South Dakota’s Custer State Park is brimming with wildlife. From bison to prairie dogs, you’ll see all kinds of animals in their natural habitat. If you take the Wildlife Loop Road, you’ll see another kind of wild animal and it’s both quirky and charming. Here’s more on how you can get up-close-and-personal with the Custer State Park begging burros.
Custer State Park is the crown jewel of South Dakota’s park system. Encompassing more than 100 square miles, it’s home to some of the state’s most beautiful scenery.
David L/Tripadvisor
Wildlife Loop Road winds its way through the park for 18 miles. It’s a beautiful, scenic drive, and you’re certain to see wildlife along the way.
northwoodsorbust/Tripadvisor
In fact, it’s unlikely that you’ll travel Wildlife Loop Road without coming to a wildlife jam. Often, a pack of feral burros is to blame. These goofy, long-eared burros love to beg for food and visitors are often happy to indulge them.
NatalieMaynor/flickr
If your car window is unrolled, you’re likely to have a burro with puppy-dog eyes and the sweetest nose you ever saw begging for a treat.
Randy Watson/flickr
One might even pop his head through your window for a kiss. Pucker up!
mountiamsandcanyons/Tripadvisor
Is there anything more adorable than a baby begging burro? We think not.
JoyfulExcursionist/Tripadvisor
These burros are cute, but make no mistake: they’re wild animals. Today’s herd originated from pack mules used to climb the Harney Peak summit. Now they’re feral, and even though they look goofy and precious, they can still be unpredictable.
Ben Piven/flickr
While it’s fun to feed the begging burros, you’ll also want to have your camera ready. These pack-animals-gone-wild are both brilliant and beautiful.
joferer/Tripadvisor
Have you seen the Custer State Park begging burros? If so, we would love to see your photos!
David L/Tripadvisor
northwoodsorbust/Tripadvisor
NatalieMaynor/flickr
Randy Watson/flickr
mountiamsandcanyons/Tripadvisor
JoyfulExcursionist/Tripadvisor
Ben Piven/flickr
joferer/Tripadvisor
While you’re at Custer State Park, you’ll definitely want to get a peek at this lake that was just named one of the most beautiful in America.
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Address: Custer State Park, 13438 US Highway 16A, Custer, SD 57730, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Custer State Park begging burros May 30, 2022 Beth C. What are the best state parks in South Dakota? There’s nothing quite as unique as the South Dakota landscape. Brimming with beautiful scenery and wildlife, the Mount Rushmore State is famous for its parks. If you’re wondering which state parks are the most beautiful, we’ve got you covered. Naturally, Custer State Park is at the top of the list. In addition to its begging burros, this park is also renowned for its historic sites, stunning scenic drives, and exquisite campgrounds. Next up on the list would be Newton Hills State Park in Canton. Part of the Coteau des Prairies, this state park is home to more than 200 unique species of birds. Some other state parks in South Dakota that belong on your radar include Lake Herman State Park in Madison, Palisades State Park in Garretson, Bear Butte State Park in Sturgis, Sica Hollow State Park in Sisseton, Hartford Beach State Park in Corona, Snack Creek Recreation Area in Platte, Oakwood Lakes State Park in Bruce, and Rocky Point Recreation Area in Belle Fourche. For more information, check out our list of the most beautiful state parks in South Dakota. Does South Dakota have any hidden gems? South Dakota is brimming with hidden gems. In fact, we’ve even put together a road trip itinerary that will take you to the most beautiful hidden gems in the state. Some of the destinations along the way include Nicollet Tower in Sisseton, Ward’s Store and Bakery in De Smet, Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum in Sioux Falls, Chamberlain Information Center, Grey Goose Store & Social Club in Pierre, South Dakota Air and Space Museum in Box Elder, and Outdoor Campus West in Rapid City. How many of these hidden gems in South Dakota have you visited?
The OIYS Visitor Center
Custer State Park begging burros
May 30, 2022
Beth C.
What are the best state parks in South Dakota? There’s nothing quite as unique as the South Dakota landscape. Brimming with beautiful scenery and wildlife, the Mount Rushmore State is famous for its parks. If you’re wondering which state parks are the most beautiful, we’ve got you covered. Naturally, Custer State Park is at the top of the list. In addition to its begging burros, this park is also renowned for its historic sites, stunning scenic drives, and exquisite campgrounds. Next up on the list would be Newton Hills State Park in Canton. Part of the Coteau des Prairies, this state park is home to more than 200 unique species of birds. Some other state parks in South Dakota that belong on your radar include Lake Herman State Park in Madison, Palisades State Park in Garretson, Bear Butte State Park in Sturgis, Sica Hollow State Park in Sisseton, Hartford Beach State Park in Corona, Snack Creek Recreation Area in Platte, Oakwood Lakes State Park in Bruce, and Rocky Point Recreation Area in Belle Fourche. For more information, check out our list of the most beautiful state parks in South Dakota. Does South Dakota have any hidden gems? South Dakota is brimming with hidden gems. In fact, we’ve even put together a road trip itinerary that will take you to the most beautiful hidden gems in the state. Some of the destinations along the way include Nicollet Tower in Sisseton, Ward’s Store and Bakery in De Smet, Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum in Sioux Falls, Chamberlain Information Center, Grey Goose Store & Social Club in Pierre, South Dakota Air and Space Museum in Box Elder, and Outdoor Campus West in Rapid City. How many of these hidden gems in South Dakota have you visited?
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There’s nothing quite as unique as the South Dakota landscape. Brimming with beautiful scenery and wildlife, the Mount Rushmore State is famous for its parks. If you’re wondering which state parks are the most beautiful, we’ve got you covered. Naturally, Custer State Park is at the top of the list. In addition to its begging burros, this park is also renowned for its historic sites, stunning scenic drives, and exquisite campgrounds.
Next up on the list would be Newton Hills State Park in Canton. Part of the Coteau des Prairies, this state park is home to more than 200 unique species of birds. Some other state parks in South Dakota that belong on your radar include Lake Herman State Park in Madison, Palisades State Park in Garretson, Bear Butte State Park in Sturgis, Sica Hollow State Park in Sisseton, Hartford Beach State Park in Corona, Snack Creek Recreation Area in Platte, Oakwood Lakes State Park in Bruce, and Rocky Point Recreation Area in Belle Fourche. For more information, check out our list of the most beautiful state parks in South Dakota.
Does South Dakota have any hidden gems?
South Dakota is brimming with hidden gems. In fact, we’ve even put together a road trip itinerary that will take you to the most beautiful hidden gems in the state. Some of the destinations along the way include Nicollet Tower in Sisseton, Ward’s Store and Bakery in De Smet, Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum in Sioux Falls, Chamberlain Information Center, Grey Goose Store & Social Club in Pierre, South Dakota Air and Space Museum in Box Elder, and Outdoor Campus West in Rapid City. How many of these hidden gems in South Dakota have you visited?
