Discover Custer State Park A Self Guided Audio Driving Tour
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Drive the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road, where bison roam freely and sweeping landscapes stretch before you. At the Wildlife Station Visitor Center, explore the park’s history and wildlife. The Needles Highway offers a winding route through jagged granite spires, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Black Hills. Mount Coolidge provides panoramic views of the entire park, revealing the diverse terrain that defines this stunning natural haven.
Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!
After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.
Available options
Discover Custer State Park A Self Guided Audio Driving Tour
What's included
Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Detailed itinerary
1
Next up is the Wildlife Station Visitor Center, a charming cabin with wooden fences. It’s an excellent spot for a pit stop, as we won’t have another restroom opportunity for a while. The center offers restrooms, small exhibits, and info on the park’s wildlife. It’s open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, and the parking lot will be on our left if you’d like to visit.
2
Next, we’re heading to Blue Bell Stables, the only riding stables in Custer State Park. Open from mid-May to September, it offers both beginner and advanced trail rides. Rides are available in the morning, and while advance booking is recommended, walk-ups are welcome if you arrive 30 minutes early.
3
Welcome to Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop Road! This 18-mile scenic route offers the best chance to spot wildlife like bison, burros, deer, elk, coyotes, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep. Remember, these are wild animals, so it’s essential to keep your distance—no petting, feeding, or selfies with bison! Stay alert for wildlife crossings and enjoy the beautiful surroundings safely.
Note: The tour is over 27 miles long, with more than 25+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
4
Off to our left is Mount Coolidge, with the Mount Coolidge Lookout and Fire Tower at the top. At 6,023 feet, it offers stunning views of the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and the Badlands. Back in 1923, it was called Lookout Mountain, and a man named Jack Sheehan once lived here to watch for fires. One day, he had an unforgettable encounter with a bear that turned out to be a pet looking for a friend!
5
We’re approaching Legion Lake, a peaceful spot with a beach, playground, picnic areas, and a half-mile hike around the lake that takes just 15 minutes. But in December 2017, the lake was part of a wildfire that scorched 35,000 acres. Thanks to improved safety measures, we can enjoy the lake without concern today. Parking will be on our right shortly—don’t miss a quick visit!
What's not included
Food and Drinks.
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
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3★
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2★
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1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It's perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
Meeting point
Begin from the Welcome to Custer State Park Sign, U.S. 16A, Custer. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Important notes
1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for "Action Tour Guide"
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have WiFi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem
2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don't wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.
3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• For the best audio experience, connect to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or AUX, or listen through your phone's speaker.
• CarPlay and Android Auto aren't supported yet.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!
4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-435-288-0560
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com
About Custer
Nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer is a charming town known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. It's a gateway to some of the most iconic national parks and monuments in the U.S., including Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
Top Attractions
Crazy Horse Memorial
A massive mountain carving honoring the Lakota leader Crazy Horse. It's a work in progress and offers stunning views and cultural exhibits.
Historical
2-3 hours
Moderate
Black Hills National Forest
A vast forest offering hiking, camping, and scenic drives. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nature
Half day to multiple days
Free to moderate
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Iconic mountain carvings of four U.S. presidents. A must-see attraction with a visitor center and presidential trail.
Historical
2-4 hours
Moderate
Badlands National Park
A stunning landscape of layered rock formations, fossils, and wildlife. Perfect for hiking, photography, and nature lovers.
Nature
Full day
Moderate
Custer State Park
One of the largest state parks in the U.S., known for its scenic drives, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
Nature
Half day to multiple days
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Chislic
Cubed, deep-fried meat, typically served with salt and pepper. A South Dakota specialty.
Appetizer
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians.
Frybread
Fried dough, often topped with sweet or savory ingredients. A Native American tradition.
Snack
Vegetarian, can be made vegan.
Bison Burger
A burger made with bison meat, often served with local toppings.
Main Course
Contains meat, gluten-free options available.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Rock climbing
Whitewater rafting
Hot springs
Scenic drives
Picnicking
Museum visits
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather and all attractions fully operational. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the national parks.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Custer is a safe destination with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas.
- • Be aware of wildlife, especially in national parks and forests.
- • Stay on marked trails and follow park regulations.
Getting there
By air
- Rapid City Regional Airport • 35 miles
By bus
Rapid City
Getting around
Public transport
Shuttles operate between major attractions and towns in the Black Hills.
Taxis
Available • Apps:
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Downtown Custer
Black Hills
Day trips
Deadwood
30 miles • Half day to full day
A historic gold rush town with a rich past, offering casinos, museums, and scenic drives.
Wind Cave National Park
20 miles • Full day
A unique national park known for its extensive cave system and scenic surface trails.
Hot Springs
40 miles • Full day
A small town known for its hot springs and historic bathhouses.
Festivals
Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup • September
Custer Arts and Crafts Fair • June
Pro tips
- Visit the visitor center for maps, brochures, and up-to-date information on attractions and events.
- Start early to avoid crowds and make the most of your day, especially at popular attractions like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
- Pack layers and be prepared for changing weather, especially in the mountains.
- Try local specialties like chislic and bison dishes for an authentic taste of the region.
- Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance, especially in national parks and forests.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
