Drives South Dakota The Black Hills and the Badlands
Wildlife Loop Road
Wildlife Loop · Highway 16A → Blue Bell
The drive
The Wildlife Loop Road is an 18-mile scenic drive in Custer State Park, and this route runs from US 16A at the State Game Lodge to Blue Bell on SD 87. The park lists about 1,350 free-roaming bison as its most common animal, along with white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk, prairie dogs and a band of feral burros. Pronghorn are native to the park.
The park says the loop takes about an hour and a half depending on "wildlife jams," and the best time to see animals is early morning or late evening, just before sunset. The road is open year-round, but needs careful driving in winter conditions.
Along the way
- Highway 16A (State Game Lodge)
- Fisherman Flats
- Blue Bell (Highway 87)
Good to know
- Wildlife jams are common: bison and burros stand in the road, so give them room.
- Custer State Park charges a fee per vehicle for one to seven days.
- All of the park's scenic drives are subject to closures from weather and other hazards.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check South Dakota 511.
Questions about this drive
How long does the Wildlife Loop Road take?
The Wildlife Loop Road is 17.9 miles and takes about 50 minutes on this route, though the park says to allow longer when wildlife is on the road.
What is the best time to see animals on the Wildlife Loop Road?
Early morning or late evening, just before sunset, according to Custer State Park.
Is the Wildlife Loop Road open in winter?
Yes, it is open year-round, but needs careful driving in winter conditions.
Is there a fee to drive the Wildlife Loop Road?
Custer State Park charges $25 per vehicle for one to seven days.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.