Beautiful prairie land and scenic drive but I'm not sure where the wildlife was along this route. We drove the loop twice, once in the afternoon around 4pm and once in the morning (the following day) around 9am. We never saw a bison but did see the donkeys once which was nice. They clearly are use to people because they come right up to you! Even if you don't see any wildlife it really is a pretty drive and isn't out of the way if you're driving through Custer. read more

Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway - Parks Near Me - East Custer, South Dakota

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Custer State Park's 18-mile Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway is an amazing scenic drive filled on with all kinds of wildlife. We loved driving along the wildlife loop and seeing so much wildlife. We saw big horn sheep, pronghorn, deer, prairie dogs, burros, and lots of herds of bison. It was so incredible to see bison that close up and they are such an incredible animal. It is special to see so many of them throughout the park and along this wildlife loop, especially due to their history of almost becoming extinct since at one point in history there was only a few hundred of them left. Do not get out of your vehicle for safety reasons. You will be able to see lots of animals and bison will sometimes cross the road in front of you. Take your time along this trail to pull off and soak in this beautiful part of the country and all of the wildlife. There are meadows that the animals graze in and they are stunningly beautiful! read more