Custer State Park

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Type
Motto
Location	Black Hills, South Dakota, United States
OS grid
OSI/OSNI grid
Coordinates
Area	71,000 acres
Elevation

Custer State Park is a state park and wildlife reserve located in the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota, United States. It is the largest and first state park in South Dakota, covering an area of 71,000 acres. The park is named after George Armstrong Custer, a United States Army officer and cavalry commander in the American Civil War and the American Indian Wars.

History

Custer State Park was established in 1912, making it one of the oldest state parks in the United States. The park was named in honor of General Custer, who led an expedition into the Black Hills in 1874. The area was originally inhabited by the Lakota Sioux and was considered sacred land. The discovery of gold in the Black Hills led to an influx of settlers and the eventual establishment of the park.

Geography

The park is located in the southern part of the Black Hills, a small, isolated mountain range rising from the Great Plains. The terrain is characterized by rugged mountains, rolling plains, and dense forests. The highest point in the park is Black Elk Peak, which is also the highest point in South Dakota.

Flora and Fauna

Custer State Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including one of the largest publicly owned bison herds in the world. Other notable species include elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and wild turkeys.

The park's vegetation is equally diverse, with ponderosa pine forests, mixed-grass prairies, and riparian zones along streams and lakes. The park's flora includes species such as ponderosa pine, aspen, cottonwood, and a variety of wildflowers.

Recreation

Custer State Park offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors. Popular activities include hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park has over 50 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes. The Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road are scenic drives that offer stunning views of the park's unique rock formations and landscapes.

The park also hosts the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, where visitors can witness the herding of the park's bison herd. This event is a major attraction and draws thousands of visitors each year.

Conservation

Custer State Park is managed by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, which is responsible for maintaining the park's natural resources and ensuring the conservation of its wildlife and habitats. The park's management practices focus on preserving the ecological integrity of the area while providing recreational opportunities for visitors.

Also see

• Black Hills National Forest
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Wind Cave National Park
• Badlands National Park
• George Armstrong Custer