Mistle says
I have never heard of this park before! I too find that as I get older my bucket list of places to visit keeps on growing. Rock climbing sounds like a blast as well as the scenic drives.
Sheila Joy says
This park looks amazing! There is so much of the U.S. that I would love to see, especially more National Parks. I actually work on one in Pennsylvania!
http://www.insearchofsheila.com
Aarika says
I LOVE this post! Visiting South Dakota has been on my bucket list for a long time; now I need to make it come true! =) Your pictures are stunning. May I ask what you shoot with? I need to up my camera gear. haha.
Christine says
Buffalo! How cool are they?