Drive the Wildlife Loop and Needles Highway at your own pace with a location-triggered audio guide. Learn park history, geology, and wildlife safety while pausing for overlooks like Mount Coolidge and Legion Lake.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The engine hums and the road unfurls: US‑16A carves tight turns beneath jagged granite spires as bison graze on the shoulder like slow-moving sentries. This self-guided audio drive places you in the passenger seat of a storyteller — voice prompts cue stops, historical vignettes, and wildlife warnings as you follow the Wildlife Loop and Needles Highway through the Black Hills.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion required; you should be able to sit comfortably for a few hours and do short walks at viewpoints.
Wildlife
History
Custer State Park was established in the early 1900s as a public game preserve and features CCC-era stonework and trails constructed during the 1930s.
Conservation
Park staff actively manage bison herds and habitat; obey signage, stay on roads, and never feed wildlife to protect animals and visitors.
Reserve your spot on the Discover Custer State Park A Self Guided Audio Driving Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download the tour before arrival
Download the Action Tour Guide app and the Custer tour over Wi‑Fi so the audio and offline maps work without cell service.
Keep distance from wildlife
Stay in your vehicle for bison and large mammals; use pullouts for photos and never feed animals.
Use designated pullouts
Follow speed limits and pull entirely off the road at marked viewpoints to avoid blocking traffic or stressing wildlife.
Carry binoculars and water
Binoculars reveal distant herds and cliff details while water keeps you comfortable during the 2–3 hour loop.
Smartphone with app downloaded
Needed to run the Action Tour Guide audio and offline maps.
Binoculars
Helps spot bison, bighorn sheep, and distant Needles features from pullouts.
Reusable water bottle
Hydration for short hikes and warm afternoons on the loop.
summer
Windproof jacket
Protects against sudden wind and temperature drops at Mount Coolidge and open overlooks.
spring