Travel along 18 miles of wide-open grasslands and forested hills in search of free-roaming bison, pronghorn, eagles, and more. The Custer State Park Wildlife Loop is a self-drive adventure where the wild things truly roam. If you’re visiting the Black Hills, add a scenic drive through one of the wonders of South Dakota on the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop. It’s the perfect addition to a trip to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. Here’s everything you need to know before you hit the road.
About the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop
The Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway starts at the east entrance near the Custer State Park Visitor Center and goes to the Blue Bell entrance on the park’s west side. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the U-shaped drive. For those wanting to complete a full circle, continue another 12 miles past Blue Bell’s entrance to return to your starting point. Along the way, you’ll find scenic overlooks, historic sites, restaurants, and lodges—perfect for stretching your legs and grabbing a bite.
When is the Best Time to Visit
The Wildlife Loop is open year-round with a valid South Dakota State Park Entrance License or a temporary Custer State Park pass (valid for seven consecutive days), available online or at the entrance booth. While wildlife can be seen at any time, they are most active early in the morning and late in the evening. Plan your drive during these hours when the temperatures are cooler, and animals are more active to increase your chances of seeing them.
Custer State Park Wildlife to Look For
Spot various creatures, big and small, from iconic bison herds to eagles soaring above. Stop by the Custer State Park Visitor Center or the Bison Center to chat with knowledgeable staff and get tips on where to find wildlife on any given day. At the visitor center, you can also watch Spirit of the Tatanka, a 20-minute film narrated by Kevin Costner about the cultural significance of bison in Lakota traditions.
Bison
The park is home to around 1,400 bison, the largest native land mammals in North America, often seen grazing in the southern part of the park.
Coyotes
These clever hunters blend into the prairie grasslands and may be spotted alone or in pairs.
Bighorn Sheep
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep were reintroduced to the park in the 1920s. Herds are often seen near French Creek and Grace Coolidge Natural Area.
Mountain Lions
Primarily nocturnal and shy toward humans, they roam the Black Hills but are rarely seen.
Birds
Keep an eye out for the mountain bluebird, white-winged junco, golden eagle, prairie falcon, and western tanagers.
Elk
Second in size only to moose in the deer family, elk are best seen during early morning and evening hours.
Mountain Goats
Look for these white furry climbers perched on granite outcroppings and crags around Black Elk Peak, Needles, and Mount Rushmore areas.
Pronghorns
The fastest land animals in North America, capable of reaching speeds of 60 mph, can be seen in the open prairie grazing areas.
Burros
These wild donkeys are descendants of those once used for rides to Black Elk Peak.
Prairie Dogs
Found in social groups called “towns,” these small rodents communicate with a bark-like call.
White-Tailed Deer
Look for them in the timberlands. When they run, their tails flip up, looking like a white flag, giving the animal its name.
Mule Deer
Tell them apart from other deer with their large, expressive ears and black-tipped tails.
Take a Guided Jeep Tour of the Wildlife Loop
For a closer look at the park’s stunning landscapes and wildlife, consider booking the Sightseeing Safari and Guided Hiking Tour. This guided experience offers exclusive access to private roads throughout the park’s interior, allowing for incredible up-close encounters in an open-air Jeep and insights into the region’s wildlife and history.
More Scenic Drives in Custer State Park
While the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop is a must-see, the park also offers two additional scenic drives worth exploring.
The Needles Highway, a 14-mile drive, takes you past towering granite spires, pine forests, and the famous Needle’s Eye Tunnel.
Iron Mountain Road, an 18-mile winding route, connects Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore. Along the way, you’ll encounter pigtail bridges, scenic overlooks, and tunnels that perfectly frame the iconic presidential monument, making for an unforgettable drive.
Wildlife Spotting Safely
Observing Custer State Park wildlife is an exciting experience, but it’s important to protect yourself and the creatures that call the park home:
- Remain at least 100 yards away from large animals like bison and elk. If an animal changes its behavior due to your presence, you’re too close.
- Never feed wildlife. Human food is harmful to animals and can make them approach and become aggressive toward visitors.
- Be patient. Bison and other animals may block the road, creating a bison jam—a common occurrence in the park. Enjoy the moment and wait for them to pass.
- Drive slowly, generally 25 mph or less, and use pullouts for stopping or taking photos. Keep all doors, windows, and sunroofs closed when near wildlife.
Experience the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
If you’re visiting in late September, don’t miss the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. Each year, cowboys and cowgirls herd around 1,400 bison through the valley in a dramatic spectacle that draws over 14,000 spectators. This free event offers a rare glimpse into conservation efforts where you can feel the thunderous hooves underfoot for a taste of Americana.
Your Base for Adventure in the Black Hills
Set among ponderosa pines and juniper on a historic gold mining settlement, Under Canvas Mount Rushmore offers a one-of-a-kind luxury glamping experience just four miles from Mount Rushmore. With views of the monument and the Black Hills, this safari-inspired retreat is the perfect base camp for exploring Custer State Park. Whether you’re unwinding by the fire under a starlit sky or waking up to the sounds of nature, your stay promises memories to last a lifetime in the great outdoors.
Looking for more things to do in the Black Hills? Check out our guide to spending the perfect 72 hours near Mount Rushmore.