Explore the Wonders of Custer State Park at the Wildlife Station Visitor Center
Discover wildlife and nature at the Wildlife Station Visitor Center in Custer State Park, your gateway to South Dakota's stunning landscapes.
Nestled in the heart of Custer State Park, the Wildlife Station Visitor Center serves as a gateway to nature's wonders, offering educational exhibits, stunning views, and access to a variety of outdoor activities. Tourists will find a wealth of information about the park's unique wildlife and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
A brief summary to Wildlife Station Visitor Center
- 13479 Wildlife Loop Road, Custer, SD, 57730, US
- +1605-394-2693
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
- Thursday 8 am-6 pm
- Friday 8 am-6 pm
- Saturday 8 am-6 pm
- Sunday 8 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for the best chance to see wildlife along the Wildlife Loop Road.
- Don't forget your camera! The views and wildlife are perfect for photography.
- Check the visitor center's schedule for educational programs and guided tours.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan on hiking the trails.
- Take advantage of the knowledgeable staff; they can provide personalized recommendations for your visit.
Getting There
-
Car
If you are traveling by car within Custer State Park, head towards Wildlife Loop Road. Make sure to enter the park through the main entrance. After entering, follow the signs for Wildlife Loop Road. The Wildlife Station Visitor Center is located at 13479 Wildlife Loop Road, which is approximately 3 miles from the entrance. As you drive, watch for wildlife sightings and park information signs along the way.
-
Public Transportation
Currently, public transportation options are limited within Custer State Park. If you do not have a car, consider using a shuttle service or taxi that operates in the area. You can ask your hotel or local tourism office for recommendations. Once you arrange for transportation, provide them with the address: 13479 Wildlife Loop Road, Custer, SD 57730, and confirm the cost of the ride beforehand.
-
Biking or Walking
For those who enjoy biking or walking, you can take advantage of the park's scenic trails. If you are close to the Visitor Center, you can use the trails leading to Wildlife Loop Road. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as it can be a long walk depending on your starting point. Always be cautious of wildlife in the area while walking or biking.
Discover more about Wildlife Station Visitor Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hazelrodt Picnic Area
12.7 km
Discover the tranquility of Hazelrodt Picnic Area in Custer, SD, where nature meets relaxation for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Custer State Park Mt Coolidge
12.8 km
Experience breathtaking views and diverse wildlife at Custer State Park Mt Coolidge, a must-visit destination for nature lovers in South Dakota.
Wind Cave Canyon
13.8 km
Explore the stunning ravines and natural beauty of Wind Cave Canyon in South Dakota, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center
15.4 km
Discover the stunning landscapes and unique geological features at Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center in South Dakota.
Glen Erin School Historic Site
16.2 km
Explore the Glen Erin School Historic Site in Custer, South Dakota, a charming glimpse into the educational past surrounded by stunning Black Hills scenery.
Gordon Stockade Historical Landmark
17.6 km
Uncover the rich history and natural beauty of Gordon Stockade, a must-visit historical landmark and state park in Custer, South Dakota.
Iron Mtn Rd Visitor Center Keystone, SD
18.7 km
Discover the stunning views and rich history at the Iron Mountain Road Visitor Center, a scenic highlight of South Dakota's Black Hills.
Dakota Dream Bed & Breakfast & Horse Hotel
20.6 km
Experience the Ultimate Comfort at Dakota Dream Bed & Breakfast in Custer, SD – Your Gateway to the Scenic Black Hills and Outdoor Adventures.
Ken's Minerals & Trading Post
21.2 km
Explore nature's hidden gems at Ken's Minerals & Trading Post in Custer, South Dakota, where rock enthusiasts find extraordinary specimens and unique treasures.
Pageant Hill
21.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Pageant Hill in Custer, South Dakota, a perfect venue for events and a scenic retreat for nature lovers.
Custer Bark Park
21.4 km
Explore the pet-friendly Custer Bark Park in South Dakota, where dogs can run free and socialize in a welcoming natural landscape.
Big Rock Park
21.5 km
Explore the stunning landscapes of Big Rock Park in Custer, South Dakota, where nature, adventure, and tranquility await every visitor.
Dave's Rock Shop
21.5 km
Explore the enchanting world of geology at Dave's Rock Shop in Custer, South Dakota, home to a stunning collection of minerals and fossils.
Miner's Cup
21.6 km
Discover the heart of Custer at Miner's Cup, where exceptional coffee and hearty breakfasts await in a cozy atmosphere.
Custer Lighted Sign
21.6 km
Discover the nostalgic charm of the Custer Lighted Sign, a historical landmark that beautifully captures the essence of Custer, South Dakota.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bison Center
2.0 km
Discover the Bison Center in Fairburn, SD, where immersive exhibits meet the breathtaking beauty of America's iconic bison in their natural habitat.
Wildlife Loop Road
6.6 km
Experience the breathtaking Wildlife Loop Road in South Dakota, a scenic drive through Custer State Park showcasing stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Wildlife Loop Rd
6.6 km
Experience the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park, South Dakota, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road
7.3 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road, a scenic drive showcasing South Dakota's stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Prairie Dog Town
7.4 km
Explore the lively ecosystem of Prairie Dog Town in Custer, SD, and enjoy a unique wildlife experience amidst stunning Black Hills scenery.
Custer State Park
8.3 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Custer State Park in South Dakota, a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Boland Ridge
8.6 km
Explore the breathtaking views and rich natural beauty of Boland Ridge, a premier hiking area in South Dakota's Black Hills region.
Blue Bell Entrance Station (Custer State Park)
10.1 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife at Custer State Park's Blue Bell Entrance Station, a must-visit destination in South Dakota.
Sanctuary Trail
10.3 km
Explore the breathtaking trails of Sanctuary Trail, a serene hiking paradise nestled in the stunning landscapes of Custer, South Dakota.
Custer State Park Visitor Center
10.5 km
Explore the stunning natural beauty and rich wildlife at Custer State Park Visitor Center - your gateway to adventure in South Dakota.
Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours
10.7 km
Discover the untamed beauty of South Dakota with Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours, an exhilarating journey into the wild.
Lovers Leap Trailhead
10.9 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife at Lovers Leap Trailhead, a premier hiking destination in Custer, South Dakota.
Custer State Park Resort
10.9 km
Experience the enchanting beauty of Custer State Park Resort, where nature meets adventure in the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota.
Rankin Ridge Trail
11.0 km
Discover the breathtaking vistas and serene landscapes of Rankin Ridge Trail, a must-visit hiking destination in Custer, South Dakota.
Blue Bell Stables
11.0 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Custer State Park on horseback at Blue Bell Stables, where adventure and nature come together.
Essential places to dine
State Game Lodge Restaurant Custer State Park
10.9 km
Experience exquisite American cuisine in the heart of Custer State Park at the State Game Lodge Restaurant—where nature meets culinary delight.
Dockside Grill
13.2 km
Experience authentic American cuisine in Custer's scenic beauty at Dockside Grill – where every meal is a celebration of flavor and nature.
Subway
21.6 km
Discover deliciously fresh sandwiches at Subway in Custer—your perfect pit stop during South Dakota adventures.
Sage Creek Grille - Closed for the Season - Reopening Spring 2024
21.9 km
Experience delightful American cuisine at Sage Creek Grille in Custer, SD – where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
Hot Dog Man
21.9 km
Experience gourmet hot dogs at Hot Dog Man in Custer - perfect for tourists seeking delicious bites amidst stunning Black Hills scenery.
Maria's Mexican Restaurant
21.9 km
Savor authentic Mexican flavors at Maria's Mexican Restaurant in Custer – where every meal is a festive celebration!
Pizza Hut
22.0 km
Enjoy delicious pizzas and chicken wings at Pizza Hut in Custer - a family-friendly dining spot amidst South Dakota's scenic beauty.
The Custer Wolf - Food & Drink
22.0 km
Experience the best of American cuisine and vibrant bar culture at The Custer Wolf in South Dakota's scenic town of Custer.
Baker's Bakery & Cafe
22.0 km
Experience the delightful flavors of Baker's Bakery & Cafe in Custer – where fresh ingredients meet warm hospitality.
Begging Burro Mexican Bistro
22.0 km
Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Begging Burro Mexican Bistro in Custer - a perfect blend of flavor and culture awaits!
Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar
22.0 km
Discover hearty American cuisine and lively sports entertainment at Buglin' Bull Restaurant in Custer, SD – perfect for families and adventurers alike.
Black Hills Sauce & Dough Co.
22.0 km
Discover Black Hills Sauce & Dough Co., where delicious pizza and gourmet sandwiches meet the charm of Custer, South Dakota.
Black Hills Sauce & Dough
22.0 km
Experience the best local flavors at Black Hills Sauce & Dough in Custer, SD – perfect after exploring Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.
The Custer Beacon
22.1 km
Discover delicious dining at The Custer Beacon - where great food meets live music in scenic South Dakota.
Custer Deli
22.1 km
Discover the flavors of South Dakota at Custer Deli – where fresh ingredients meet delightful deli classics.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Coolidge General Store
11.1 km
Explore Coolidge General Store in Custer, SD, for unique local goods, souvenirs, and a delightful shopping experience in the heart of the Black Hills.
Blue Bell General Store
11.2 km
Explore the essence of South Dakota at Blue Bell General Store, where local charm meets adventure in Custer State Park.
Exposing The Past
12.9 km
Explore the Crazy Horse Memorial, a monumental tribute to Native American culture in South Dakota, blending art, history, and breathtaking landscapes.
Legion Lake Convenience Store
13.2 km
Discover local goods and snacks at Legion Lake Convenience Store, your gateway to exploring the beautiful Black Hills and Custer State Park.
Buffalo Gap Trading Post
20.0 km
Discover local crafts and unique souvenirs at Buffalo Gap Trading Post, a charming variety store in the heart of South Dakota.
Needles View Emporium
20.3 km
Explore unique clothing, antiques, and costume jewelry at Needles View Emporium in Custer, South Dakota, a treasure trove for every tourist.
Smokey The Bear wood carvings
21.4 km
Explore the unique Smokey The Bear wood carvings in Custer, South Dakota – a celebration of artistry and conservation in handcrafted wooden sculptures.
Black Hills Power Bikes Rentals & Boutique
21.6 km
Discover the beauty of South Dakota's Black Hills with top-notch bike rentals and expert advice from Black Hills Power Bikes Rentals & Boutique.
Dollar General
21.7 km
Explore an array of affordable items at Dollar General in Custer, SD - your one-stop shop for essentials, beauty supplies, and unique finds.
Lynns Dakotamart
21.7 km
Experience the convenience and local charm of Lynns Dakotamart, your essential grocery stop in Custer, South Dakota.
Custer Ace Hardware
21.7 km
Explore Custer Ace Hardware for all your home improvement needs in the heart of South Dakota, where quality and community meet.
South Dakota Outdoor Shop
21.9 km
Explore the great outdoors with top-quality gear from South Dakota Outdoor Shop, your local adventure hub in Custer.
Quilted Buffalo
21.9 km
Discover Quilted Buffalo in Custer, South Dakota - a vibrant quilt shop offering fabrics, yarns, and a community for creative crafters.
Fluffy Cow Outlet
21.9 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Fluffy Cow Outlet, a charming gift shop in Custer, South Dakota, perfect for memorable souvenirs.
Deep Creek Gallery
21.9 km
Explore Deep Creek Gallery in Custer, SD for unique gifts, local art, and exquisite photography, perfect for creating lasting memories.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Hitchrail Bar & Restaurant
19.5 km
Experience the best of American cuisine in a cozy atmosphere at The Hitchrail Bar & Restaurant in Pringle, South Dakota.
LAST CHANCE SALOON
20.0 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Last Chance Saloon in Buffalo Gap, a historic bar offering local brews and live music in a charming Wild West setting.
Gold Pan Saloon Custer
22.0 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Gold Pan Saloon, a charming bar in Custer, South Dakota, perfect for unwinding after exploring the Black Hills.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Magnuson Grand Rushmore View
25.1 km
Discover the comfort and stunning views at Magnuson Grand Rushmore View, the perfect getaway near Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota.
Red Garter Saloon
25.6 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and delicious fare at the Red Garter Saloon in Keystone, South Dakota - a true taste of the Old West.
K Bar S Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection
26.1 km
Discover the beauty of the Black Hills at K Bar S Lodge, a charming hotel with breathtaking views and easy access to Mount Rushmore.
Silver Dollar Saloon
32.7 km
Discover the friendly atmosphere and delicious offerings at Silver Dollar Saloon, a charming bar in Hill City, South Dakota.
Joe's Place Bar & Grill
43.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife and delicious dining at Joe's Place Bar & Grill in Rapid City, where every visit promises great food and fun.
Robbinsdale Lounge
46.3 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Robbinsdale Lounge in Rapid City, where great drinks, live music, and friendly faces await.
Blue Lantern Lounge
46.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Blue Lantern Lounge in Rapid City, where great drinks and karaoke unite for an unforgettable night out.
Sally O'Malley's Pub & Casino
46.5 km
Discover the lively ambiance and exceptional entertainment at Sally O'Malley's Pub & Casino in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Sun Inn Lounge
46.7 km
Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment at Sun Inn Lounge in Rapid City, South Dakota - your go-to lounge for great drinks and live music.
Brass Rail Lounge
47.2 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and affordable drinks at Brass Rail Lounge, the premier bar in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Juniper at Vertex Sky Bar
47.2 km
Discover the perfect blend of breathtaking views, exquisite cocktails, and vibrant ambiance at Juniper at Vertex Sky Bar in Rapid City.
Oasis Lounge
47.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Oasis Lounge in Rapid City, offering a lively atmosphere, delicious drinks, and live entertainment.
445 Martini Lounge
47.3 km
Discover Rapid City's vibrant dining scene at 445 Martini Lounge, a gastropub where gourmet meets fun in an energetic atmosphere.
Aby's Rapid City
47.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Aby's Rapid City, a premier bar and live music venue showcasing local talent in a cozy atmosphere.
Cheers Sports Bar & Casino
50.0 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of Cheers Sports Bar & Casino in Rapid City - a perfect blend of sports, dining, and entertainment.
