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Custer State Park is one of the most impressive in the entire
state park system. At 71,000 acres, it's quite large. The location
of the park makes for fantastic wildlife habitat due to the combination
of the Black Hills and the prairie of the eastern boundary. Custer
State Park was named after Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer
in 1919, when Custer State Forest was changed to Custer State
Park.
Custer State Park offers a wide variety of activities ranging
from mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing
and jeep rides for wildlife watching. And speaking of wildfire,
Custer State Park is one of the best places to see it, anywhere.
A large bison herd of 1500 animals makes spotting them incredibly
easy.
All of the roads in the park are scenic and interesting, so those
who prefer to "drive and see" will certainly have a
good time. Definitely observe speed limits, and be even more cautious
during low light hours. Deer, bison and other animals are often
standing right out on the road - especially in blind turns with
creek bottoms and shade. The "Needles" are in the NW
corner of the park via route 87 is a scenic highlight.
If you have any plans on being near Custer State Park, make sure
you stop in for a visit. It's worth the detour from the interstate
for sure.
Park facts:
Location: Western South Dakota
Established: January 9th, 1903
Total acreage: 71,000
Streams: French Creek, Grace Coolidge Creek
Large portions of mixed grass prairie remain
Large elk herd
Campgrounds: 6
Hiking Trails: 70 miles
Class 1 Night Sky
70 mammal species
175 bird species
Lakes: Sylvan, Stockade, Center; Legion, Sylvan
Visitation: : 700,000
Contacts:
Custer State Park
13329 US HWY 16A
Custer, SD 57730
605- 255-4515
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