Explore the Wonders of Custer's Wildlife Station Visitor Center
Discover the beauty and wildlife of Custer State Park at the Wildlife Station Visitor Center, your gateway to nature's wonders in South Dakota.
Nestled in the heart of South Dakota, the Wildlife Station Visitor Center offers tourists a unique gateway to the breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife of Custer State Park. With informative exhibits and stunning views, it's a must-visit for nature lovers.
A brief summary to Wildlife Station Visitor Center
- 13479 Wildlife Loop Rd, Custer, South Dakota, 57730, US
- +1605-394-2693
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
- Thursday 8 am-4 pm
- Friday 8 am-4 pm
- Saturday 8 am-4 pm
- Sunday 8 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for a chance to see wildlife before they retreat to cooler areas.
- Check the visitor center's schedule for guided tours and educational programs to enhance your experience.
- Bring binoculars for bird watching and spotting distant wildlife from the observation deck.
- Don’t forget to pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the scenic picnic areas nearby.
Getting There
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Walking
From the main entrance of Mount Rushmore, head south on SD-244. Continue walking for about 3.5 miles until you reach the intersection with US-16A. Turn right onto US-16A and walk for another 1.5 miles. You will see signs for Custer State Park and the Wildlife Station Visitor Center. Follow the signs until you reach the center, located at 13479 Wildlife Loop Rd.
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Public Transportation
Take the local shuttle service from Mount Rushmore. You can find the shuttle stop at the visitor center near the entrance. Ask the driver for the shuttle heading to Custer State Park. The ride will take approximately 30 minutes, and you should inform the driver that you want to get off at the Wildlife Station Visitor Center. Once you arrive, you will be at the visitor center itself, located at 13479 Wildlife Loop Rd.
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
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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
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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
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Big Rock Park
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Dave's Rock Shop
21.5 km
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Miner's Cup
21.6 km
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Custer Lighted Sign
21.6 km
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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
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Custer State Park
8.3 km
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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
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Blue Bell Stables
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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.
Sage Creek Grille - Now Open!
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Experience the best of American cuisine at Sage Creek Grille in Custer, South Dakota – 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
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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
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Coolidge General Store
11.1 km
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Blue Bell General Store
11.2 km
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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
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Needles View Emporium
20.3 km
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Smokey The Bear wood carvings
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Black Hills Power Bikes Rentals & Boutique
21.6 km
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Dollar General
21.7 km
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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
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South Dakota Outdoor Shop
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Quilted Buffalo
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Fluffy Cow Outlet
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Deep Creek Gallery
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Hitchrail Bar & Restaurant
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LAST CHANCE SALOON
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Gold Pan Saloon Custer
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