Custer State Park has roughly 1,300 free-roaming bison, plus pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and the famous begging burros — and a guided wildlife tour is the difference between driving past a herd from a quarter mile away and watching a bison calf nurse 50 feet from your jeep.
The Wildlife Loop is an 18-mile paved road that circles the southeast quadrant of the park. You can drive it yourself with the $25 vehicle pass and you'll probably see bison — but guided tours add three things a rental car can't: (1) radio coordination with park staff about where the herds actually are that morning, (2) access to backcountry routes off the main loop, and (3) a guide who knows the difference between a bison who's annoyed and one who's about to charge.
Tours run from $290 (per group) for half-day shared safaris up to $700+ for private wildlife biologist-led trips. Most are 6–9 hours and combine the Wildlife Loop with Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, or Mount Rushmore. The chuckwagon dinner cookouts (often $125/person) operated by Custer State Park Resorts are technically separate from Viator inventory — see our jeep tours page for those.
We sorted Viator's Custer State Park inventory for wildlife-focused and Wildlife Loop tours below. Here's the comparison plus what to know about bison viewing logistics.
What You Need to Know Before Booking
- Park Entry (Daily)
- $25/vehicle, $20/motorcycle (7-day pass)
- Annual Pass (Non-Resident)
- $60
- Bison Herd Size
- ~1,300 animals
- Wildlife Loop Length
- 18 miles
- Best Viewing Time
- Dawn (6–8 AM) or dusk (5–8 PM)
- Distance from Mt Rushmore
- ~12 miles via Iron Mountain Rd
- Distance from Rapid City
- ~35 miles (~50 min)
- Park Hours
- Open 24/7 year-round
Which Tour Is Right for You?
First-time visitors with no rental car
Book a guided wildlife tour with Rapid City pickup. It's the only way to see the Wildlife Loop without driving yourself, and the herds rarely cooperate with a fixed schedule — having a guide who knows where they are that morning is the whole point.
Wildlife photographers
Look for tours with smaller groups (private or 6-passenger) and specifically photography-focused itineraries. Most include early-morning departures to catch herds during peak movement. The Wildlife Photography Tour at $325 is purpose-built.
Families with kids
The shared Wildlife Loop + Needles Highway tours work well — kids see bison, the begging burros usually surround the vehicle (don't feed them), and Sylvan Lake is a good lunch stop. Skip private biologist tours; they're built for adults.
Adventure travelers
Look for combos pairing the Wildlife Loop with Cathedral Spires or Black Elk Peak hikes. The Private Custer State Park Safari + Hiking Tour pairs wildlife viewing with the highest summit east of the Rockies.
Our Top Picks
Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour
Wildlife Loop in 9 hours with Mt Rushmore + Crazy Horse added — $312 per group, 5 stars across 34 reviews. The classic Black Hills day with bison built in. Per-group pricing makes it cheap for 3+ people.
Check Availability on ViatorPrivate Custer State Park Safari and Hiking Tour
Private Custer State Park Safari and Hiking Tour. 8 hours, $379, 5 stars (13 reviews). Combines morning bison viewing with an afternoon hike — usually Cathedral Spires or Sylvan Lake. Best fit if you want wildlife and you want to stretch your legs.
Check Availability on ViatorCuster State Park Wildlife Photography Tour
Custer State Park Wildlife Photography Tour — 8 hours, $325. Departs at dawn to catch bison during peak movement, smaller vehicle (no big bus), guide knows exact positions for backlit and front-lit setups. The only Viator tour specifically built around photography.
Check Availability on ViatorCompare All Available Tours
| Tour | Price from | Duration | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PREMIER PRIVATE Tour: Mt Rushmore, CrazyHorse & Custer State ParkFree cancellation | $445 | 9h | 5.0(200) | Book on Viator |
| Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State ParkFree cancellation | $425 | 9h | 5.0(197) | Book on Viator |
| Private Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park Monument Tour | $325 | 8h | 5.0(127) | Book on Viator |
| Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop TourFree cancellation | $312 | 9h | 5.0(34) | Book on Viator |
| Private Custer State Park Safari and Hiking Tour | $379 | 8h | 5.0(13) | Book on Viator |
| Wildlife Biologist’s Guide to the Black Hills: Private Tour | $699 | 8h | 5.0(4) | Book on Viator |
| Custer State Park Wildlife Loop and Needles Highway TourFree cancellation | $291 | 8h | 5.0(2) | Book on Viator |
| Custer State Park Wildlife Photography Tour | $325 | 8h | — | Book on Viator |
Prices and availability provided by Viator. We earn a commission on bookings — at no extra cost to you.
Local Tips Most Booking Sites Won't Tell You
- Bison are LEAST active midday. If your tour runs 10 AM – 4 PM, you're seeing a lot of bison lying down. Book dawn or evening departures if wildlife is the priority.
- Stay in your vehicle around bison. Park rules require 100 yards from bison, elk, and bears — guides enforce this strictly because gorings happen every year.
- The 'begging burros' are descendants of pack animals released in the 1920s. They WILL crowd your vehicle and eat anything you hand them. Don't feed them — it's harmful and against park rules.
- Wildlife Loop and Needles Highway road conditions change fast in spring and fall. Tours run year-round but the Needles section closes for snow late October to early April. Confirm with your operator if booking in shoulder season.
- The September 'Buffalo Roundup' (last Friday of September) draws 20,000+ spectators and the Wildlife Loop is closed to the public. Either book the spectator-only tour for that morning or avoid the last week of September entirely.
When & How to Book
Best wildlife-viewing tours run 6 AM – 2 PM or 4 PM – 10 PM. For summer (June–August), book 1–2 weeks ahead. The September Buffalo Roundup week and early August (Sturgis) sell out 4+ weeks ahead. Winter tours are limited because Needles Highway closes for snow — confirm route before booking November–March.
PREMIER PRIVATE Tour: Mt Rushmore, CrazyHorse & Custer State Park
The best of the Black Hills in one day! Our most popular tour, and a wonderful way to make the most of your time in the beautiful Black Hills. Our experienced, local guides will take you to the highlights of the area. Private tour means you have more time to enjoy the things you want to see, a truly unique and personal experience. This tour is customizable. Questions? Contact us for more information.
Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park
Mount Rushmore is more than just the carvings. They have secrets that are not easily revealed. GeoFunTrek's guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal guides, part-time guides or trainees. This is a family-owned business and all tours are conducted by family members: Cindy, Christopher and John Esposti. We have the knowledge and skills to make your day one to remember. You will always get the A-team when you tour with GeoFunTrek Tours! All tours are PRIVATE TOURS, exclusive to the group booking the tour, and no additional guests will be included. Children must be accompanied by one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our vehicles are SUV's, and a larger vehicle (van) may be rented for larger groups. This is a great tour for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.
Private Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park Monument Tour
Discover the most iconic landmarks of South Dakota on this full-day guided tour through the stunning Black Hills. Explore the legacy of Mount Rushmore, the cultural significance of Crazy Horse Memorial, & the untamed beauty of Custer State Park—all in one unforgettable day. Start your day at Mount Rushmore, where the faces of four presidents are carved into granite. Walk the Avenue of Flags, enjoy the views, & learn the story behind this American monument. Next, visit Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain carving in progress. This monument honors Lakota leader Crazy Horse & celebrates Native American heritage. Tour the museum & see Lakota dancers. Your journey continues into Custer State Park, filled with dramatic granite peaks, pine-covered hills, and open prairie. Drive Wildlife Loop Rd, where you may encounter bison, pronghorn antelope, wild burros, & more.
Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour
What makes this tour unique is the combination of three of Western South Dakota's most iconic destinations – Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop – into a single, comprehensive, and fully narrated experience. Over 8-9 hours, you'll not just see these landmarks, but gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their history, cultural significance, and natural beauty. We always give the guest time to buy their lunch during the tour.
Private Custer State Park Safari and Hiking Tour
You will have an opportunity to explore different areas within Custer State Park. The day will be spent within this historic State Park.
Wildlife Biologist’s Guide to the Black Hills: Private Tour
This isn’t just a tour—it’s a deeply personal exploration of the natural world, guided by a professional wildlife biologist who brings every moment to life. Designed exclusively for your group, the experience is entirely private and tailored to your interests, pace, and curiosity. What sets it apart is the focus on nature in its purest form—no monuments, no crowds, just the living heartbeat of the Black Hills. You’ll explore vast prairies, winding byways, underground caves, and wildlife-rich habitats with a guide who reads the landscape like a storybook. Rather than simply pointing out animals or naming plants, your guide offers insight into the complex relationships that tie geology, ecology, and wildlife together. You’ll walk away with not only stunning photos but a meaningful connection to the land itself. Unhurried, immersive, and rich with discovery—this tour invites you to slow down, look deeper, and experience South Dakota as few ever do.
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop and Needles Highway Tour
What makes this tour unique is its immersive journey through Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop, offering a chance to witness the majestic buffalo herds, especially enchanting in springtime with the adorable newborn calves. Beyond the buffalo, you'll encounter a diverse array of wildlife, from graceful antelope and deer to playful prairie dogs and the charming begging burros, all set against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery. The 7-8 hour narrated experience provides an in-depth understanding of the park's ecosystem and its inhabitants, making it more than just a sightseeing tour, but an educational and unforgettable wildlife adventure.
Custer State Park Wildlife Photography Tour
Capture the stunning wildlife of Custer State Park on this guided photography tour, perfect for photographers of all skill levels. Discover prime habitats as you observe herds of bison, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep, while learning expert techniques to enhance your photography. Your knowledgeable guide will help you find the best vantage points for wildlife encounters, ensuring you get frame-worthy shots without disturbing the animals. Midway through the tour, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the park's natural beauty, providing a serene moment to recharge and reflect on your day’s captures. - Explore Custer State Park’s diverse wildlife and landscapes - Perfect for photographers of all skill levels, with expert guidance - Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch in a scenic setting - Learn tips on composition and lighting to enhance your photography skills
Related Guides
Custer State Park: Complete Guide →
Park hours, fees, lodges, scenic drives, and what to skip — the full visitor guide.
Best Mount Rushmore Combo Tours →
Most Custer State Park wildlife tours also include Mount Rushmore — see how the combos compare.
Best Jeep Tours in Custer State Park →
Open-air jeep safaris (including the chuckwagon dinner) — operated by Custer State Park Resorts.
Best Time to Visit the Black Hills →
When to plan your trip — including Buffalo Roundup week and shoulder season wildlife viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Custer State Park wildlife tour cost?
Wildlife tours on Viator range from $290 (shared 8-hour Wildlife Loop + Needles Highway) to $700+ (private wildlife biologist tour). Most are priced per group, not per person, so a $325 tour split among 4 travelers is $81 each. The $25 park vehicle entry is usually included; confirm before booking.
What wildlife will I actually see?
Bison are essentially guaranteed — the herd is ~1,300 strong and they're routinely visible from the Wildlife Loop. You'll likely see prairie dogs (entire towns visible from the road), pronghorn, and the begging burros. Less common but possible: elk (best at dawn in the meadows), bighorn sheep (around Mount Coolidge), and white-tailed deer.
Can I just drive the Wildlife Loop myself for $25?
Yes, and many visitors do. The 7-day vehicle pass is $25 ($60 annual for non-residents) and the Loop is paved. The trade-off: you're guessing where the herds are, and you don't get the guide commentary. If you have a car and time, self-drive is a perfectly fine option — the audio tours we cover at /tours/mount-rushmore/best-self-guided-tours/ work for Custer State Park too.
What time of day is best for wildlife viewing?
Dawn (about 30 minutes before sunrise to 2 hours after) and dusk (2 hours before sunset). Bison are most active during these windows. Midday they bed down in cottonwood groves, often out of sight from the road. Most guided wildlife tours are scheduled around these peak windows.
Is it safe to be near bison?
Yes, in a vehicle at 100+ yards. Bison are wild animals and gorings happen every summer — usually to tourists who got out of their cars for photos. Guided tours enforce vehicle-only viewing for this reason. Even on private tours, your guide will not let you get out near a herd.
When is the Buffalo Roundup, and can I see it?
Last Friday of September. About 1,400 bison are herded into corrals for the annual health check and herd management. The Wildlife Loop is closed to the public that day but spectator viewing areas are set up — expect 20,000+ visitors. Some Viator operators run dedicated Roundup-viewing tours; book those 6+ months ahead.
What's the difference between Custer State Park and a federal national park?
Custer State Park is run by South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, not the National Park Service. That means: separate $25 vehicle pass (not covered by the federal Interagency pass), different wildlife management (active culling and the Buffalo Roundup), and more developed visitor infrastructure (4 lodges, multiple campgrounds, ~71,000 acres). Wind Cave National Park borders it to the south and uses federal passes.
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