About this tour
When Mia from our BugBitten team ran this eight-hour safari and hike through Custer State Park, we got a proper sense of what the place is about — a sprawling historic reserve in South Dakota where bison roam and the landscape shifts from grassland to pine forest. The day mixes driving through scenic valleys with a solid walk on foot, hitting different pockets of the park to catch wildlife and take in the views. It's the kind of tour that works whether you're after a gentle day out or keen to stretch your legs, and you're fed along the way.
Highlights
- Bison herds and elk spotted from the vehicle during the park drive
- Lunch included — breaks up the day nicely without extra expense
- Mix of vehicle time and walking keeps you from sitting too long
- Historic park with real depth to explore beyond tourist hotspots
- Small group format means you're not herded with crowds
- Guides familiar with where animals congregate by season
- Light snacks and water kept us fuelled between stops
What to expect
The day splits between time in a vehicle cruising the park's scenic drives and stretches on foot exploring different zones. Early on, you'll be watching for wildlife from the comfort of a seat — bison, elk, and mule deer are common if you're there at the right time of year. The driving isn't rushed; your guide knows the park well enough to pause at spots where something's worth looking at. You'll get out for a hike that's pitched at a pace most people can manage, though the terrain does include some elevation and uneven ground.
Lunch happens mid-tour at a decent spot within the park — solid enough to reset your energy before the afternoon leg. The pacing works well; Mia found the balance between 'see a lot' and 'don't get knackered' hit just right. The park itself has a quiet, purposeful feel — it's set up for visitors, but it's not overrun, and the mix of grassland and forested sections means scenery actually changes as you move through.
Good to know
This is worth doing if you want to see a working wildlife area without the grind of independent navigation or the hassle of figuring out where animals actually are. The lunch and snacks take the edge off a full day out, and there's no surprise charges tucked in. It suits people at all fitness levels — you can walk as much or as little as your body allows. Small group minimum (two people) means you're not stuck on a coach with fifty others.
Eight hours is a real day, so bring sunscreen and expect to be on your feet for solid stretches. Weather in this part of South Dakota swings — wind and sun are real; cold mornings warm up fast. The terrain isn't flat, so dodgy knees or mobility issues need an honest self-assessment. Alcoholic drinks aren't included, so pack your own if that matters. Tips aren't built in, so factor that if you value the guide's effort.
Wear sturdy walking shoes and layers. Bring a hat and sunscreen. The park's best for wildlife in early morning or late afternoon, so check the time you're scheduled. Infants need to sit on a lap during vehicle bits. Service animals are fine. Peak season (summer) means you'll share the park with more visitors.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.