Tekaroo

South Dakota boasts 54 state parks and recreation areas full of beautiful lakes, breath-taking rocks and waterfalls, flowing prairies and deep, dense woods.  My personal favorite, Custer State Park, happens to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited; it is centrally located just minutes from Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse monuments and is less than one hour away from almost every activity in this guide.  Three incredible, scenic 60 minute drives run through the park: Needles Highway, open only in the warmer months, takes its name from the “needle-like granite formations which seem to pierce the horizon along the highway.”  Iron Mountain Road is meant to be taken at a leisurely 20mph to fully take in the amazing beauty.  In case the sheer beauty of rock, prairie, and river landscapes doesn’t completely excite your child, never fear. 

The last major scenic route, Wilderness Loop, almost guarantees that you and your family will have an animal encounter.  In addition to deer, sheep and elk, free-loading burros will most likely approach your car for food, and you might just run into one (or many) of the park’s 1300 buffalo!! This park boasts numerous campgrounds, cabin rentals, and even the Custer State Park Resort with four different lodges hosting a variety of activities including horseback riding, a chuck wagon cookout and off road Jeep tours that take you to close encounters with the park’s buffalo.  Custer State Park’s amazing natural beauty, wide array of options, and it’s close proximity with so many of the state’s famous wonders make it your best bet for visiting the diverse and beautiful South Dakota.