WILDLIFE LOOP RD + WIND CAVE NAT PK

South Dakota June 2026 The Wildlife Loop Road is one of the best drives in Custer State Park and a highlight of the Black Hills. • Length: About 18 miles • Driving time: Allow 1½–2 hours, and longer if you stop for wildlife and photos. • Best wildlife: Bison, pronghorn, deer, elk, prairie dogs, coyotes, and the park's famous feral burros. • Best time: Early morning or late afternoon when animals are generally more active. • Driving tip: Expect "wildlife jams"—bison sometimes walk directly on or across the road. NOT FOR US! Wind Cave National Park is one of the best stops in the southern Black Hills, especially if you're already visiting Custer State Park, Hot Springs, and Mount Rushmore. It combines a fascinating underground cave system with beautiful prairie, pine forests, and abundant wildlife. Unfortunately for us, all cave tours were sold out for the entire month we were there!. • The park was established in 1903 and is one of the oldest national parks in the country. • Above ground, you can see bison, elk, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and other wildlife across the rolling prairie and forest. #custer state pk #wind cave, #south dakota, #national park, #black hills, #hiking