Wind , cold and snow . Lousy scenery and roads shut down . You may think there is nothing to do in the winter . Actually this is probably one of the best times to explore and discover the Park ! Yes , things slow down , but doesn ’ t that give you the time to slow down as well and take it all in ? Custer State Park has some of the most beautiful landscapes , and winter makes it even better !
One sign of the winter months is that the wildlife tend to be more prominent as the busy summer months wind down . It ’ s easier to find not only the bison herd but the pronghorn , elk and burros .
Another sign is the closure of the Needles Highway to vehicle traffic , but that means it is wide open to foot traffic . Hiking , snow shoeing and cross-country skiing are great ways to see this amazing area . The granite spires take on a whole new feel when you immerse yourself into the scenery instead of speeding by in a car .
Most of the campgrounds and lodges are closed during the winter season ; however , the Game Lodge Campground and some of the cabins at the State Game Lodge remain open . Nothing sounds better than sitting on the porch in the valley of the State Game Lodge with a cup of hot cocoa , watching it snow .
During the winter months the park also offers the Winter Trail Challenge . Starting November 24 and lasting through April , you will be challenged to find our “ selfie signs ” on seven different trails to earn the 2024 Winter Trail Challenge pin . Also , during the month of December the Park Visitor Center will take on a festive feel as the building is decorated by our community in “ The Festival of Trees ”. Stop by for a taste of the Holiday season and vote for your favorite tree . A wide variety of programs are offered monthly at Custer State Park . One of the more popular ones is the First Day Hike on January 1 , 2024 . What better way to start a new year than experiencing the beauty of wintertime in the Black Hills ! Make sure to check out the event calendar at custerstatepark . com
Winter in Custer State Park allows guests to slow down , enjoy the magic of the park , to find themselves in a fascinating winter landscape and experience this wonderful area that we live in .
26 Down Country Roads November / December 2023