All of Custer State Park can be seen in 1 day, but you can also see the main highlights in just half a day. If you have more time and want to travel at a slower pace and/or add in multiple hikes or a guided tour, you’ll need at least 2-3 days in Custer.
How much time should I spend at Custer State Park?
For the best experience, plan to spend one full day in Custer State Park. This gives you enough time for the highlights of our best things to do in Custer State Park list, which includes Wildlife Loop Road, the Cathedral Spires Trail, Sylvan Lake, Needles Highway, and Iron Mountain Road.
How long does it take to drive through Custer State Park?
between one and two hours
Winding drives throughout the park are enjoyed at a slower pace. For your safety and the safety of the animals, please allow ample time to travel at a safe speed—generally 25 miles per hour or slower. When making plans, expect a travel time of anywhere between one and two hours to complete the loop.
Is Custer State Park worth seeing?
Unlike other state parks, there are many things to do in Custer State Park that make it well-worth a visit for everyone. With opportunities for scenic drives, wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, boating, camping and even fine dining, there truly is something for everyone at Custer State Park.
How do you spend a day at Custer State Park?
The main things to do in Custer State Park include driving the wildlife loop (and searching for bison), enjoying Sylvan Lake, and hiking one or more of the many trails. If you’re in a rush, you can squeeze an overview into a few hours but spending a full day is ideal.
Can I drive through Custer State Park?
The road is open year-round but does require careful driving during winter conditions.
Is the Badlands worth seeing?
The scenery is beautiful and stunning. Nice hiking trails (can get hot so bring water). The is definitely worth a visit. You can see a lot just driving through, but if you like to hike there are some nice options for that too.
Is Custer Wildlife Loop one way?
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Map
There are two ways to enter the loop depending on which park entrance you use. East Entrance: the east junction for Wildlife Loop Road starts near the Visitor Center on Highway 16A near. From here the road heads south and then loops back to Highway 16A near the West Entrance.
Which is better Needles Highway or Iron Mountain Road?
This road trip is definitely best by traveling from south to north on hwy 16. It will wind up eventually giving way to views of mount rushmore off in the distance and will have a few cool tunnels and unique bridges.
How long should I spend at Mount Rushmore?
How Long Should I Plan to Stay at Mount Rushmore? Most people spend one to two hours at Mount Rushmore, but you could easily spend more time there if you took it slow.
How long is the loop in Custer State Park?
18-mile
Custer State Park’s 18-mile Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway has what you are looking for!
What should I not miss in the Black Hills?
Top Things to Do in the Black Hills
- Badlands National Park. Badlands National Park.
- Custer State Park. Custer State Park.
- Mount Rushmore, South Dakota. Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
- Roughlock Falls at Spearfish Canyon.
- Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.
- Wild Bill Hickok in Deadwood.
How long does it take to drive the Needles Highway?
about 45 to 60 minutes
Winding drives throughout the park are most enjoyable at a slower pace. When making plans, please allow ample time to travel at a safe speed—generally 25 miles per hour or slower. Expect travel time of about 45 to 60 minutes to enjoy Needles Highway.
Can you swim Custer State Park?
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.
Do you need a park pass for Custer State Park?
There are some parts of Custer State Park that you can get to without having to pay the entrance fee. One of those parts just happens to be on one of the most spectacular highways in all of the United States. The Iron Mountain Highway runs from the Mount Rushmore area to the East Entrance of the park.
How many burros are in Custer State Park?
The burro population here is small, usually numbering less than 10.
Is there cell service in Custer State Park?
Our cell service is with AT&T, and we couldn’t believe how much better it was this year. I was taking photos and texting them and loading them to Facebook all over the park. Sure, there were places we had no service, but overall it worked very well. We also have AT&T.
How long is Needles Eye Tunnel?
14 mile
My favorite part of this drive is the Needles Eye Tunnel. To navigate, press the arrow keys. The Needles Highway winds through spectacular Black Hills scenery. This 14 mile stretch of highway was completed in 1922.
How long does it take to drive the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway?
about two to three hours
Expect travel time of about two to three hours for the whole byway; but probably about an hour and fifteen minutes to travel the part just from the State Game Lodge to Mount Rushmore; or about the same time from Sylvan Lake to the State Game Lodge.
Can you see Crazy Horse without paying?
Crazy Horse Memorial is only sustained by admission and private contributions. Your admission dollars support Crazy Horse Memorial’s mission to protect and preserve the culture, tradition, and living heritage of the indigenous people of North America.
How much time do you need in the Badlands?
1. Start to Finish: Park rangers suggest spending two full days to truly experience the park, but you can certainly visit in less time. If you have one full day to spend, plan on being at the park for both sunrise and sunset – the light cast over the Badlands is incredible.
