Custer State Park Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour

About

The Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour at Custer State Park takes you off-road into the heart of one of America's largest and most impressive buffalo herds. Named a Top 10 US Safari by MSN, this guided adventure brings you face to face with the Great Plains as they looked before the land was fenced in. It's a rare chance to witness roughly 1,300 free-roaming bison in their natural habitat.

Your open-air jeep heads into backcountry terrain that regular vehicles can't reach. Along the way, experienced guides share stories about the park's history, its wildlife, and the conservation efforts that brought buffalo back from the brink of extinction. You'll also spot pronghorn antelope, elk, wild burros, and prairie dogs during the ride.

Custer State Park covers 71,000 acres of grasslands, pine forests, and granite spires in South Dakota's Black Hills. The jeep tour is one of the most popular ways to experience the park, especially for visitors who want to get close to wildlife without hiking rugged terrain. Tours typically last about two hours and depart from the State Game Lodge.

The experience changes with the seasons. Spring brings newborn calves wobbling alongside their mothers. Summer offers lush green hills and active herds. Fall is marked by the dramatic buffalo roundup, when cowboys and cowgirls on horseback gather the entire herd. No matter when you visit, the sheer scale of seeing hundreds of buffalo roaming free is unforgettable.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended, as tours fill up quickly during peak summer months. The State Game Lodge also offers dining, lodging, and other activities, making it easy to build a full day around your safari experience.

Accessibility

A handicap-accessible van is available for wheelchair users who want to experience the safari tour. This adapted vehicle allows visitors with mobility challenges to join the excursion through the park's backcountry terrain. Contact Custer State Park Resort directly to reserve the accessible van, as availability may be limited and advance booking is essential.

The open-air jeep vehicles used for standard tours require climbing up into a raised seat. Visitors with limited mobility should discuss their needs with staff when booking to determine which vehicle option works best. The guides are knowledgeable and accustomed to helping guests with varying abilities.

The State Game Lodge, where tours depart, has paved parking areas and accessible restroom facilities. The lodge itself serves as a comfortable base with dining options before or after your tour. Visitors should be aware that the safari route travels over unpaved, bumpy terrain, which may be uncomfortable for some individuals with certain conditions.

Custer State Park has limited paved trails overall due to its rugged geography. Two paved accessible trails are available elsewhere in the park for visitors who want additional outdoor experiences. The jeep tour itself is a great option for those who want to see backcountry wildlife without needing to walk or wheel on trails.

Contact Custer State Park Resort at custerresorts.com for the most current accessibility details, including specifics about the handicap van dimensions, boarding assistance, and any seasonal changes to accessible services.

More accessible places in South Dakota

• Jewel Cave National Monument (Custer)
• 1880 Train (Black Hills Central Railroad) (Hill City)
• Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (Philip)
• Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center (Chamberlain)
• Crazy Horse Memorial (Crazy Horse)
• South Dakota Art Museum (Brookings)