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  1. How fantastic is that that you didn’t think you would be able to make Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park in one day and you did?!
    That was a long day for you and bravo on pulling it all off! Would love to see the family selfie on the Sylvan Lake Trail!

    1. It was a long day, but we were happy we did it! Too bad we’re not good at taking family selfie. Haha…

  2. I didn’t have any idea about this part. Quite an informative post. There are so many ways to spend half a day in this huge park. Out of all the options, I would really want driving
    on Needles Highway since it sounds quite interesting. Great read

  3. I’ve never heard of this park, so thanks for bringing my attention to it! The part about the wildlife loop road interested me most, what a unique experience to have bison so close to you. I can’t believe you are able to get so close to the wildlife. Even though the trail takes over an hour to complete, I’d say it was well worth it! I’m not so good at hiking, the “rocky incline” of the other trail makes me a little nervous, but maybe I’d be brave enough to try it!

    1. I’m glad you bumped into my article so now you know about Custer SP. They said if you do the wildlife loop early in the morning or late afternoon, there’s a chance to see more wild animals that live in the park. As for the hike, if you do it slowly, it won’t be a problem at all. The payment awaits you at the end of trail.

  4. I haven’t heard about Custer State Park before but would love to visit someday! I’m planning a big roadtrip around the US next year and I was thinking whether to visit South Dakota or skip it. I’ll definitely make at least a few days for traveling around South Dakota on my schedule

    1. You should put South Dakota (at least the Black Hills area) in your itinerary since it’s closer to Wyoming. You will be amazed by its nature.

  5. What a beautiful park! I have never heard of it prior to this. The rock formations are awesome and this actually reminds me of Pinnacles National Park in California. I will definitely put this on my list when ever visiting South Dakota. The U.S. always amazes me of all the cool places there are around.

    1. Isn’t it? I think Custer is our latest favorite park in the U.S. I know there are so many cool places in the country, but I hope you will make it here soon.

  6. I think the price is fine – you are getting to see all these beautiful sites! I love those needle mountains, so unique!

  7. I’d never heard of Cluster State Park – but it looks amazing! Needles Highway sounds incredible! It’s definitely right up my street – I’m new to driving and I’m obsessed with pretty road trips at the moment. Driving through tunnels sounds cool – and I’d love to see a herd of bison. What an experience!

    Ps – I love your dog’s name!!

    1. Custer State Park really surprised us with its beauty! I’m sure you will enjoy driving on a winding road of Needles Highway and drive through the tunnels. It’s a different experience.

      Ps – My son, who named the dog, said thank you.

  8. You covered quite a bit in 6 hours in Custer Park. The Needles are unique enough not to be missed. How lucky to have seen the bison. Where’s your burro selfie? Good thing you were traveling in the right direction to avoid too much traffic. Great tips for a quick visit.

  9. I’ve never heard of Custer State Park! It looks gorgeous and definitely a must visit when you’re in South Dakota. Is it rare to see wild bison or any kind of wildlife there? So lucky that you got to see it! Sylvan lake sure looks peaceful and calm. It looks like a great place to kayak too! Do you know if the trails in Custer State Park are dog-friendly?

    1. Custer State Park is definitely a must visit while in South Dakota. Bison is the most number of wild animal they have in the park, so it’s not rare. Kayaking is one of the activity you can do at Sylvan Lake just like I mentioned in the article. And yes, hiking trails are dog friendly. We took our dog for a hike there.

  10. Such a comprehensive post you got. I have been to custer state park once but absolutely LOVED it. It is a shame that you didn’t get more time to spend as its a remarkable park with so many things to do.

  11. Wow! I had no idea about what we can do and see in the Custer State Park. It would be nice to visit soon and very timely since we’re a planning to take a trip to South Dakota next month. Thank you for sharing all of these tips. Love your detailed post. It’s very helpful.

    1. I can’t believe with what Black Hills has to offer to its visitors, especially for out-of-state visitors like us.

  12. Sounds like you used your half a day brilliantly! Would love to see those needles and the lake is gorgeous. Mind you, I’d also love to see Mt Rushmore too!

    1. I would think so, too! We had to pick what’s best for us since there are so many things to do there. Yes, Mount Rushmore is a must when you are in the area.

  13. I’ve never been to South Dakota. It’s good that there’s another park to check out close to Mount Rushmore! I think the rock formations are beautiful. I would like to try the Cathedral Spires trail, but would keep in mind that I may not be able to finish it as it is more strenuous. The Sylvan Lake looks very beautiful.

    1. I can’t believe it we didn’t stop here the first time we went to Mount Rushmore. But I think this past July was the right time since we have our kid already. You don’t have to do the trail fast. Just take your time, and you will make it to the end.

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