Wildlife Loop Road
Free(The scenic route runs entirely within Custer State Park; driving this road to view wildlife requires a valid state park vehicle entrance license ($20/car))
FamilyRoad TripWildlife Watching
Overview
The Wildlife Loop Road is a spectacular 18-mile scenic driving route that winds through the open, rolling grasslands and pine savannas of Custer State Park. This drive provides travelers with unparalleled opportunities to view diverse wildlife in their native habitat, including massive bison, pronghorn antelope, elk, and wild burros. The famous burros are exceptionally friendly, frequently approaching stopped vehicles in search of snacks, creating a delightful and unforgettable experience for families.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeThis legendary 18-mile scenic loop dissects the rolling shortgrass rolling meadows of Custer State Park, open 365 days a year. The ultimate time to drive is early morning between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM or during a big sky sunset after 5:30 PM. These windows represent peak wildlife foraging hours; expect your car to be safely gridlocked by giant plains bison or approached by the famous feral 'Begging Burros' for snacks.
Getting ThereThe scenic loop forms the southern perimeter of Custer State Park. Driving a private vehicle is strictly required for transit: enter the park via highway US-16A East and follow the prominent wildlife emblems turning south onto Wildlife Loop Road; this fully paved two-lane highway features dozens of wide dirt gravel shoulders for safe pulling-over. No public bus transit routes service this open range corridor.
Travel Tips
- The resident feral donkey herd ('Begging Burros') routinely blocks lanes and projects heads into windows. Feeding them snacks, bread, or manufactured sugars is strictly illegal under state park law and carries hefty conservation fines.
- This 18-mile single-lane loop forces sudden, multi-hour standoffs when bison herds hold the asphalt ('Bison Jams'). You must enter the loop with at least half a tank of fuel, as there are zero mechanical or fuel stations inside.
- While daylight maximizes bison views, the dawn and dusk transitions experience high-velocity road crossings by whitetail deer and pronghorn. You must drop speeds under 20 mph and use high beams to active-scan timberlines.
Reviews
Positive
- An 18-mile driving epic! The visual awe is off the charts; visitors frequently experience hundreds of wild American bison casually migrating across the asphalt.
- The undisputed highlight is the legendary 'Begging Burros'; these fearless wild donkeys walk right up to car windows for snacks, providing unmatched family joy.
- The paved loops are immaculately smooth and feature abundant, wide pull-outs, allowing drivers to pull over safely to photograph prairie dogs and pronghorns.
- As part of Custer State Park, the daily vehicle pass grants 7 days of consecutive access, letting you drive the loop multiple times at dawn or dusk for amazing value.
Heads up
- The bison often cause massive 'bison jams' by resting on the road, paralyzing traffic for over an hour; travelers on tight schedules may find this highly stressful.
- Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed; driving through during scorching midday heat or storm spells might yield empty meadows, making it hit-or-miss.
- There are absolutely no restrooms or waste bins along the lengthy wilderness drive; utilizing facilities at the visitor center before entering is critical.
- Some reckless tourists violate park rules by exiting cars for dangerous close-up selfies with massive bison, and a lack of real-time ranger monitoring poses safety risks.