Custer State Park is famous for its bison which have a prominent place in South Dakota history. On Needles Hwy (SD 87) through Custer State Park visitors catch a glimpse of bison and Needle's Eye, a rock which reaches 30 to 40 feet high at the end of one of the tunnels.
Custer State Park has 71,000 acres which vacationers visit each year to see wildlife such as eagles and bison, and to fish at Stockade Lake and French Creek. Cabins and campgrounds are located at various parts of Custer Stake Park.
In 1912, 12,000 acres in Harding Count and 50,000 acres of land in Custer County became Custer State Forest. Governor Peter Norbeck renamed Custer State Forest to Custer State Park.
Guests can sit by a campfire listening to stories at night and hike on one of the parks 17 trails which range from easy to difficult. Horseback riding is allowed through most of the park. Guided nature walks are led by park rangers. Gold panning is another fun activity available at Custer.
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway winds its way through the Needle's Eye and offers an array of views of different types of rock formations, tunnels and narrow bridges. During winter, the 14 miles of the Needles portion of the byway is closed for cross-country skiers to use.
Each year, in the middle of November, Custer State park holds a buffalo auction. The buffalo roundup takes place each September; prior to the roundup, an arts and crafts celebration occurs.
