Scenic 18-mile loop road through rolling prairie and pine-covered hills offering close-up views of bison, pronghorn, deer, and other native wildlife.
General Information
Best wildlife viewing early morning and late evening
How to Get There
From Custer, SD (5 mi): Head east on US-16A, turn right onto Wildlife Loop Road at the park entrance, and follow the loop through the southern section of the park.
Overview
The Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road offers one of the most immersive wildlife experiences in the American Midwest. Spanning 18 miles through the southern portion of Custer State Park, the loop winds through open grasslands and ponderosa pine forests, providing ample opportunities to spot bison, pronghorn antelope, elk, wild burros, and prairie dogs. The road is paved and accessible by car, with pullouts and scenic overlooks that allow for safe wildlife viewing and photography. Early morning and dusk are the best times to encounter the park’s famous bison herd, which numbers over 1,300 animals.
In addition to wildlife, the loop offers sweeping views of the Black Hills and access to hiking trails and picnic areas. Interpretive signs along the route provide insights into the park’s ecology and conservation efforts. Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, or casual traveler, the Wildlife Loop Road delivers a quintessential South Dakota experience that connects visitors with the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
