Guides/Overland routes/South Dakota
Overland route18 midifficulty: easy

Wildlife Loop Road (Custer State Park)

RegionSouth DakotaAgencySouth Dakota Game, Fish and ParksLast verified—
Wildlife Loop Road (Custer State Park) — overland route near Custer, South Dakota, South Dakota
Jay Sturner (CC BY 2.0)
Trail vitals7 facts
Length
18mi
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Loop
Vehicle
Any street-legal vehicle. The loop is paved end to end.
Best months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Permit
Required
Cell coverage
Spotty in the eastern half; service in Custer.
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Wildlife Loop Road is an 18-mile paved loop in the southern half of Custer State Park, designed for slow driving through bison range and prairie-dog colonies. Custer State Park's herd of around 1,400 bison ranges across the loop year-round; pronghorn, mule deer, prairie dogs, and a small herd of feral burros descended from old packstring animals are also routine sightings.

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks manages the road and the broader park. A Custer State Park entrance license ($20 per vehicle, valid seven days, or part of an SD parks annual pass) is required to drive the loop. The loop stays open year-round; bison concentrate near the road during the late-September Buffalo Roundup, when the herd is gathered for veterinary work.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Bison. Stay in your vehicle within 100 yards. The herd is wild, and gore injuries are documented.
  • Habituated burros. They block the road and will approach. Don't feed them. Do not roll windows down.
  • Prairie dogs. Plague risk for pets. Keep dogs leashed and away from colonies.
  • Cattle guards. The road has several. Slow down.
  • Heavy summer traffic. Sightings concentrate vehicles. Use pullouts.

Location

18 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 43.734, -103.402

Trail facts

4 fields
AgencySouth Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
Nearest townCuster, South Dakota
Websitegfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park
Approx. location43.734, -103.402

Getting there

Directions

From the State Game Lodge area (western entrance). Drive east on US-16A from Custer. Turn south on Wildlife Loop Road at the State Game Lodge.

From the eastern park entrance. Take US-16A west from Hermosa to the eastern park entrance, then bear south onto Wildlife Loop Road.

Photos

3 photos

Photos · 3

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The Wildlife Loop occupies the southern third of Custer State Park, bounded by US-16A on the north and SD-87 on the west. The loop's main entrance is at the State Game Lodge area, and the loop's eastern terminus joins US-16A near the park's eastern entrance. The loop is paved end to end and accommodates standard passenger vehicles.

Trail Overview

Eighteen miles of two-lane pavement, loop. The road is open year-round but routinely interrupted by bison crossings; allow extra time. Drive time is one to two hours minimum; wildlife stops typically extend the visit. Most drivers run the loop early morning or evening, when wildlife is most active.

Points of Interest

  • Prairie Dog Town. A maintained colony on the loop's southern arm with interpretive signs.
  • Begging Burros area. A small herd of feral burros, descended from packstring animals, sometimes blocks the road on the loop's eastern half. They will approach vehicles for food (do not feed).
  • State Game Lodge. Historic 1920 lodge that hosted Calvin Coolidge and Dwight Eisenhower. Restaurant, gift shop, and a small visitor center.
  • Wildlife Station Visitor Center. On the loop's southern arm, with park exhibits and ranger contact.
  • Bison herd ranges. The 1,400-head bison herd ranges across the loop. The Buffalo Roundup in late September gathers them for veterinary work and sells excess animals.

Where to Camp

Custer State Park operates ten campgrounds. Game Lodge, Grace Coolidge, and Center Lake sit closest to the Wildlife Loop. Reservations through the SD State Parks portal fill weeks ahead in summer. The State Game Lodge and Sylvan Lake Lodge offer cabin and lodge rooms.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • A Custer State Park entrance license is required: $20 per vehicle, valid seven days. SD residents and annual passes available.
  • Bison are dangerous. Stay in your vehicle when within 100 yards. They charge with little warning.
  • Do not feed the burros. Habituation makes them targets for relocation or culling.
  • Early morning and evening produce the best wildlife sightings. Mid-day in summer the herd often retreats to shade.
  • The Buffalo Roundup runs the last Friday of September. The road closes that morning; the spectator area requires advance tickets.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Wildlife Loop Road (Custer State Park)?
Wildlife Loop Road (Custer State Park) is rated easy. The route runs 18 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Wildlife Loop Road (Custer State Park)?
Any street-legal vehicle. The loop is paved end to end.
When is the best time to visit Wildlife Loop Road (Custer State Park)?
The best months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.
Do you need a permit for Wildlife Loop Road (Custer State Park)?
Yes — a permit is required. It is managed by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks — check the agency listing for current requirements and fees.
Is there cell service at Wildlife Loop Road (Custer State Park)?
Spotty in the eastern half; service in Custer.