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Explore South Dakota’s Custer State Park Wildlife Loop by open-air Jeep, spotting bison and other wildlife up close. Enjoy expert commentary and hidden road access on this unique private safari.
Explore South Dakota’s Custer State Park Wildlife Loop by open-air Jeep, spotting bison and other wildlife up close. Enjoy expert commentary and hidden road access on this unique private safari.
Book with Custer State Park Resort
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Custer State Park Resort · Custer, South Dakota
Experience the wild beauty of South Dakota's Custer State Park on a private Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour with Custer State Park Resort. This exciting adventure takes you deep into the park's Wildlife Loop in a custom open-air Jeep Wrangler, offering exclusive access to hidden interior roads that many visitors never see. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll increase your chances of spotting majestic bison along with pronghorn, elk, and coyotes roaming freely across sweeping grasslands and granite formations. The intimate group size and rugged vehicle provide an immersive, up-close wildlife experience unlike any traditional tour. Along the drive, your guide shares fascinating stories about the park’s natural history, conservation efforts, and early pioneers who shaped this land. Whether you are a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or simply craving memorable outdoor experiences, this moderate, 3-hour tour promises breathtaking landscapes, exciting animal encounters, and a deep appreciation for one of the largest state parks in the country.
moderate.
3 hours.
Participants should be comfortable sitting in an open-air Jeep and able to enter and exit the vehicle safely.
For your safety and the animals’, the guide maintains a respectful distance, but you’ll still be close enough for excellent views and photography.
Yes, children over 6 years old are welcome, but all participants should be able to sit safely in the Jeep during the tour.
Tours may be rescheduled or canceled in severe weather for safety, but light rain usually doesn't impact the experience thanks to the Jeep’s overhead canopy.
Rest stops are available before and after the tour, but there are no facilities along the Wildlife Loop roads.
To avoid attracting wildlife to the vehicle, bringing food or drinks is discouraged during the tour.
Due to the rugged terrain and Jeep configuration, these tours are not wheelchair accessible.
Custer State Park was established in 1912 and is renowned for its preservation of bison herds and the legacy of pioneer ranching.
The park actively manages its bison population through sustainable practices and promotes responsible wildlife viewing to minimize impact.
Custer State Park Resort operates in Custer, South Dakota, offering guided outdoor experiences and heritage dining within Custer State Park. The resort's programs include Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours, private Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours, Buffalo Corrals Jeep Tours, Scenic Byway Tours departing from Sylvan Lake Lodge and State Game Lodge, and multiple trail ride options through the French Creek Nature Area. Evening programs include the Buffalo Safari & Chuckwagon Cookout combo and the Hayride & Chuckwagon Cookout, both featuring live folk music and a chuckwagon dinner, with guests receiving a souvenir cowboy hat and bandanna. Guides lead open‑air Jeep safaris on the Wildlife Loop and interior park roads for prime wildlife viewing of bison, elk, pronghorn, and other species. Trail rides range from 30‑minute Express Rides and one‑hour Trail Rides to Half‑Day Trail Rides for experienced riders, with routes that showcase scenic vistas, historical remnants, and the peaceful French Creek landscape. Scenic Byway Tours travel the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, including Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road with tunnels, pigtail bridges, and overlooks framing views toward Mount Rushmore. Custer State Park Resort focuses on safe, interpretive experiences led by knowledgeable guides, combining wildlife education, regional history, and memorable photography opportunities. Activities are suitable for families, couples, and solo adventurers seeking authentic Black Hills outdoor experiences. Visitors can select from open‑air jeep safaris, private tours, guided trail rides, scenic byway excursions, and traditional chuckwagon dinners to create a personalized Custer State Park adventure. Seasonal reservations are required for most guided experiences.
Book with Custer State Park Resort