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Start your day with a breathtaking Sunrise Safari in Custer State Park, South Dakota. Explore hidden roads by open-air Jeep and encounter stunning wildlife as the park awakens.
Start your day with a breathtaking Sunrise Safari in Custer State Park, South Dakota. Explore hidden roads by open-air Jeep and encounter stunning wildlife as the park awakens.
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 magic of the early morning with the Sunrise Safari at Custer State Park Resort in South Dakota. This exclusive adventure invites you to witness the park's vibrant wildlife waking up amid the scenic beauty of the Black Hills. Traveling in a custom open-air Jeep Wrangler, guests enjoy access to less-traveled interior roads that reveal hidden areas of the park not seen on standard tours. Expect to see herds of bison roaming freely, graceful pronghorns, and other native wildlife in their natural setting. The guided tour offers engaging commentary about the ecology, wildlife behaviors, and history of the region, making every moment educational and inspiring. Exceptional photo opportunities abound as the rising sun casts a golden light over the rugged landscape. This private safari emphasizes safety and comfort without sacrificing the thrill of adventure, perfect for families, photographers, and nature lovers seeking a memorable outdoor experience in a pristine environment.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking involved as the tour is mostly vehicle-based
Guests often see bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and various bird species during the tour.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children with adult supervision.
Meals are not included, but light snacks and water are recommended to bring along.
Tours may be rescheduled or cancelled in cases of severe weather for safety reasons.
The Sunrise Safari is a private experience designed for your group only.
Absolutely! Professional and personal cameras are welcome on the safari.
Custer State Park preserves one of the largest publicly owned bison herds in the United States, maintaining natural wildlife habitats since the 1920s.
The park promotes responsible tourism by encouraging minimal disturbance to wildlife and supporting habitat preservation programs.
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