Custer State Park: Wildlife Loop Scenic Byway

The Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway in Custer State Park is one of the most extraordinary wildlife driving experiences in the United States, a breathtaking 18-mile journey through rolling prairies, ponderosa pine hills, and red-walled canyons in the heart of the Black Hills. The undisputed stars of the show are the park's roughly 1,300 free-roaming American bison, one of the largest publicly owned herds in the nation. It's not uncommon for the entire road to come to a standstill as a massive herd crosses at its own unhurried pace. Beyond bison, visitors can expect to spot pronghorn antelope, mule deer, whitetail deer, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, eagles, coyotes, and the park's beloved "begging burros," a small herd of wild donkeys descended from former pack animals, famous for approaching vehicles and poking their curious heads through open windows. Early morning and late evening offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. The loop runs year-round and connects near the State Game Lodge on the east end to Blue Bell Lodge on the west.