Wildlife Station Visitor Center
Discover abundant wildlife, including bison and friendly burros, on the scenic Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildlife is most active
Wildlife Station Visitor Center
Best Time
Wildlife is most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover abundant wildlife, including bison and friendly burros, on the scenic Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park.
"The rangers here are awesome, full of knowledge and stories about the park. You can really see the love and passion for the place."
🚗 Roll Down for Burros
The wild burros are known to approach cars for snacks! Have some approved treats ready.
🦬 Bison Jam Alert!
Be patient if bison cause a 'bison jam' on the Wildlife Loop. It's part of the experience!
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 324 reviews
Type
Visitor Center
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wildlife Loop Road
Custer State Park
Drive through herds of bison, meet friendly wild burros, and spot pronghorn and bighorn sheep. A true wildlife spectacle!
Wild Burros
Wildlife Loop Road
These descendants of miners' pack animals are famous for their friendly demeanor and willingness to approach vehicles for snacks.
Bison Herds
Wildlife Loop Road
Witness massive herds of bison roaming freely, a breathtaking sight that embodies the spirit of the American West.
Visitor Center Exhibits
Wildlife Station Visitor's Center
Engaging displays and knowledgeable rangers offer insights into the park's unique wildlife and natural history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wildlife Loop
Visitor Center Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Roll Down for Burros
The wild burros are known to approach cars for snacks! Have some approved treats ready. +1
🦬 Bison Jam Alert!
Be patient if bison cause a 'bison jam' on the Wildlife Loop. It's part of the experience! +1
🗣️ Chat with Rangers
Rangers at the visitor center have the latest wildlife sighting info. Ask them for tips!
📸 Capture the Scenery
Pull over at designated spots on scenic drives like Needles Highway for stunning photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Roll Down for Burros
The wild burros are known to approach cars for snacks! Have some approved treats ready. +1
🦬 Bison Jam Alert!
Be patient if bison cause a 'bison jam' on the Wildlife Loop. It's part of the experience! +1
🗣️ Chat with Rangers
Rangers at the visitor center have the latest wildlife sighting info. Ask them for tips!
📸 Capture the Scenery
Pull over at designated spots on scenic drives like Needles Highway for stunning photos.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Limited services on the loop, so bring your own refreshments for a comfortable drive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Wildlife Station Visitor's Center for its knowledgeable and passionate rangers who offer great wildlife viewing tips. The Wildlife Loop Road is a highlight, offering incredible encounters with bison and friendly burros. However, some visitors have noted issues with restroom cleanliness.
"In August 2025, we visited the Wildlife Station Visitor's Center in Custer State Park, South Dakota. The Wildlife Station Visitor's Center is a beautiful building that is clean and well-maintained, and it has many clever and colorful exhibits and displays. This Visitor's Center is in the wildlife loop, which is a section of Custer State Park with bison, burros, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife. Custer State Park is National Park worthy, and it is a treasured asset of South Dakota."
John Cutler
"The guys working this place were awesome. Full of knowledge and stories about the park. You can really see the love and passion for the place. Made me fall in love with the park. They directed me to awesome locations where I saw wildlife. I am glad I came to this place. Ask about the fire pit and how it was built for the 3rd time. I highly recommend."
Carlos Francisco Rivera
"This was a nice little visitor center. We were able to ask about the buffalo herd, and they told us where they had last been spotted. The parking lot is a little small if there are a few cars parked at the same time."
Alec Barker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wildlife Station Visitor Center is located along the Wildlife Loop Road within Custer State Park, South Dakota. Access the park via Highway 16A or Highway 87. The Wildlife Loop Road itself is a well-marked 18-mile scenic drive. +1
No, Custer State Park is a South Dakota State Park, not a National Park. However, it's often compared to National Parks for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. +1
Besides the Wildlife Loop Road, don't miss the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road for breathtaking granite spires and tunnels. +1
Yes, RVs can navigate the Wildlife Loop Road, but be prepared for potential 'bison jams' and narrow sections. Some of the more extreme scenic drives like Needles Highway may have restrictions for larger vehicles.
Yes, Custer State Park requires a park entrance license. Fees vary for daily, weekly, or annual passes. Check the official South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website for current pricing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Visitor Center itself is free to enter. However, you will need a Custer State Park entrance license to drive on the Wildlife Loop Road and access the park's amenities.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Custer State Park website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation.
Based on recent visitor feedback, there are no gift shops at the Wildlife Station Visitor Center. You may find souvenirs in nearby towns like Custer.
Yes, there is parking available. However, the parking lot can be small and fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Yes, restrooms are available at the Visitor Center. However, cleanliness can vary, so be prepared.
🎫 🦬 Onsite Experience
The Wildlife Loop Road is famous for its large bison herds, but you can also spot wild burros, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and sometimes even mountain goats. +1
While the wild burros are known to be friendly and approachable (and can be fed), it's crucial to maintain a safe distance from bison and other large animals. Never feed wildlife other than the burros. +1
The Wildlife Loop Road is about 18 miles long. The drive can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on wildlife sightings, traffic, and how often you stop for photos.
While the Visitor Center is a hub for information, the surrounding Custer State Park offers numerous hiking trails, including those near the Cathedral Spires and along scenic drives. +1
Wildlife is often most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours when temperatures are cooler.
📸 📸 Photography
The Wildlife Loop Road offers incredible opportunities to photograph bison and burros. Scenic drives like Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road provide dramatic landscapes with granite spires and tunnels. +1
Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, especially bison. The burros are more approachable, but always be respectful. Use a zoom lens to capture close-up shots without disturbing the animals.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for landscape and wildlife photography.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of park regulations and avoid disturbing wildlife or natural formations. Drone usage may be restricted.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for wildlife photography. For landscapes, a wide-angle lens can capture the vastness of the Black Hills. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit