Explore the Majestic Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road, a scenic drive filled with wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes in South Dakota.
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road is a breathtaking scenic drive through South Dakota’s stunning landscape, offering encounters with diverse wildlife and picturesque vistas. Perfect for tourists seeking natural beauty and wildlife experiences, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the area.
A brief summary to Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road
- Wildlife Loop Rd, Crazy Horse, South Dakota, 57730, US
- +1800-992-9818
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife sightings.
- Bring binoculars for a closer look at wildlife and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
- Drive slowly and be mindful of animals crossing the road.
- Check for seasonal road conditions and accessibility before your visit.
- Plan a picnic at one of the scenic pull-off spots to fully enjoy the natural surroundings.
Getting There
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Shuttle Service
From Mount Rushmore National Memorial, you can take a shuttle service that runs between the memorial and Custer State Park. Check at the visitor center for schedules and availability. The shuttle will take you to the park’s entrance, and from there, you can follow the signs to Wildlife Loop Road.
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Bike Rental
If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting a bike from one of the local shops in Mount Rushmore. Head south on SD-244, then take a left onto SD-87. Follow the road until you reach the entrance of Custer State Park. Once inside, Wildlife Loop Road will be well-marked.
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Walking Tour
For the more adventurous tourist, you can start walking towards Custer State Park. Begin at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and head south on SD-244. It's approximately a 15-mile trek, so be prepared for a long walk. Follow the road signs to Custer State Park, and once you arrive, look for the signs directing you to Wildlife Loop Road.
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Public Transport
As of now, there are limited public transport options directly to Custer State Park. However, you can take a bus from Mount Rushmore to Custer City, where you might find local taxis or rideshares available that can take you to the park entrance. Once there, follow the signs to Wildlife Loop Road.
Discover more about Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Iron Mtn Rd Visitor Center Keystone, SD
11.5 km
Discover the stunning views and rich history at the Iron Mountain Road Visitor Center, a scenic highlight of South Dakota's Black Hills.
Hazelrodt Picnic Area
12.2 km
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Glen Erin School Historic Site
13.6 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
14.7 km
Uncover the rich history and natural beauty of Gordon Stockade, a must-visit historical landmark and state park in Custer, South Dakota.
Iron Mountain Picnic Area
15.0 km
Explore the serene Iron Mountain Picnic Area in Keystone, SD, a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor fun, and peaceful escape for every nature lover.
Norbeck Overlook
15.2 km
Discover the stunning vistas and unforgettable landscapes at Norbeck Overlook in South Dakota, home to panoramic views of Mount Rushmore.
Scovel Johnson Tunnel
15.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Scovel Johnson Tunnel, a historical landmark offering stunning views of South Dakota's Black Hills and Mount Rushmore.
CC Gideon Tunnel
15.8 km
Explore the CC Gideon Tunnel, a historic landmark in South Dakota's Black Hills, where nature meets history in breathtaking scenery.
Rush Mountain Adventure Park
15.8 km
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Rushmore Cave
15.8 km
Discover the breathtaking underground beauty of Rushmore Cave, a must-visit attraction in South Dakota's Black Hills, perfect for adventure seekers and families alike.
Turtle Rock
16.0 km
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Doane Robinson Tunnel (Tunnel view of Mount Rushmore)
16.3 km
Experience the breathtaking views of Mount Rushmore from the Doane Robinson Tunnel, a historical landmark in South Dakota's stunning Black Hills.
Under Canvas Mount Rushmore
16.3 km
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The Pig Tails
16.4 km
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Mt Rushmore Information
17.7 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Custer State Park Visitor Center
3.3 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
3.8 km
Discover the untamed beauty of South Dakota with Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours, an exhilarating journey into the wild.
Custer State Park
3.8 km
Explore the natural wonders of Custer State Park, a vast wilderness filled with stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Custer State Park Resort
4.0 km
Experience the enchanting beauty of Custer State Park Resort, where nature meets adventure in the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota.
Lovers Leap Trailhead
4.1 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife at Lovers Leap Trailhead, a premier hiking destination in Custer, South Dakota.
Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center
4.3 km
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Custer State Park - Norbeck Wildlife Preserve
4.3 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Custer State Park - Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, a captivating destination for all nature lovers.
Welcome to Custer State Park Sign
4.5 km
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Wildlife Station Visitor Center
7.3 km
Discover the beauty and wildlife of Custer State Park at the Wildlife Station Visitor Center, your gateway to nature's wonders in South Dakota.
Badger Hole Historical Site
8.7 km
Explore the enchanting Badger Hole Historical Site, a tribute to poet Badger Clark amid the stunning landscapes of South Dakota's Black Hills.
Legion Lake
9.1 km
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Lenker Rock
9.1 km
Explore Lenker Rock, a captivating historical landmark in beautiful Custer, South Dakota, where nature and heritage intertwine.
Wildlife Loop Road
9.3 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
9.3 km
Experience the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park, South Dakota, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Bison Center
9.3 km
Discover the Bison Center in Fairburn, SD, where immersive exhibits meet the breathtaking beauty of America's iconic bison in their natural habitat.
Essential places to dine
State Game Lodge Restaurant Custer State Park
4.0 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
9.2 km
Experience authentic American cuisine in Custer's scenic beauty at Dockside Grill – where every meal is a celebration of flavor and nature.
Lazy R Bar & Grill
17.6 km
Experience hearty comfort food in the heart of South Dakota at Lazy R Bar & Grill - where every meal feels like home.
DAKOTA KITCHEN
17.8 km
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Carvers' Café
17.8 km
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Halleys West
18.1 km
Discover Halley's West in Keystone, SD - a family-friendly grill serving delicious local cuisine at affordable prices.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
18.1 km
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Red's Chicken House & BBQ
18.1 km
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Grapes & Grinds
18.1 km
Experience the best of Keystone at Grapes & Grinds - your go-to coffee shop with unique gifts and delicious treats.
Peggy's Place
18.3 km
Experience family-friendly dining at Peggy's Place in Keystone, SD – where comfort food meets warm hospitality.
Sirloin Steak Tips
18.5 km
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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mt Rushmore/Keystone, an IHG Hotel
18.5 km
Experience comfort and convenience at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mt Rushmore/Keystone - your ideal base for exploring South Dakota's natural wonders.
Boss' Burgers and Cheesesteaks
18.5 km
Experience delicious burgers and cheesesteaks at Boss' Burgers and Cheesesteaks in Keystone, SD - where flavor meets friendly service.
Boss' Pizza & Chicken Keystone
18.6 km
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Quality Inn Keystone near Mount Rushmore
18.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Coolidge General Store
4.5 km
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Legion Lake Convenience Store
9.2 km
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Blue Bell General Store
10.5 km
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Farmhouse Vintage & Designs
17.4 km
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SoDak CLOTHING OUTLET
18.1 km
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Mt Rushmore T-Shirts & Co
18.1 km
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SD Gifts and Knives
18.1 km
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J&L Knives
18.1 km
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Rattlesnake Jake's
18.1 km
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Genuine Black Hills Gold-Knife and Survival Supplies
18.1 km
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Whispering PinesT-Shirts
18.1 km
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South Dakota gifts and souvenirs
18.1 km
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Usa Shop
18.2 km
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Dahl's Chainsaw Art
18.4 km
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Needles View Emporium
18.4 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
79 Lounge & Casino
17.2 km
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Needles
19.4 km
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Needles Eye Tunnel
19.4 km
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Old Pine Social
19.7 km
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Gold Pan Saloon Custer
20.0 km
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Calamity Jane Coffee Shop and Grill
20.0 km
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