Custer, 30 mi/50 km south of Rapid City, is one of the most interesting state parks in South Dakota: It contains one of the world's largest buffalo herds, some 1,500 strong, as well as a lot of other wildlife—elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, mountain goats and donkeys. This huge area (71,000 acres/28,735 hectares) encompasses both tawny plains and wooded mountains.
There's plenty of outdoor recreation within the park's confines: camping, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing and snowmobiling. Visitors can rent a bike, take a guided Jeep tour or go on a chuckwagon cookout adventure.
The State Game Lodge is a historic structure that served as a summer getaway for U.S. President Calvin Coolidge in the 1920s and is now a resort hotel. Visitors can rent cabins within the park, and a general store and dining areas are available.
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