There are some parts of Custer State Park that you can get to without having to pay the entrance fee
. One of those parts just happens to be on one of the most spectacular highways in all of the United States. The Iron Mountain Highway runs from the Mount Rushmore area to the East Entrance of the park.
What time can you enter Custer State Park?
This is a place where indoor and outdoor interpretive and educational programs take place. Practical information: Open
9 AM- 6 PM
, from Memorial Day till the end of September.
How long does it take to drive through Custer State Park?
Winding drives throughout the park are enjoyed at a slower pace. For your safety and the safety of the animals, please allow ample time to travel at a safe speed—generally 25 miles per hour or slower. When making plans, expect a travel time of anywhere
between one and two hours
to complete the loop.
Is Needles Highway through Custer State Park?
Needles Highway features 14 miles of scenic views through Custer State Park
. Check out these famed natural structures as you cruise past forests, meadows, mountains and Sylvan Lake.
Can you sleep in your car in Custer State Park?
Custer State Park has camping opportunities to suit nearly everyone. The park features nine developed campgrounds as well as the French Creek Natural Area for backpackers. In addition,
the surrounding area has a plethora of RV campgrounds, car camping spots
, and even some free dispersed campsites.
What is the entrance fee to Custer State Park?
The cost to go to Custer State Park is
$20 per vehicle for a 1- to a 7-day pass
. An annual pass is $36. The park is open year-round, 24 hours per day. Custer State Park passes can be purchased at any of the five entrance stations.
How long is Needles Eye tunnel?
My favorite part of this drive is the Needles Eye Tunnel. To navigate, press the arrow keys. The Needles Highway winds through spectacular Black Hills scenery. This
14 mile
stretch of highway was completed in 1922.
Can you feed the donkeys in Custer State Park?
While
Custer State Park officials recommend visitors not feed the burros anything
, I can tell you from personal experience with these rascals that they’ll basically eat anything, from turkey sandwiches and potato chips to any type of cracker, which evidently are among their favorite foods.
Are there bears in Custer State Park?
Bear Country
you will definitely see animals
elk, reindeer, mountain goats, sheep, coyotes, bears, bison, raccoons, badgers, porcupines, beavers, lynx, bobcats, fox, otters, grizzly bears, baby bears they are so adorable and some other animals.
Is the Badlands worth seeing?
The scenery is beautiful and stunning. Nice hiking trails (can get hot so bring water).
The is definitely worth a visit
. You can see a lot just driving through, but if you like to hike there are some nice options for that too.
Do you have to pay to drive through the Badlands?
Badlands National Park is
waiving the typical entrances fees of $30.00 for private vehicles, $25.00 for motorcycles and $15.00 for bicyclists
. The entrance fee waiver does not cover amenity or user fees for camping.
Can you take rocks from Custer State Park?
In most states, taking rocks from state parks is not permitted
. The vast majority of states forbid it entirely in order to protect their parks from damage.
Is Needles Eye tunnel one way?
Needles Eye Tunnel
The most famous part of the drive is the Needle Eye Tunnel. This
one-way
tunnel is only 8′ 4′′ wide by 12′ 0′′ high. Before entering the tunnel make sure no other car is coming from the other end and gauge the size of your vehicle. It’s a tight fit!
Is Needles Eye Tunnel open?
It is
typically open for driving from early April through mid-October, but it can be closed anytime when the access is not cleared of snow
. To reach this highway, from Custer, South Dakota, take US-16 Alt 8 miles east to SD-87. Take SD-87 North along Needles Highway.
Can you see Mt Rushmore from the highway?
Iron Mountain Road, part of the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, winds between Mount Rushmore and the junctions of Highway 16A and SD 36.
Drivers can view Mount Rushmore in the distance while passing through three rock tunnels on the 17-mile route
.
Can I carry a gun in Custer State Park?
Firearms must be unloaded and cased unless during a hunting season with the proper license.
Concealed carry is allowed with the appropriate permit
.
Can you drink alcohol in SD state parks?
Alcohol may be consumed in all South Dakota state parks except for Bear Butte State Park and at the Lake Alvin Recreation Area swim beach
. All rules governing the consumption of alcohol in the state of South Dakota apply in state parks.
Is alcohol allowed in SD state parks?
Alcoholic beverages may be consumed and possessed in state park areas except the following locations: Lake Alvin Recreation Area: No person may consume or possess any alcoholic beverage when entering, using, or occupying the designated zoned swimming beach area.
What wildlife is in Custer State Park?
Watchable wildlife in the park include
bison, whitetail and mule deer, antelope, mountain goats, elk, coyotes, burros, bighorn sheep, birds, wild turkeys and prairie dogs
. Most wildlife can easily be seen from your car and that access to the park’s wildlife is what makes it so acclaimed.
How long does it take to drive the Needles Highway?
Winding drives throughout the park are most enjoyable at a slower pace. When making plans, please allow ample time to travel at a safe speed—generally 25 miles per hour or slower. Expect travel time of about
45 to 60 minutes
to enjoy Needles Highway.
Is Custer State Park Free for Military?
Free Admission and Reduced Camping Fees for Veterans
To qualify the veteran must: Be totally disabled from service connected disabilities or, Be in receipt of the VA “K”award OR, Have been held as a Prisoner of War.
Can you drive an RV through Needles Highway?
You’ll need a low profile truck camper to make it through like a pop-up or a low profile hard-side
like my 7-foot-wide Northstar Laredo. The narrowest tunnel is the so-called Needles Eye Tunnel at 8 feet, 4 inches wide.
Which way do you drive a needle on the highway?
Re: Needles hIghway, which way to take it? The direction that you drive the actual Needles Highway (SD87)portion of the drive you mention really doesn’t matter. But
the Iron Mountain Road portion (US 16A from Custer State Park to Keystone) is by far best if traveling to the north (toward Mt. Rushmore)
.
Are burros friendly?
Burros are undomesticated donkeys. The Spanish word “burro” translates directly to English as “donkey.” The wild burros, which are
known to be friendly to people who give them food
, inhabit several unincorporated parts of Riverside County, including the hills above Grand Terrace and Moreno Valley, Walsh said.
How many burros live in Custer State Park?
They’re not exactly the pickiest of animals when it comes to their diet. The burro population here is small, usually numbering
less than 10
.
Are there wild burros in South Dakota?
The wild burros trace their roots to a herd that once hauled visitors to the top of Harney Peak.
Nine burros that are a favorite of visitors to South Dakota’s Custer State Park have been burned in a wildfire
, and it’s not known whether all of them will survive, a park official said Saturday.
