Custer State Park is a National treasure. There’s a café in Custer that serves amazing and huge pancakes. One is enough for most! Slow is key and savor the splendor God has placed there. Thanks for another great tour!

Few people talk about the incredible caves in the Black Hills. Wind Cave National Park is a forgotten park in the Black Hills. I remember taking the guided tours of these caves when I was a kid long ago.

It is an awesome state park! The best state park I’ve ever been to such an awesome place would love to go back great video!

Thank you! We've been to Custer State Park many times and it never gets old. There is so much to do and see in the Black Hills. Being residents of SD we always get a state park sticker so even if we're not staying in the park we go there for a least some part of our trip to the Black Hills. One other area of the Black Hills you might want to explore is Spearfish Canyon on the Northern part of the Black Hills.

If you want a truly close encounter with the bison that’s positive, drive around after a snow storm… they do not use salt in the park at all, so all the bison come to the roads to lick up any road salt brought in by the cars-or as I learned by accident just down the road from the air strip (where the National Guard comes for SAR training every Spring, btw) stuck between a wall and a guardrail, where the bison had laid an active car trap, straight off the sides of your unwashed car! My grandma was screaming her lungs out as the car started rocking, but I noticed the 30 heads out of 200 that made it to me were all rocking up and down… never seen that car so clean or covered in slime before, but as soon as they locked the salt off, they let us through. Never had a horn touch me, either. That car trap was very intentionally set, too, and I’m neither the first nor last. Bison are born with more brains than an entire herd of cows short of a wild longhorn can ever hope to have, and yes… the 2,000 alpha bull was among those licking the car, and I swear to God he had a big goofy grin as he was eye to eye with me. 2003 white Ford Explorer, or as I’ve called the last 12 years since that incident “the 4x4 Salt Lick”. You should see the prairie dogs in Wind Cave just south of their… big and fat as a lynx, will walk right up to you. Sylvan Lake is where they filmed “National Treasure II” back in the day, and as a local I can tell you it was a huge fuss… all the roads were blocked and we had thousands of really ticked off tourists for a few weeks. Everyone is concerned about the bison on the road, but I tell them that’s not the problem. On our roads through the park, however, we do have the most dangerous and unpredictable wild animal in the country: the American Tourist Driver. Stopping dead center of the road around a blind corner and getting out of their cars to walk up within 10 feet of a solitary wild bull bison… yeah, there is a reason they are solitary… whatever you do, if you’re on a motorcycle, do NOT rev your engine. Not only is it loud, the ground vibrations feel to them like another bull challenging them. I have with my own eyes seen a punk on a Harley revving in the middle of a herd on the road between Custer and Wind Cave Parks only to find himself 25 feet in the air still on his bike because the alpha of the herd decided he was an interloper after his ladies and kids… he landed about 50 feet down the road and stuck the landing at the devil’s feet, never to get up again… hence the black triangle road sign there that marks a death on our roads. Could’ve been worse. The sign at the lights into Crazy Horse marks where a loaded portapotty fell off a trailer and hit a biker going the other way. If you take the turn at Stockade Lake and stay on the pavement, that is the original road into the park and was there long before my mom was born in the 50s. It also bypasses the toll booth into the park nearest the City of Custer City (no joke, either way) and let’s you drive the loop from the west end for free… or any of it, really. Never understood why they left such an obvious and more beautiful paved but of 3 mile road bypass them like that. Oh well. Local knowledge. I’m moving out of state tomorrow morning from my home in Keystone, SD, saw this, and thought I would share.

Another great video, thanks for taking us along! We saw more wildlife here (in Custer SP) than in Yellowstone, in numbers and in species. We where in CSP multiple times that week, resulting in 3 separate buffalo 🦬 jams. Just shut off the car and enjoy. Sometimes they would come up and lick the dust and salt off your bumper. One young male came to us and put his enormous head on the driver’s side hood and windshield, filling it from top to bottom! Not sure if that’s covered by Hertz rental insurance… . We just started the car and backed up slowly, so try to leave some room around yourself. Brought some apple slices for the begging burros. Just a lush and fertile area of the U.S., with patriotic and friendly people hosting. Take a week and go, fantastic!

Thank you for bring back many memories. My husband and I went out to the Custer state park as we mount Rushmore ,bad lands and Devils tower. Brought back very sweet memories. Stay safe

Was stationed at Ellsworth AFB from 1976-1981. As you can imagine, Custer State Park saw a lot fewer visitors back then. Same wonderful drives, saw many motor homes try to drive both the Needles HWY and Iron MT Road. Saw many of them stuck in the tunnels with their sides peeled back and the a/c units torn off. Iron MT road…the pigtail loops were really tight and large motor homes and buses would have to take both sides of the road to MAYBE make it through. I drove a little sports car and had no issues. A couple of winters ago there was a large fire which killed most of the donkeys. Most of the ones you see today are those that were given back to the park after a auction earlier in the year. The fire burned most of the park (70000 acres). If I remember right the fire was cause by downed power lines at the Blue Bell Lodge. FYI…back in 1976 I-90 (4 lane) ended at the Wyoming border, where it switched to 2 lanes. So not much traffic back then. Glad you had a good time. I return several times a year now (from Oregon), mainly to drive CSP and spend time at CrazyHorse Memorial. Cheers

Don't forget you are also leaving a legacy with the work you do sharing and narrating these beautiful places to share with others. Where will your roadside plaque be Pastor Randy? :).

South dakota is definitely one of the most beautiful and underrated states in the Union! It sure is amazing to see this beautiful creation of God. I went there in June of last year especially loved the badlands. Tommorow is also easter have a nice one.

Love the Black Hills, a very special and magical place.

Thanks so much for this great video. We’re South Dakota natives and we love the Hills so much! Everyone needs to go check it out

Great video! Thanks for putting in the work to make this video, and for sharing it. 👍🏼👍🏼

Those are some really awesome and unique drives. Did them all last July. We really love the town of Custer and surrounds.

This vid brings back great memories! We got good video of a bison jam when we were there. Also went through that tunnel. So cool. We saw prairie dogs, too!

Randy you are simply the most entertaining and best resource on travel going!! Thank you!

During peak times of the year it's possible to run into long traffic jams on the Wildlife Loop due to all the visitors and stubborn bison on the road. If you're looking for skilled driving, watch a tour bus go through the tunnel at Needles Eye. Custer State Park is easily on par with some National Parks.

I love a good "bison jam". I love to hear the clop, clop, clop of their hooves on the pavement. ♥️ Thank you for sharing

The bison were amazing as well as the drone shots over those spires. Nice footage!

Hi! Thanks so much for your enriching videos of this amazing Park. I loved your calm demeanor and clarity. Great job! Thank you!

Fabulous hikes and now you highlight these beautiful drives in Custer State Park! This is truly an incredible place. Thank you for sharing your views and insights along the way. Take care always!

Rode the motorcycle all through there last summer & even camped on the wildlife loop. Don't miss the Badlands. Great camping and scenic vistas.

A couple of things that Randy didn't mention were the "pigtail" bridges on Iron Mountain Road, the hike up Black Elk Peak (highest point between the Alps and Rocky Mountains, and the State Game Lodge which was formerly the summer White House for President Coolidge and is now a hotel. There are also several caves that you can tour in the vicinity of Custer State Park. Historic Deadwood, SD is less than 2 hours away as is Badlands National Park.

We live in Custer. We go to the park every weekend. You did an incredible job introducing Custer Park.

Awesome!

Thank you Randy; absolutely fascinating and very beautiful. Your narration in all your videos is excellent. I enjoy how you always include so many remarkable facts and history of each park. God Bless you and all your hard work. .. Robin :-)

That was awesome! We did two of the three drives and wow did this make me want to go back. I cannot believe how many bison you saw!

Absolutely beautiful!!

Back in the early 80’s we had a tourist driving a Volkswagen bug that were crowding a herd of bison on the road like what you drove thru and one of them head butted the car and knocked it clear over on it’s side. Luckily no one seriously hurt. PS the burros love Oreo cookies. Lol

You had a good drive on the wildlife loop. Last time we drove there the bison were way off in the distance, like binocular distance. We stopped at the Needle tunnel and found the needle rock. It actually looked like a sewing needle with a thread hole at the top. Great group of parks. I miss you passport stamp. Thanks for sharing. God bless.

Love the tour thank you!

This is a really awesome area and I'm glad you were able to show it to us in detail! I really want to plan a trip out there now thanks to you. Those are some very beautiful scenic drives of the area. Such an insane amount of wildlife to see as well. Great video Randy and thank you so much for your knowledge and wisdom.

Wow, Custer State park looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks so much for sharing! It's very helpful for our trip planning. And, it was very moving for you to remember and give credit to those visionaries who made it possible!

Absolutely stunning brother...WOW!

Brilliant drives. Love each drive. When I visited so enjoyed the area that I had to come back for more. Sitting in a car in the midst of a herd of Buffalo is a pretty special experience. We have been amidst these mighty creatures a couple of times in Yellowstone as well. Days like this make travel just so enjoyable. I am not surprised that Custer was voted No. 1 State Park.

Randy, This is very helpful for those of us that are no longer able to hike as much. This state park appears in your tour to be an amazing wildlife refuge. I guess, like you say, if the bus can go through the tunnel . . . that Needles Highway is a great way to see those spires you hiked to in the previous video. This is a great way to see South Dakota. THANK YOU FOR TAKING US WITH YOU FOR A WONDERFUL ROAD TRIP, . . . Mike

Love a good scenic Drive! Crazy how the Buffalo just stand right in front of your car and the mules just come right up begging 😂 Have you ever been to Stone Mountain in Georgia?

Wow thank you for sharing. It's definitely on my bucket list. I'm currently working I'm Yellowstone National Park for the summer. What a fantastic experience and summer I'm going to have. Hope to see you here.

Thanks for this two part series on Rushmore/Custer SP. Our family's first NP trip in 2017 was to Mt. Rushmore and Custer SP. Kids were 5 and 3. Like you, we got surrounded by bison while in our car. Beautiful area. We hope to visit again next summer and this time hit Badlands and Wind Cave.

Alright! You convinced me. I’m going there this Aug 2022!

My neighbor was born an raised in Custer. He thinks it's amazing too! He says check out brewery in Custer instead of just driving by. Good burger stops too!

Just stunning ! I have heard just the best reviews of that beautiful place. I know many of us chase the National Parks but as you have shown, don't sleep on State Parks

Thank you for your beautiful drive through Custer State Park. It's been a long time since I was there on a family trip and I enjoyed going with you on your adventure. I did, however, miss your beautiful wife and family.

Can’t go now, but this sure is beautiful. Thanks

Early mornings you can see some wonderful elk herds through the park.

Gracias Randy saludos desde México!! Fantástico!

i found out about his park on another channel. after watching your video i moved custer park up to the top of the list. there is just to much natural beauty to wait until later to see. 2023 will be our year to see this, can not wait.

Custer state park is really incredible. Great Drives, must be on the to do list ;-)

Good stuff MrRandy👍🏻

We didn't have a chance to drive the wildlife road on our quick passthrough of Custer SP last year, but got to drive the other 2. Loved the slow pace of Iron Mtn Road. Some truly tranquil places along there. I'd rate the Needles Road among my top 3 favorite drives along with Beartooth Pass and the Moki Dugway. So fun to see these places again from your perspective!

Great video

Huge tour buses go through!

After visiting Mt Rushmore in 2016 I drove the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. A very neat drive.

Thanks!

awesome guideliness

We did that ride in 2020. What fun. Lucy our dog loved the bison 🦬

We went to Custer also. We loved it. Awesome Park. Took us forever to find the Bison though.

Where do you even begin to comment on this video. It's easy to see why this place is so popular Just the wildlife alone is incredible. The drives are a really interesting part of the park and you had some amazing views. Amazing video as always.

Amazing content I can't wait to move to South Dakota 🙈💥 beautiful Place especially if you like To be Around Wild Life 💪

my son and i are going to SD in May.

You should ride thru those buffalo on a motorcycle !!!!! Love the Black Hills !!!!

that was amazing how did you do that in one day

If you lock your exposure to what it is at before going into the tunnel the tunnel will stay very dark (on your video) and the far end of the tunnel, in this case, Mt Rushmore will stay correct and be seen as you go all the way through each tunnel.

Great video, and information. I plan to be there next month, how many days will it take to drive all these places and see the sites?

fantastic auto tour! those views out of the tunnels are really cool especially the last one obviously... this place would make a pretty awesome National Park/ as a State Park it is absolutely amazing. Huge, and so much to see... thanks for taking us with you

That looks very nerve-racking to drive. So close to edge with sometimes no guard rail.

Love the videos. Went to a few parks because I've seen your videos. What time did you do custer wild life loop

Woww stunning 🤩 which month did you visit ?

Best time to drive Iron MT Road is at dawn…6-7am or let’s say early morning. MT Rushmore faces East and will be lighted by the morning sun. Always see MT Rushmore before seeing CrazyHorse (CrazyHorse is only 13 miles away). While Rushmore is great. All 4 busts at Rushmore will fit on just the head of CrazyHorse…..for a size comparison. And the museum at CrazyHorse is AWESOME! And bring 10lbs of carrots for the donkeys for your drive on the wildlife loop road in CSP. Cheers

They drive big Tour buses through the eye of Needles.

Thank you for the awesome video. I have a work assignment starting in April. Taking this opportunity to gather knowledge about the local culture, activities and adventures. What camera or phone are you using to film?

I am thinking about heading out there in mid-October. Will it be too cold? Is October a good time to visit?

Floor it!

Wonder what time of year he went

I spent night in hurd of 200+ elk. It was most death defying night. I got on my knees, got into most comfortable position because I knew, if I moved, even a finger twitch they would bolt an crush me too death. Darkness came in an elk started finding their familiar spots, laying, smelling my arm, feeling the force of their breath with nose right next to me but not touching. They decided I was no threat an big bull laid down right on my right. After he settled, an second bull laid down on my left. With 200+ around me. I had to stay in motionless almost zin state, for over 8 hours, without moving or even breathing hard, like a rock, until they moved out right before sun rise next morning. I scuba dive with labs on Friday Harbor, diving with an measuring world largest octopus at over 23ft. I swam with orca pod of 5, I've made friends with George, 14ft 6in octopus, I've made friends with eagles, having eagle hop on my lap rubbing her beck against face. But that full night muscles frozen in middle of Elk hurd was most dangerous thing over ever done. PS. That includes walking into lions den an winning him over with affection. Wound up sleeping with that mt lion in my arms. P.S. His purring next too my face made me fall sleep better than a sleeping pill. If your interested I rescued my first Bob Cat unassisted from piano wire trap, when I was 12. But all this story was to tell about a neighbor raising buffalo an I took big brush with me every time so they came to me. But we had to be careful of electric fence! One day as I brushed buffalo through fence another guy shows up an reaches for the electric fence. Buff owner says, don't touch electric fence it holds buffalo in!!! Guy reached down an grabbed wire anyway! Knocked him 6ft back in air, I'll do chest compressions but I'm not doing mouth to mouth! That same neighbor raising buffalo also raised a bull Elk, got him a mate an now raising Elk. One year I took pictures each month as his horns grew out bigger an bigger until he was beautiful!

South Dakota is on another level with the beautiful scenery. But that tunnel is a little paranoid close. I trust a bus driver skills but not me. 😅 When in doubt, always explore a cave. Even if it's just a few feet.

hello, I am planning a trip there this July. I am a photographer and Drone Pilot with a 107 license. Where did you get permission to fly in the parks?

is biking allowed?

Why subway

Buffalo

Why is this not a national park?

But one thing you didn't mention or visit was the Crazy Horse monument.And the History of the Lakota people..but it's okay ..The forefathers don't matter here ...

They should change the name! Custer was a very, very bad man.