• Custer State Park Visitor Center - The journey begins at the State Game Lodge, where the history of the Summer White House for Presidents Coolidge and Eisenhower is explored.

Next, at the Custer State Park Visitor Center, visitors can enjoy numerous exhibits about the prairie’s iconic species, the bison.

Another stop is made along the Wildlife Loop Road at the Buffalo Corrals. The new Custer State Park Bison Center offers a comprehensive bison experience along the park’s scenic drive through the southern prairie of the 71,000-acre park.

• Wildlife Loop Road - This tour covers 18 miles of open grasslands and pine-dotted hills, home to much of Custer State Park’s wildlife. Visitors should watch for bison, pronghorn, whitetail and mule deer, elk, coyotes, burros, prairie dogs, eagles, hawks, and a variety of birds rarely seen together. A vibrant array of wildflowers and prairie grasses line the road, creating a picturesque drive, with the landscape changing throughout the journey, keeping it exciting.
• Mount Coolidge Fire Lookout Tower - Constructed from local stone, the Mt Coolidge Fire Tower sits atop a 6,023-foot peak en route to Blue Bell Lodge and continues to serve as a fire lookout and dispatch center.
  As the highest point in central Custer State Park, it provides stunning 360-degree views from the top of the fire tower. On clear days, the Badlands can be seen nearly 60 miles to the east, with Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse to the north and the Wildlife Loop Road to the south.
• Stockade Lake - Stockade Lake, the largest in Custer State Park, is situated between Mt Coolidge Lookout and the Needles Highway. It offers a scenic and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a picnic lunch.
• Needle Eye Tunnel - The Needles Highway offers a breathtaking drive through pine and spruce forests, meadows bordered by birch and aspen, and rugged granite mountains.

The highway is named for the needle-like granite formations that appear to pierce the horizon.

The road was meticulously planned by former South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck, who charted the entire course on foot and horseback. Construction was completed in 1922.

Needles Eye Tunnel is a distinctive rock formation, named for the opening created by wind, rain, freezing, and thawing. It is the most popular tunnel in the Park.

• Sylvan Lake - Sylvan Lake is the most popular of the many lakes in the Park.
  It was formed in 1891 when Theodore Reder constructed a dam across Sunday Gulch Creek.

Surrounded by large granite spires and towering pines, it offers a unique alpine ambiance to visitors. It also hosts an average of four weddings a week during the summer season.

• Iron Mountain Road - Iron Mountain Road is a unique route designed to highlight the Black Hills and Mt Rushmore. Renowned for its “pigtail” bridges, Iron Mountain Road redefined road design with 314 curves, numerous one-lane tunnels, and, of course, the iconic “pigtail” bridges.

• Special Treats for feeding Begging Burros
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• All fees and/or taxes

• Gratuities

Two New Locations - Safe Parking
Custer - 615 Washington St. Departure at 8:00 am
Keystone - 519 1st St. Departure at 8:30 am

Custer State Park is one of the largest state parks in the country, covering 71,000 acres in the Black Hills. It is home to a rich variety of wildlife and offers numerous adventures.

Open-Top-Tours is the exclusive provider of 6-hour Jeep Bison Safaris throughout the entire park. This includes the rarely visited Mt. Coolidge Fire Lookout, which offers breathtaking views of the Southern Hills from an elevation of 6,020 feet.

Tours are conducted in specially modified Jeep Gladiators and Wranglers, accommodating between 2 to 14 passengers, ensuring excellent panoramic views. These vehicles are ideal for exploring the backcountry roads in search of bison and other wildlife.

Our guides are professional, knowledgeable, and entertaining, providing insights into local history and wildlife while answering any questions.

Included: fees, bottled water, and snacks.

Tours depart from Rapid City at 8:00 am, Custer at 8:00 am, and Keystone at 8:30 am. There are plenty of restroom stops and additional opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography.

• Layered clothing, jacket, sun screen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• All-Season Tours Available

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.