CUSTER STATE PARK
South Dakota ’ s crown jewel
C uster State Park is the nation ’ s second largest state park , encompassing 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain and an abundance of wildlife . Favorite outdoor activities include hiking 7,242-foot Black Elk Peak or myriad other trails , horseback riding , rock climbing , fishing , chuckwagon suppers and Jeep rides to see the bison .
The park boasts scenic drives such as Needles Highway ( Hwy . 87 ), which twists and turns its way past towering rock formations and through narrow tunnels . At the end of one tunnel stands the Needles Eye , a granite spire with a slit only three to four feet wide but reaching 30 to 40 feet in the air .
You ’ ll find resorts at Sylvan Lake , Legion Lake , Blue Bell and the State Game Lodge . Or set up camp along a flowing stream , in the midst of a pine forest or near a mountain lake . Resort cabins , historic lodge rooms and motel units are available .
Don ’ t be surprised if you encounter a roadblock of grazing bison . A herd of 1,300 bison roams freely . The herd is one of the largest in the world . A word of caution : Bison can be unpredictable and dangerous . Please view them from inside a car .
The park is also home to other wildlife such as pronghorn antelope , mountain goats , bighorn sheep , mountain lions , deer , elk , wild turkeys and friendly burros . A world of adventure awaits at Custer State Park — all that is missing is you ! ■
8 Black Hills Adventure Guide 2023