Black Hills, South Dakota - Part 1

Custer State Park is a premier natural treasure in South Dakota, celebrated for its vast landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich history. Encompassing 71,000 acres of the Black Hills, the park showcases a stunning and diverse ecosystem, from rugged granite mountains and serene forests to rolling prairie grasslands. Custer State Park officially opened on July 1, 1919, transformed from the former Custer State Forest into South Dakota's first state park.  

I booked seven nights at Legion Lake Campground almost a year prior to arrival. It's a popular destination within Custer State Park offering a serene natural setting and a resort-style experience with cabins, a restaurant, a store, and of course a campground. The lake itself provided great opportunities for water activities and supports fishing. The trail around the lake was the go to hike each morning with the dogs. 

Our campsite with Legion Lake in the background

Legion Lake

Legion Lake Lodge

Our nightly visitor at our campsite

One of the favorites of the park is the Wildlife Loop Road, an 18-mile drive that traverses the park's prairie grasslands and forested hills, offering great opportunities for spotting free roaming bison. These massive animals are often seen grazing near the road causing a "Buffalo Jam" when they venture across the pavement. In addition to the bison I was fortunate enough to spot white tailed deer,  mule deer, pronghorns, burros, wild turkey and of course prairie dogs.

Begging Burros

Male Pronghorn

Mama & calf

Female Bighorn Sheep