From Rapid City: Custer State Park Private Safari and Hiking

Custer State Park, a stunning natural wonder nestled in the heart of South Dakota, beckons adventurers seeking an immersive wildlife experience. From Rapid City, this private safari and hiking tour offers a chance to witness bison, antelope, and other diverse creatures in their natural habitat. Guests can even interact with the park’s friendly burros, a delightful highlight. But the adventure doesn’t end there – a scenic hike through the park’s picturesque landscapes promises to leave lasting memories. As the day draws to a close, a delectable lunch at the historic Custer State Game Lodge awaits, providing the perfect culmination to this exceptional outdoor excursion.

This experience made our article of Which Rapid City City Tours To Choose? We Rank The 8 Best.

Key Points

• Set out on a private safari in Custer State Park, located near Rapid City, to encounter diverse wildlife including bison, antelope, and friendly burros.
• Participate in a guided hiking adventure through the park’s picturesque landscapes, offering opportunities to observe more wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Enjoy a lunch at the historic Custer State Game Lodge, featuring locally-sourced regional specialties and panoramic views of the park.
• Immerse in the stunning natural environment of the Black Hills, home to over 71,000 acres of rolling prairies and rugged mountains.
• Experience an engaging and personalized outdoor adventure that fosters a deeper appreciation for South Dakota’s abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Custer State Park Overview

Custer State Park, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is the state’s largest and most diverse state park.

Spanning over 71,000 acres, the park is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including bison herds, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain goats, coyotes, elk, and bighorn sheep.

Custer State Park’s 71,000 acres teem with diverse wildlife, from bison herds to mountain goats and bighorn sheep.

Visitors can explore the park’s scenic trails and landscapes, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.

The park’s diverse terrain, ranging from rolling prairies to rugged mountains, provides a unique and immersive outdoor experience for visitors seeking to connect with nature in South Dakota’s stunning natural environment.

Wildlife Encounters

The park’s diverse landscapes and habitats make it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Custer State Park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including bison herds, antelope, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain goats, coyotes, elk, and bighorn sheep.

On the open-air jeep safari, visitors can get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures, even having the opportunity to feed the park’s friendly burros.

This exclusive wildlife experience allows guests to observe the animals in their natural environment and gain a deeper appreciation for the park’s rich biodiversity.

Feeding the Burros

One of the highlights of the Custer State Park Private Safari is the opportunity to interact with the park’s friendly burros.

These charming, furry creatures are a beloved part of the park’s ecosystem.

Visitors can:

• Hand-feed the burros a selection of carrots, apples, or other approved snacks provided by the tour guides.

• Pose for pictures with the burros, capturing memorable moments with these gentle animals.

• Observe the burros’ natural behaviors and social dynamics within their herd.

The burro encounter offers a unique and engaging wildlife experience, allowing guests to connect with the park’s diverse inhabitants in an up-close and personal way.

Hiking Adventure

After the morning safari, guests embark on a scenic hiking adventure within Custer State Park.

The hikes are of moderate difficulty, lasting approximately 3-4 hours. Explorers traverse through picturesque trails, taking in the region’s natural beauty. They may encounter diverse wildlife, including bison, antelope, deer, and more.

The hikes offer a chance to stretch one’s legs and immerse in the park’s serene environment. Though the trails aren’t overly strenuous, a good level of fitness is recommended.

The hiking component complements the earlier wildlife viewing, providing a well-rounded experience in Custer State Park.

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Lunch at Custer State Game Lodge

Following the afternoon hiking adventure, guests enjoy a lunch at the historic Custer State Game Lodge.

The Game Lodge, built in 1920, offers a rustic yet refined dining experience, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and panoramic views of the park.

Constructed in 1920, the Game Lodge provides a rustic yet refined dining experience with locally-sourced ingredients and panoramic park views.

The menu showcases South Dakota cuisine, including:

• Bison burgers, a regional specialty

• Wild game dishes, such as elk or antelope

• Locally-grown produce, like hearty salads

Lunch at the Game Lodge provides a chance to refuel and reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters and hiking excursion, all while immersed in the park’s natural beauty.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes the entrance fee for Custer State Park, hotel pickup and drop-off, a lunch at the historic Custer State Game Lodge or an alternate location, and light snacks and water.

Tips are optional. Participants are responsible for any additional food and drinks not provided. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended.

The tour operates rain or shine, but it’s not suitable for individuals with back problems. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited.

Booking is flexible, allowing visitors to reserve now and pay later to secure their spot without upfront payment.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Visitors can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible booking policy allows travelers to secure their spot without upfront payment.

Secure your spot with a flexible booking policy – cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Plus, the tour operator offers:

• Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Flexible booking: Reserve now & pay later to secure your spot without upfront payment.

• Important items to bring: Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent.

The tour operates rain or shine, providing a seamless experience regardless of weather conditions.

Restrictions apply, as the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with back problems, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited.

What to Bring and Restrictions

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent are essential items to bring on the Custer State Park Private Safari and Hiking tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with back problems, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited.

It’s important to dress appropriately for the moderate hiking portion, which lasts around 3-4 hours.

The tour operates rain or shine, so guests should be prepared for varying weather conditions.

While the tour includes light snacks and water, any additional food and drinks must be purchased separately.

These guidelines ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take photos and videos during the tour. The tour overview states that a camera is listed as one of the "important items to bring" for the excursion, indicating photography is permitted and encouraged to capture the wildlife encounters and scenic hiking.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children. The hiking portion is of moderate difficulty and could be challenging for small kids. However, the safari and wildlife experience could be enjoyable for families with older children.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment for the Hiking Portion?

The hiking portion of the tour does not require any specialized equipment. Participants should wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera to capture the scenic trails within Custer State Park.

Is the Tour Pet-Friendly?

The tour is not pet-friendly. The website states the activity is "not suitable for individuals with back problems" and prohibits "alcohol and drugs", indicating pets would likely not be allowed on the tour for safety and liability reasons.

Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your interests. The tour provider offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust the activities, hiking routes, and wildlife experiences based on your preferences within the Custer State Park setting.

The Sum Up

This private safari and hiking adventure in Custer State Park from Rapid City offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. From encountering bison and antelope during the open-air jeep safari to feeding friendly burros, the experience caters to nature enthusiasts. The scenic hike and lunch at the historic Custer State Game Lodge complete this well-rounded excursion, providing a comprehensive exploration of the park’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: