Spend a full day in Custer State Park by open-top Jeep, watching bison roam, pausing at Mount Coolidge lookout and driving the Needles Highway. This guided safari blends natural history, geology and easy access to the park’s most scenic corridors.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The morning air in the Black Hills bites with a clean, resin-scented edge as a line of open-top Jeep Gladiators rumbles out of Keystone. Wind plays through the vehicle frames; the prairie ahead rolls like a green sea, dotted by pines and the bulked silhouettes of bison that graze with casual authority. By mid-morning the convoy turns onto gravel roads that most visitors never see, and the park unfolds — lakes cupped by granite spires, a fire tower standing like a watchful elder, and Needle-like granite towers reaching skyward.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal hiking fitness required; participants should be able to climb into a Jeep and sit for several hours.
Wildlife
History
Custer State Park was developed with scenic roadways in the 1920s under Governor Peter Norbeck; the State Game Lodge served as a summer retreat for Presidents Coolidge and Eisenhower.
Conservation
The park manages a controlled bison herd to balance ecosystem health; visitors must remain in vehicles and follow guide instructions to minimize wildlife stress.
Reserve your spot on the JEEP Bison Safari at Custer State Park - Family Friendly Prices today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Stay in the vehicle
Bison are unpredictable; remain seated and keep arms inside the Jeep during sightings to avoid startling or crowding animals.
Layer for wind
Open-top Jeeps mean wind and temperature swings — bring a windproof jacket even on warm days.
Bring optics
Binoculars or a telephoto lens make wildlife viewing rewarding without needing to approach animals.
Plan for dust
Gravel roads kick up dust—protect gear with zip bags and bring sunglasses to shield eyes.
Windproof jacket
Keeps you comfortable in early-season wind and sudden temperature drops.
spring
Wide-brim hat & sunglasses
Protects against strong midday sun on open prairie and reflective lake surfaces.
summer
Binoculars or 200mm+ lens
Essential for observing bison, pronghorn and birds from a safe distance.
Dust cover or dry bag
Protects cameras and phones from dust kicked up on gravel roads.
fall