THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Join a private jeep safari and hiking tour in Custer State Park to see buffalo up close and explore hidden trails. Don’t miss lunch at the historic State Game Lodge during this immersive 8-hour adventure.
Join a private jeep safari and hiking tour in Custer State Park to see buffalo up close and explore hidden trails. Don’t miss lunch at the historic State Game Lodge during this immersive 8-hour adventure.
Book with Black Hills Adventure Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Black Hills Adventure Tours · Rapid City, South Dakota
Experience the best of South Dakota’s natural beauty with the Private Custer State Park Jeep Safari & Hiking Tour offered by Black Hills Adventure Tours. This 8-hour experience takes you deep into the stunning landscapes of Custer State Park, where you’ll ride in an open-air jeep that offers unbeatable views of the park's diverse wildlife, including majestic buffalo herds that freely roam the area. Alongside your safari, enjoy guided hikes on seldom-traveled paths that reveal hidden scenic overlooks and quiet natural spots rarely accessed by visitors. Midday, savor a delicious lunch at the historic State Game Lodge — a venue once favored by two U.S. presidents for their summer retreats. Whether you're a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or history buff, this private tour offers an intimate connection with the Black Hills’ vibrant environment. Knowledgeable guides share insights on local ecology and history throughout the day, making this adventure educational and unforgettable. Comfortable yet thrilling, this combo of jeep safari and hiking delivers a well-rounded outdoor daytrip perfect for families, couples, or small groups seeking an exclusive, personalized nature escape near Rapid City.
moderate.
8 hours.
Participants should be in reasonable physical shape to manage several hours of light to moderate hiking combined with jeep riding.
Yes, children aged 6 and older can participate as long as they can hike comfortably and stay seated during the jeep ride.
We recommend bringing hiking shoes, water, layered clothing, sun protection, and binoculars if you have them.
Yes, a lunch is provided at the historic State Game Lodge during the tour.
Yes, please inform us ahead of time so we can prepare a meal that meets your needs.
You can expect to see buffalo, pronghorn antelope, deer, and a variety of bird species.
The jeep is open-air, providing excellent views but we recommend dressing accordingly for weather conditions.
The State Game Lodge was a favored summer retreat for Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover in the 1920s and 30s.
Custer State Park employs sustainable wildlife management practices focused on preserving natural habitats and maintaining balanced buffalo herds.
Black Hills Adventure Tours operates out of Rapid City, South Dakota, offering private guided tours across the Black Hills and Badlands. The company specializes in customizable experiences for small groups, families, and travelers seeking outdoor adventures and cultural insight. Tours include hikes, scenic drives, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, bicycle rides on the Mickelson Trail, and open-air jeep safaris in Custer State Park. Many itineraries highlight regional landmarks such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Sylvan Lake, Spearfish Canyon, Pactola Lake, and the Badlands National Park. The operator partners with local providers for specialized experiences, including Indigenous cultural programming through Tatanka Rez Tours. Private tours are timed to accommodate sunrise, midday, or sunset departures when available. Meals, snacks, park fees, and equipment are included on select itineraries as described per trip, and guides provide local knowledge about geology, wildlife, and cultural history. Group sizes are kept intentionally small for a personalized experience and better access to hidden or less-crowded viewpoints. Transportation departs from Rapid City and can be arranged to meet guest needs. Black Hills Adventure Tours emphasizes safety and local stewardship, following park regulations and guiding best practices. Reviews and features, such as being listed on The Adventure Collective, reflect a focus on guided, private exploration of Western South Dakota’s most iconic landscapes. Travelers interested in interpretive walks, active outdoor days, or culturally focused tours will find clear, bookable options tailored to varied interests and abilities. Bookings are typically arranged in advance to ensure availability and guide preparation.
Book with Black Hills Adventure Tours