
The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 39 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch worth booking?
The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch is a 6.3-hour experience in Custer, United States, from $999 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 39 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (39)
- Duration
- 6.3 hours
- From
- $999 per person
• Never Crowded • Jeeps Seat 2 to 14 • Enjoy Your Personal Space! Experience the nation's largest state parks like never before. Spanning 71,000 scenic acres, Custer State Park is a sanctuary for abundant wildlife and rugged adventure. This 6-Hour Jeep Bison Safari Open-Top-Tours is authorized to guide you through the entirety of the park. Our comprehensive 6-hour safari takes you deep into the backcountry and includes an exclusive trek to the Mt. Coolidge Fire Lookout, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Hills from 6,020 feet. Ride in Comfort and Style - We navigate the rugged terrain in custom-modified Jeep Gladiators and Wranglers. Accommodating 2 to 14 guests, our unique open-top vehicles offer unmatched panoramic views perfect for spotting bison and native wildlife. Our professional guides are local experts and a total "hoot" to travel with! They will bring the region's rich history to life, track the wildlife, and answer all your questions. Lots of restroom stops.
What you get
About this experience
• Never Crowded • Jeeps Seat 2 to 14 • Enjoy Your Personal Space! Experience the nation's largest state parks like never before. Spanning 71,000 scenic acres, Custer State Park is a sanctuary for abundant wildlife and rugged adventure. This 6-Hour Jeep Bison Safari Open-Top-Tours is authorized to guide you through the entirety of the park. Our comprehensive 6-hour safari takes you deep into the backcountry and includes an exclusive trek to the Mt. Coolidge Fire Lookout, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Hills from 6,020 feet. Ride in Comfort and Style - We navigate the rugged terrain in custom-modified Jeep Gladiators and Wranglers. Accommodating 2 to 14 guests, our unique open-top vehicles offer unmatched panoramic views perfect for spotting bison and native wildlife. Our professional guides are local experts and a total "hoot" to travel with! They will bring the region's rich history to life, track the wildlife, and answer all your questions. Lots of restroom stops.
What's included
Included
- Special Treats for feeding Begging Burros
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Lunch
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Custer State Park Visitor Center
First we stop at the State Game Lodge and detail its history at the Summer White House for Presidents Coolidge and Eisenhower. Then stopping at the Custer State Park Visitor Center we visit the many displays about the iconic species of the prairie, the bison. And one more stop along the Wildlife Loop Road at the Buffalo Corrals. The new Custer State Park Bison Center brings an all-bison experience to the park's scenic drive through the southern prairie of our 71,000 acre park.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Wildlife Loop Road
We tour through 18 miles of open grasslands and pine-speckled hills that much of Custer State Park's wildlife calls home. Keep eyes peeled for bison, pronghorn, whitetail and mule deer, elk, coyotes, burros, prairie dogs, eagles, hawks, and a variety of birds that are rarely found together in one location. A medley of colorful wildflowers and prairie grasses surround the road, making for a picturesque drive; and the landscape changes throughout your trip, keeping you on your toes.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Mount Coolidge Fire Lookout Tower
Built of local stone, Mt Coolidge Fire Tower rests atop a 6,023-foot peak on the way to Blue Bell Lodge and is still used today as a fire lookout and dispatch center. As the highest point in central Custer State Park, it offers breathtaking 360-degree views from the top of the fire tower. On a clear day, you can see the Badlands nearly 60 miles away in the east, Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse to the north and the Wildlife Loop Road to the south.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Stockade Lake
Stockade Lake is the largest lake in Custer State Park and is located between Mt Coolidge Lookout and the Needles Highway. It has a very scenic and serene atmospher and here we pause for a picnic lunch.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Needle Eye Tunnel
The Needles Highway is a spectacular drive through pine and spruce forests, meadows surrounded by birch and aspen, and rugged granite mountains. The road’s name comes from the needlelike granite formations that seem to pierce the horizon along the highway. The roadway was carefully planned by former South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck, who marked the entire course on foot and by horseback. Construction was completed in 1922. Needles Eye Tunnel is a unique rock formation, so named for the opening created by wind, rain, freezing, and thawing. It is the most popular tunnel in the Park.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake is the most popular of the may lakes in the Park. It was created in 1891 when Theodore Reder built a dam across Sunday Gulch Creek. It is surronded by large granite spires, huge pines and creates a unique alpine feel to the guests. I is also home to an average of 4 wedding a week during the summer season.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Iron Mountain Road
Iron Mountain Road is a unique road designed to showcase the Black Hills and Mt Rushmore. Known for its “pigtail” bridges. Iron Mountain Road redefined what a road could be with 314 CURVES, many one one-tunnels and of course the "pigtail" bridges.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Custer
Call for more information.
Meeting point
Custer
Gravel parking lot next to old mine.
Meeting point
Custer
Call for more information.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Call for more information.
Ends at
Gravel parking lot next to old mine.
Ends at
Call for more information.
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
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Layered clothing, jacket, sun screen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- All-Season Tours Available
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 39 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
39 verified traveler reviews for The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Maria and Marsha Documentary!!
We had a little bit of a hip-cup but Rich straightened everything out. TJ and Nicole were our guides and my friend and I had a great time. They were both so informative and I could not have done this without them. My favorite was Custer Park, Wagon Wheel stop for lunch and also the Purple Pie. Thank you both!!!! Can't wait to come back!!
Response from the operator: Howdy Marsha and Maria - Thank you for taking the time to leave such a kind review. We always strive for a seamless experience, so I am very glad we were able to quickly resolve the issue for you. TJ and Nicole will be delighted to hear that their knowledge made such a difference on your trip. It sounds like you had a wonderful itinerary with Custer Park, the Wagon Wheel, and the Purple Pie Place! Thank you for choosing us, and we look forward to your next visit. Be Well - Rich
via Tripadvisor
Best thing I have done in a long time.
As a person that has gone to the Black Hills over 30 times before in my life, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this. I am sooooo glad I took this tour with Nancy! She told me things about the area that I didn't know and took us to places we had never been. TAKE THIS TOUR! It is so worth the money. You will not regret one single minute!
Response from the operator: Howdy D - Thank you so much for the high praise! Wowing a Black Hills expert who has been here over 30 times is a massive win for us. Nancy is a wealth of knowledge, and we are so glad she could show you a whole new side of the area. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you again soon. Be Well - Rich
via Tripadvisor
Exceptional Day!!
Just sn awesome day! Nicole (and Nancy who was in training). Nicole knew all the sights to show us that I'm sure other your companies do not. Loved the badlands and iron mountain road and all the bison, prairie dogs, etc that Nicole showed us! Nicole with all her knowledge made our day!!
Response from the operator: Hi Janet—The Hills are an amazing place! There is so much variety here, including a lot of hidden gems that people rarely know about. I'm glad you enjoyed your tour with Nancy. Thank you for your review. Be Well - Rich
via Viator
Stress free touring for everyone!
Our tour guide, Nicole, did an amazing job of narrating our tour and providing an incredible wealth of background information regarding South Dakota, the National Parks, the State Parks, and attractions in the area. Not to mention her wealth of knowledge on the local wildlife indigenous to the area. We learned a lot of information we wouldn't have otherwise picked up, and having someone else do the driving was great for me, as I usually am behind the wheel. Having the freedom to look around and take in the natural beauty of the area without keeping my eyes on the road was a big plus for me. On top of that, some roads were very busy with bikers as we did our tour at the beginning of Sturgis Bike Week. Nicole handled the additional traffic on the roads like a pro!
Response from the operator: Howdy Traveler - I appreciate your taking time to review your Jeep Bison Tour. Custer State Park is the largest State Park in the US and has nearly 1,400 buffalo, making it one of the largest publicly owned bison herds in the world. I'm happy you enjoyed your tour with Nicole. I hope you have time to return and tour more of the Hills. Be Well Rich
via Tripadvisor
Informative and Scenic - Well worth the price!
Our tour guide, Nicole, did an amazing job of narrating our tour and providing an incredible wealth of background information regarding South Dakota, the National Parks, the State Parks, and attractions in the area. Not to mention her wealth of knowledge on the local wildlife indigenous to the area. We learned a lot of information we wouldn't have otherwise picked up, and having someone else do the driving was great for me, as I usually am behind the wheel. Having the freedom to look around and take in the natural beauty of the area without keeping my eyes on the road was a big plus for me. On top of that, some roads were very busy with bikers as we did our tour at the beginning of Sturgis Bike Week. Nicole handled the additional traffic on the roads like a pro!
Response from the operator: Howdy John - I'm pleased you enjoyed your Bison Safari tour with Nicole. I will make sure I pass along your comments. The Bison Safari is the only full day Jeep tour of Custer Park and we go to everything worth visiting, including some not well known. Thanks for taking time to review. Be Well - Rich
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $999 to $1,650
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Black Hills Open-Top-Tours, who run 10 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.4.
See everything Black Hills Open-Top-Tours runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Custer.
How much does The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $999 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 The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch take?
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Plan for about 6.3 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 The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 39 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 The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch?
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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 The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch?
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Around 14 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 6.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch 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.
What is included in The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch?
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Included: Special Treats for feeding Begging Burros; Bottled water; Snacks; and Lunch. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 70 listed pickup locations in and around Custer. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Custer. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about The Only Full Day - Jeep Bison Safari - W/ Lakeside Picnic Lunch?
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Across 39 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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