Custer State Park

Custer State Park
250px Scenic view of Custer State Park
Location	Black Hills, South Dakota, United States
Area	71,000 acres
Established	1912
Visitors	2 million (in 2022)

Custer State Park is a state park and wildlife reserve located in the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota, United States. Covering an area of 71,000 acres, it is the largest and first state park in South Dakota. 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 George Armstrong Custer, who led an expedition into the Black Hills in 1874. The area was originally set aside as a game preserve, and over the years, it has been developed into a major tourist destination.

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 animals commonly seen in the park include elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. The park is also a habitat for numerous bird species, including bald eagles and peregrine falcons.

The park's vegetation is equally diverse, with ponderosa pine forests, mixed-grass prairies, and riparian zones along streams and lakes. Wildflowers bloom throughout the park in the spring and summer, adding to its natural beauty.

Attractions and Activities

Custer State Park offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors. Popular activities include hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park has several scenic drives, including the Needles Highway and the Wildlife Loop Road, which offer stunning views and opportunities to see wildlife.

The park is also home to several historic sites, such as the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center and the State Game Lodge, which served as the "Summer White House" for President Calvin Coolidge in 1927.

Annual Events

One of the most popular events in Custer State Park is the annual Buffalo Roundup, held each fall. During this event, park staff and volunteers round up the bison herd for health checks and to manage the herd size. The event attracts thousands of visitors who come to witness the spectacle and participate in related activities.

Conservation Efforts

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 health of its wildlife populations. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation, wildlife management, and public education.

See Also

• Black Hills National Forest
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Wind Cave National Park

External Links

• Official Custer State Park Website