Custer State Park
Custer, SD
This large state park comprises a wide variety of habitats from low grasslands to over 7,000 feet in the spruce forests.
Specialty Species:
Northern Goshawk: Five to ten pairs nest in the park but locations are not disclosed. Look along French Creek for a chance to see this species flying overhead.
Ferruginous Hawk: Look for this species in the summer throughout the grasslands in the southern section of the park.
Golden Eagle: Watch for soaring Golden Eagles throughout the park.
Common Poorwill: Listen for this species throughout the park from dusk-dawn. This species is at the eastern edge of its range at this location.
Lewis’s Woodpecker: Look for this species in the lowland regions of the park specifically in the area surrounding 4 Mile Draw Road.
Three-toed Woodpecker: Look for this species along 87 to Sylvan Lake. Hike through as much spruce forest as possible for a chance at seeing this elusive species.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Look for this species in areas that have had recent forest fires. The area around 4 Mile Draw Road is a great place to look for this species.
Gray Jay: Look for this species along 87 to Sylvan Lake. These Jays will get more common during the summer as you get to higher elevations.
Mountain Bluebird: This bluebird is at the eastern edge of its range in this location. It is very common in the summer in the grasslands along the Wildlife Loop Road.
Bohemian Waxwing: These waxwings are sometimes present during the winter. Look for these birds on fruit producing trees in the lowlands.
Western Tanager: This tanager is at the very eastern edge of its range in the park. They are common throughout the summer in the lowlands.
Dark-eyed (White-winged) Junco: This subspecies of the Dark-eyed Junco can only be found in a limited area including the Black Hills of South Dakota. This species is a year round resident throughout the park.
Where to Bird:
- Wildlife Loop Road
- 4 Mile Loop Road
- French Creek Natural Area
- Sylvan Lake
Wildlife Loop Road: Drive this road for a chance to see many grassland species. Many Mountain Bluebirds, Upland Sandpipers, and sparrows breed in the grasslands. Black-billed Magpies also occur. Watch for Golden Eagle and Ferruginous Hawk soaring overhead. This road is also a great place to see mammals such as Bison, Pronghorn, Elk, Black-tailed Prairie-Dog, and Deer.
4 Mile Draw Road: The area around this road has had a recent forest fire. Look for Black-backed Woodpecker, Lewis’s Woodpecker, and Red Crossbill along the road.
French Creek Natural Area: Hike along French Creek to have a chance at many riparian species. Breeding birds include Cordilleran Flycatcher, Brown Creeper, and Townsend’s Solitaire. This is one of the better areas to see a Northern Goshawk as it flies overhead.
Sylvan Lake: Hiking around Sylvan Lake as well as other trails close by is the best way to find a Three-toed Woodpecker. Many other high elevation species also occur in the area including Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Red-naped Sapsucker among others.
Hours:
None
Fees:
$12 per vehicle for a one week pass
Accessiblity:
Many miles of roads allow the park to be birding from your vehicle.
Trails:
There are many miles of trails throughout the park.
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- Camera - This is a very scenic park with many large mammals
Lenght of Visit:
Half to full day visit is recommended
Map:
Website:
Directions:
From the North: From the intersection of I-90 and US-16 Bypass/SD-79, take US-16 Bypass/SD-79 South. After 5.45 miles, turn left (south) onto the ramp for US-16T/SD-79. After 14.95 miles, turn right (west) onto SD-36. The park begins after 9 miles.
From the South: From the intersection of I-80 and I-25 in Wyoming, take I-25 North. Take Exit 126 for US-18/US-20 and turn right (east). Go 41.6 miles and turn left (north) onto S Cedar St./S Main St./US-18/US-20/US-85 and continue to follow US-85. After 79.9 miles, turn right (east) onto ALT US-16. The park begins after 39.8 miles.
From the East: Take I-90 West towards Rapid City. Take Exit 61 for US-16 Bypass/SD-79. Turn left (south) onto US-16 Bypass/SD-79. After 5.45 miles, turn left (south) onto the ramp for US-16T/SD-79. After 14.95 miles, turn right (west) onto SD-36. The park begins after 9 miles.
From the West: From the intersection of N 5th Street and ALT US-16 in Custer, SD, take US-16 East. The park begins after 3.9 miles.
Address:
13329 US Highway 16A
Custer, SD 57730
Nearby Birding:
Whitney Preserve
Wind Cave National Park
Angostura Reservoir
Black Hills National Forest