adventure Dakotas lake outdoors park Photography scenic drive solo South Dakota state park United States USA vacation wildlife

Custer State Park

by |Published

My #100by100 Project is focused on National Parks – seeing 100 National Parks by the time the United States National Park Service turns 100 on August 25, 2016. So when someone suggested that I stay in Custer State Park (CSP) during my visit to the Black Hills in South Dakota, I didn’t think much of it. But, then I researched CSP and discovered that it was a central location to Mt. Rushmore, Jewel Cave, and Wind Cave. A perfect place for my base camp as I explored these parks.

I won’t often say this, but I didn’t leave enough time for Custer State Park. I carefully plan my trips and I know what I want to see and make sure it’s doable. However, I didn’t expect there being so much to see and explore in a state park.

A big attraction in CSP are three main drives: Wildlife Loop, Iron Mountain Road, and Needles Highway.

Wildlife Loop

When I arrived at CSP, the first things on my list were a hot meal and a shower. I’d been camping for several days without electricity or water so I was very excited to reach Blue Bell Campground. After fulfilling both of those dreams, I set off on the Wildlife Loop.
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop
It was mid-afternoon and still several hours from sunset, so I didn’t have high hopes for the drive. But, I was pleasantly surprised by a number of animals.

Iron Mountain Road

The 18 miles of switchbacks, rock tunnels, and spiral “pigtail” bridges of Iron Mountain Road takes nearly an hour to travel. The highlight is seeing Mt. Rushmore in the distance as you drive through one of the tunnels.
Mount Rushmore from Custer State Park

Needles Highway

I’d been through the Black Hills before. I knew what to expect. Or so I thought. The scenery I encountered along the 14 miles of Needles Highway looked more what I expect Patagonia in Argentina to look like, not South Dakota.

Black Hills of South Dakota in Custer State Park Black Hills of South Dakota in Custer State Park Black Hills of South Dakota in Custer State Park Black Hills of South Dakota in Custer State Park

One of the main attractions is the Needles Eye. A narrow opening high in a spire created by wind, rain, and the cycle of freezing and thawing.

Needles Eye Custer State Park, South Dakota

The Needles Highway is a memorable trip that should be on everyone’s Scenic Drive Bucket List.

During my Needles Highway drive I passed Sylvan Lake. I didn’t have time to stop and explore that evening, so I made it my first stop the following morning.

Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, South DakotaSylvan Lake, Custer State Park, South Dakota

Some people clearly know how to throw a great wedding. #relationshipgoals

Wedding at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, South Dakota

I’m glad I gave Custer State Park a chance. It showed me that State Parks can be just as breathtaking and magical as National Parks. Since my stay I’ve camped in another State Park and I’ve been researching parks close to me for upcoming trips. Adventure is everywhere.

How about you? What is your favorite State Park? Is there any place you visited on a recommendation that you had low expectations for but were pleasantly surprised? What trips are on your Scenic Drive Bucket List? Let me know in the comments below.

Go. Live.

You may also like

Leave a Reply