Private Ultimate Open-Top Bison Safari in Custer State Park
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Ultimate Open-Top Bison Safari in Custer State Park worth booking?
Private Ultimate Open-Top Bison Safari in Custer State Park is a 7-hour experience in Custer, United States, from $599 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 53 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $599 per person
Experience Custer State Park on the ultimate, luxury, crowd-free open-air safari. * Luxury Vehicles: Choose a Mercedes Caleche Sprinter, Lincoln Executive Limo, or Specialized Jeep Gladiator. * 100% Private & Customi
What you get
About this experience
Experience Custer State Park on the ultimate, luxury, crowd-free open-air safari. * Luxury Vehicles: Choose a Mercedes Caleche Sprinter, Lincoln Executive Limo, or Specialized Jeep Gladiator. * 100% Private & Customizable: Set your own pace and linger for wildlife. * Iconic Routes: Cruise Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road stress-free. * Unobstructed Views: Perfect window-free photography of 1,400 free-roaming bison. * Premium Dining: Includes a curated lakeside picnic. * Beat the Heat: Smart scheduling avoids the intense afternoon sun and provides the best time for wildlife viewing.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Snacks
- Expert local driver/guide
- Alcoholic beverages
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Needles Highway
Experience the ultimate luxury journey along Needles Highway. This premium, curated excursion showcases the Black Hills' most exclusive vistas, towering granite spires and cathedral peaks. Your itinerary includes a stop at the iconic Needles Eye formation for private photography. Sit back as your expert guide effortlessly navigates the switchbacks and the historic, hand-carved Iron Creek Tunnel. The centerpiece of your tour is an extended experience at pristine Sylvan Lake. Celebrated for its breathtaking aesthetic, this alpine oasis offers a serene escape. Enjoy the shoreline walking trail, perfect for capturing tranquil reflections and majestic boulder formations.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Iron Mountain Road
Experience America’s most engineered scenic drive on this unforgettable journey along Iron Mountain Road. Connecting Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, this 17-mile masterpiece was intentionally designed to slow you down, offering dramatic views, historic architecture, and an immersive Black Hills experience. Perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and engineering enthusiasts alike.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Wildlife Loop Road
Spanning 18 miles of pristine prairies and pine-speckled hills, the Wildlife Loop Road inside Custer State Park is one of the premier locations in North America to view iconic Western wildlife in their natural habitat. From the comfort and safety of your special vehicle, you'll cross paths with the park's world-famous herd of 1,400 free-roaming bison, often resulting in thrilling, up-close "bison jams" right on the road! Look out for pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, elk and prairie dog. For nature lovers, this drive offers a front-row seat to the untamed spirit of the American West. And a fan-favorite stop on this route includes an encounter with the park's famous wild burros. These friendly, curious animals know our vehicles well and approach us first, anticipating their favorite treat. This unique interaction offers unmatched photo opportunities for travelers of all ages. They are descendants of working burros used for trail rides up Harney Peak in the 1920s and later set free.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Stockade Lake
Stockade Lake is the largest and most tranquil lake in Custer State Park. Offering a serene atmosphere, and a welcome escape from the crowds, it is an ideal destination for a peaceful afternoon gourmet picnic by the water.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Mount Coolidge Fire Lookout Tower
Elevate your trip with a scenic drive up to Mount Coolidge Lookout. Perched on a 6,023-foot peak just north of Blue Bell Lodge, this historic tower was hand-built from native stone by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is not just a monument; it is a fully operational fire lookout and communication hub. From the top, you will experience unmatched views of Custer State Park. Look out across the pine forest to spot Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, then turn eastward to see the jagged spires of the Badlands 60 miles away. Black Hills Open Top Tours is one of the exclusive tour companies that feature this stunning stop.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Custer State Park Visitor Center
Uncover the rich heritage, presidential secrets, and wildlife legacies hidden within one of America's premier state parks. This journey takes you through four essential historic landmarks: State Game Lodge: renowned for its grand, historic character. It served as the "Summer White House" for President Calvin Coolidge in 1927 and later hosted President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. Bison Center: Engaging, interactive, and dynamic interpretive displays of the North American Bison of the Great Plains. This modern facility offers immersive exhibits and an introductory film that explores the deep history of the prairie and its most iconic resident, the American bison. Badger Hole: Explore the rustic, three-room cabin hand-built by Charles Badger Clark Jr., South Dakota’s very first poet laureate. Nestled in the woods, this historic home offers an intimate glimpse into the life of the writer behind legendary cowboy poems like "A Cowboy Prayer" and "Ridin'."
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Custer
At the front of entry area.
Meeting point
Custer
Front of Game Lodge
Meeting point
Custer
Parking Lot of Chamber
Meeting point
Custer
Parking lot in front of DoubleTree Hotel
Meeting point
Custer
Parking lot in front of Holy Terror Mine
Meeting point
Custer
Location is on the corner of S. 6th St. and Washington St. Across from the Custer City Park.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
At the front of entry area.
Ends at
Front of Game Lodge
Ends at
Parking Lot of Chamber
Ends at
Parking lot in front of DoubleTree Hotel
Ends at
Parking lot in front of Holy Terror Mine
Ends at
Location is on the corner of S. 6th St. and Washington St. Across from the Custer City Park.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Black Hills Open-Top-Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for Private Ultimate Open-Top Bison Safari in Custer State Park. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best tour and guide ever!!!
Paula was our tour guide. She was lots of fun and very knowledgeable of the area and the sights. She stopped often to let us get out and get pictures. We were able to check all the sights we wanted to see off our list plus some we didn't expect. I spoke with Rich and booked the tour in advance. He was very helpful in planning our trip. I would highly recommend Paula and this tour company. The price was very reasonable and we saw more than expected. We were a family of 7 so we filled the back of the Jeep. We enjoy taking guided tours so the family driver gets to enjoy the trip instead of watching the road.
Response from the operator: Hi Amy - The Jeep Bison Safari tour is one of our most popular. It goes to all the most popular locations in the Park and some that are not well known. I'm happy you enjoyed your tour with Paula. Thanks for your review. Be Well - Rich
via Tripadvisor
Paula is the absolute best
I cannot say enough good things about our tour guide, Paula! She truly went above and beyond to ensure our group had a memorable experience. Her storytelling and deep knowledge of the area brought the sights to life. She was highly professional and genuinely attentive to everyone on the tour. If you get a chance to book a tour with Paula, do it—she is phenomenal!"
Response from the operator: Howdy Rhode - I'm glad you enjoyed your Jeep Bison tour with Paula. She is a teacher during the off season and you can tell in how she loves to explain and teach the history of the region. Thank you for your review. Be Well - Rich
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $599 to $1049
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 53
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Ultimate Open-Top Bison Safari in Custer State Park: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Custer.
How much does Private Ultimate Open-Top Bison Safari in Custer State Park cost?
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Prices start at $599 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Custer usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Ultimate Open-Top Bison Safari in Custer State Park take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Custer is not rushed.
Is Private Ultimate Open-Top Bison Safari in Custer State Park worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Custer, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Ultimate Open-Top Bison Safari in Custer State Park?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Ultimate Open-Top Bison Safari in Custer State Park suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Ultimate Open-Top Bison Safari in Custer State Park?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Custer can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Custer and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Ultimate Open-Top Bison Safari in Custer State Park start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Custer within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Custer?
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On Outty we rank every Custer experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Black Hills, Discover Custer State Park A Self Guided Audio Driving Tour, Wind Cave National Park GPS Audio Tour — Cave Tour Not Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Custer?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Custer?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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