Custer State Park Bison

About this spectacle

Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota is home to one of the largest publicly-viewable bison herds in North America. Visitors driving the Wildlife Loop Road may encounter the herd moving across open prairie grasslands, kicking up dust, bellowing, and occasionally crossing the road directly in front of vehicles. During the late summer rut, bulls compete aggressively, filling the air with deep grunts and thundering hooves. The sheer mass of these animals — some bulls exceeding a ton — creates an instinctive sense of awe and vulnerability when they pass at close range. Pronghorn antelope, burros, elk, and wild turkey often share the same grasslands, enriching any wildlife drive. The rolling hills and big sky scenery provide a dramatic backdrop, making every encounter feel like a window into the pre-settlement Great Plains.

When to go

Jan — Dec, peak Aug — Oct

Getting there

Nearest airport: RAP. Nearest city: Rapid City.

Booking options

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