Historic State Game Lodge
Historic lodge and modern accommodations in Custer State Park, offering grand rooms, cabins, and a restaurant amidst stunning wildlife and scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, vibrant colors
Historic State Game Lodge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, vibrant colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lodge and modern accommodations in Custer State Park, offering grand rooms, cabins, and a restaurant amidst stunning wildlife and scenery.
"There's no better place to stay in South Dakota, especially if you're there to enjoy hiking in the Black Hills."
🚗 Feed the Donkeys!
Rangers encourage feeding the wild donkeys on the Wildlife Loop. They're super friendly and a highlight for many visitors!
💰 Park Entrance Fee
A 7-day pass costs $20-$25 per vehicle. Worth it for the incredible scenery and wildlife!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wildlife Loop Road
Custer State Park
Drive through 18 miles of stunning scenery and encounter bison, pronghorn, mountain goats, and the famous friendly donkeys!
Needles Highway
Custer State Park
A breathtaking 14-mile scenic drive with granite spires, narrow tunnels, and dramatic overlooks. A photographer's dream!
Sylvan Lake
Custer State Park
A picturesque lake surrounded by granite formations, perfect for swimming, hiking, and enjoying the mountain views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wildlife Loop
Book Lodging & Activities Early
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Feed the Donkeys!
Rangers encourage feeding the wild donkeys on the Wildlife Loop. They're super friendly and a highlight for many visitors! +1
💰 Park Entrance Fee
A 7-day pass costs $20-$25 per vehicle. Worth it for the incredible scenery and wildlife! +1
🥾 Hike to Poet's Table
Discover this hidden gem for inspiration, a local secret since 1968. An unmarked path leads to this unique spot.
📸 Capture the Needles
The Needles Highway offers endless pull-offs for jaw-dropping views. Be prepared for tight tunnels! +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Feed the Donkeys!
Rangers encourage feeding the wild donkeys on the Wildlife Loop. They're super friendly and a highlight for many visitors! +1
💰 Park Entrance Fee
A 7-day pass costs $20-$25 per vehicle. Worth it for the incredible scenery and wildlife! +1
🥾 Hike to Poet's Table
Discover this hidden gem for inspiration, a local secret since 1968. An unmarked path leads to this unique spot.
📸 Capture the Needles
The Needles Highway offers endless pull-offs for jaw-dropping views. Be prepared for tight tunnels! +1
🦬 Bison Jams are Real
Expect traffic delays from bison herds. It's part of the Custer State Park experience! +1
💧 Swim at Legion or Sylvan Lake
Both lakes offer beautiful swimming areas and are great for families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Custer State Park's stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and iconic scenic drives like the Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop. The friendly donkeys are a particular highlight. While the park offers a memorable experience, some find dining prices at the lodges to be on the higher side during peak season.
"We stopped for a beverage after driving on Needles Hwy. We enjoyed sitting on the porch. The gift shop had nice items and the restroom was clean. We will definitely consider staying here the next time we are in Custer State Park."
Deborah Everson
"Cabin was good. Couple bugs as one would expect.
Was cool to see Buffalo right outside in the field next to the cabin!
That's not why I'm writing this review though.
The restaurant and service were wonderful. They graciously served us quite close to closing and we had wonderful meals. We ate here twice.
Day 1: Chicken Florentine Pasta was DELIGHTFUL. I was a big fan and would recommend. Very excellent portion size as well which surprised me.
Day 2: Rack of Lamb with Creamy Parmesan Polenta. Oh my goodness. It was perfect. And that polenta, goodness gracious was it wonderful.
I would recommend this over all else."
Jared Slagle
"This place is wonderful! This is an updated and well maintained historic lodge. It is located on the Wildlife Loop in the fabulous Custer State Park. The rooms are comfortable and have the most common amenities including AC. Most of the rooms are in outer buildings and the main building has a restaurant, a bar and a gift shop. It is close to all of the trailheads, overlooks, Wind Cave and Needles Highway."
Cindy Puzio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Custer State Park is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It's about a 90-minute drive from Rapid City. Many visitors combine a trip with Mount Rushmore, which is roughly 30 minutes away. +1
Driving the Wildlife Loop Road and Needles Highway are essential. Many visitors also enjoy hiking and exploring the various lakes. Consider a vehicle suitable for narrow tunnels if driving the Needles Highway. +1
Public transport options are very limited within Custer State Park. Renting a car or using a personal vehicle is highly recommended for exploring the park at your own pace.
Some roads, like the Needles Highway, have tight tunnels with low clearance (around 8 ft wide and 9'9" tall). RVs and larger vehicles may need to use alternative routes or be very cautious.
The closest major airport is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), located about an hour's drive from the park. Smaller regional airports may also be available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically $20-$25 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. This provides access to all areas of the park, including scenic drives and lakes. +1
While you don't need to book tickets in advance for general park entry, it's highly recommended to book lodging and any specific tours or activities well ahead of time, especially during peak season.
Annual passes for South Dakota State Parks may be available, offering access to multiple parks. Check the official South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website for current pricing and pass options.
Custer State Park is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, specific facilities like visitor centers, lodges, and restaurants have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally.
No, Custer State Park is a South Dakota State Park, so a National Parks Pass is not valid for entry. You will need to purchase a separate state park entrance permit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see bison herds, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wild burros (donkeys), and various bird species. Keep an eye out during your drives! +2
The Wildlife Loop Road and the Needles Highway are the most famous. The Iron Mountain Road also offers stunning views and unique pigtail bridges. +1
Yes, Custer State Park offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, from easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain climbs. Sylvan Lake and the trails around it are very popular. +1
Legion Lake and Sylvan Lake are popular spots for swimming, boating, and picnicking. They offer beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities.
Cell service can be spotty throughout Custer State Park, especially in more remote areas or canyons. It's advisable to download offline maps and inform someone of your itinerary.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The State Game Lodge offers a fine-dining restaurant, and there are also dining options at other lodges like Sylvan Lake Lodge and Blue Bell Lodge. Creekside Cabins have grills for cooking.
Yes, numerous picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, offering scenic spots to enjoy a meal amidst nature. Many are located near lakes and popular viewpoints.
Dining at the park lodges can be pricey, typical for resort locations during peak season. Expect to pay around $46 per person for a New York strip dinner.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is a great way to save money and enjoy meals at the many scenic picnic spots available throughout the park.
While there are gift shops and some basic supplies available at lodges, it's best to stock up on groceries and snacks in nearby towns like Custer or Rapid City before entering the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The Needles Highway, Wildlife Loop Road (especially for wildlife), Sylvan Lake, and various overlooks offer incredible photographic opportunities. The granite spires are iconic. +1
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most beautiful light for landscape and wildlife photography. Midday can be harsh.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm or 18-135mm) is great for landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens is useful for dramatic scenery, and a telephoto lens can help capture distant wildlife.
While official photography tours might be limited, many local guides and tour operators in the Black Hills area offer photography-focused excursions. Check with local tourism boards.
Photographing the wild donkeys up close (safely!), the bison herds on the Wildlife Loop, and the dramatic rock formations along the Needles Highway are unique experiences. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
📸 Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wildlife Loop Road
Be prepared for potential traffic delays, as bison herds frequently cause 'bison jams' by crossing or resting on the road. These delays are often seen as part of the authentic Custer State Park experience. The best times for wildlife viewing are typically early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active.
The Thrills of Needles Highway
This highway is a photographer's paradise, with numerous pull-offs offering breathtaking views of the unique rock formations and the surrounding Black Hills landscape. The dramatic scenery, including the iconic 'Eye of the Needle,' makes it a must-drive for anyone visiting the park.
Lodging and Camping Options
For families or groups, cabins like the Creekside Cabins offer ample space, with separate bunkhouses for kids and comfortable main cabins for adults. These often come equipped with amenities like gas grills and fire rings, perfect for outdoor cooking and relaxation.
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