THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Let your little ones experience the joy of horseback riding with the Lil' Buckaroo Ride in beautiful Custer, South Dakota. Perfect for first-timers and families looking for a safe, fun adventure outdoors.
Let your little ones experience the joy of horseback riding with the Lil' Buckaroo Ride in beautiful Custer, South Dakota. Perfect for first-timers and families looking for a safe, fun adventure outdoors.
Book with Custer State Park Resort
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Custer State Park Resort · Custer, South Dakota
Introduce your little ones to the wonder of horseback riding with the Lil' Buckaroo Ride at Custer State Park Resort in Custer, South Dakota. This gentle, guided ride is ideal for young children and first-time riders, offering a safe and welcoming environment where kids can build confidence around horses. Led by an experienced wrangler, children are taken on a leisurely ride around the buckaroo circle, perfect for a calm yet memorable experience. Besides riding, kids get the chance to interact with friendly horses, creating unforgettable moments and fostering a love for animals and the outdoors. The scenic setting within Custer State Park adds to the charm, surrounded by rolling hills and open skies. Whether your child is eager for their first horseback adventure or you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, the Lil' Buckaroo Ride provides the perfect blend of fun, education, and nature. Capture joyful smiles and candid interactions, making this a keepsake day for the whole family. This experience is designed for all ages, ensuring every little adventurer feels safe and thrilled.
easy.
30–45 minutes.
No special fitness level required; suitable for young children and beginners.
The ride is suitable for children of all ages, including first-timers, with adult supervision.
No prior experience is needed; our friendly wranglers guide every step to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
Yes, the maximum weight for riders is generally around 80 pounds to ensure safety and comfort for both horse and rider.
Parents are welcome to accompany younger children but should check availability and policies with the resort ahead of time.
All rides are supervised by experienced wranglers, with horses trained for gentle handling and a secure riding area.
You can book your adventure online through the Custer State Park Resort booking portal or by calling their customer service.
Custer State Park was established in 1912 and is one of the largest state parks in the U.S., preserving native wildlife and prairie landscapes.
The park adheres to sustainable practices to protect its natural habitats, ensuring safe spaces for wildlife and responsible tourism.
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