Discover Custer State Park A Self Guided Audio Driving Tour

Discover Custer State Park A Self Guided Audio Driving Tour: An Honest Review

If you’re planning a trip to South Dakota’s Black Hills and want to see Custer State Park without the hassle of large tour groups or crowded buses, this self-guided audio tour might be just what you need. Offering an affordable way to explore the park’s highlights from your own vehicle, it’s a flexible and engaging alternative to traditional guided tours.

What we like most about this experience is how easy it is to use—download the app before you arrive and enjoy the narration offline. Plus, the value for money is hard to beat—at just $16.99 per group, you get a full, personalized experience for up to four people. However, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour isn’t a pass to attractions; it’s a guide to help you navigate the park’s scenic routes and learn about its wildlife and history at your own pace. This approach suits travelers who prefer flexibility, enjoy self-guided adventures, and want a more intimate, educational experience.

Key Points

• Affordable: A single payment covers your whole group for a year.
• Flexible: Start, pause, and explore when you want.
• Offline Ready: Download everything beforehand for seamless use without signal.
• Educational & Entertaining: Narration offers stories, facts, and tips.
• Self-Guided: Ideal for independent travelers seeking a personal experience.
• Not an Entrance Ticket: Check individual attraction hours separately.

A Deep Dive into the Self-Guided Tour of Custer State Park

The Concept of a Self-Guided Audio Tour

This tour combines the convenience of a mobile app with the thrill of discovery. Instead of joining a guided bus or van, you use your own vehicle, following an 18-mile scenic route around the park. The Audio Tour Guide App by Action is the star here—it offers narrated stories, historical insights, and points of interest triggered automatically by GPS. Once downloaded, the tour runs offline, meaning you don’t need cellular service to enjoy it, which is particularly useful in remote areas like Custer State Park.

This setup is perfect for travelers who value independence and want to avoid the crowds often associated with guided tours. It also means you can set your own pace—stop for photos, enjoy a picnic, or linger at viewpoints without feeling rushed. The price is quite reasonable, especially considering that it’s per car rather than per person—so a family or small group pays only once.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You’ll get a comprehensive narrative experience with engaging storytelling that brings Custer’s wildlife, geology, and history to life. The app provides maps, images, and videos that enhance the journey and allow for a richer understanding of the park’s wonders. It’s a hands-free experience, activating as you approach each stop, so you can focus on the scenery.

However, note that food and drinks are not included**—this is a driving tour, not a meal or refreshment service. Also, you’ll need to purchase separate admission tickets for certain attractions, like Mount Coolidge or Blue Bell Stables, if you choose to visit those specific sites.

Planning Your Route and Stops

The tour begins at the Welcome to Custer State Park Sign and ends at the Legion Lake Trailhead. Along the way, you’ll visit several notable stops, each offering something special:

• Wildlife Station Visitor Center: A good spot for a quick break and to gather park info. It’s a charming cabin with wooden fences, offering restrooms and a chance to stretch your legs. It’s the kind of place that sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

• Blue Bell Stables: If you’re interested in riding, this is the only stable in the park, open mid-May to September. They offer trail rides suitable for all skill levels. It’s a nice addition if you want a more active experience.

• Wildlife Loop Road: This 18-mile route is the highlight, providing the best chance to see bison, burros, deer, elk, coyotes, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep. Travelers consistently praise the route for its spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Mount Coolidge: Sitting at 6,023 feet, this lookout provides breathtaking vistas of the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and even the Badlands on clear days. The Fire Tower and Lookout at the top add a historical touch—owners of the app’s reviewers mention the stunning views as a highlight.

• Legion Lake: A peaceful spot perfect for a picnic, with a beach, playground, and a short walk around the lake. Be aware that in 2017, parts of the lake were affected by wildfire, but it remains a scenic stop for relaxation.

The Experience of Driving and Listening

Many reviewers highlight how easy and enjoyable the experience is. One enthusiastic traveler said, “It was interesting & learned much more than just driving through the park without a guide,” emphasizing the educational value. Others appreciate being able to pause for photos or snacks whenever they want, which makes this experience feel more personalized than a bus tour.

The app’s narration is delivered by a great voice, making the stories engaging without being overly dramatic. Because the tour activates based on your GPS location, it’s seamlessly integrated into your drive—no manual switching needed. Plus, the offline capability means you can explore even in areas with limited signal.

Practicalities and Tips

• Booking is simple, and most travelers book 5 days in advance. You only need to purchase one ticket per car, not per individual, making it an excellent value for families or small groups.
• Download the app and the tour ahead of your trip while connected to Wi-Fi. It’s a small step that pays off during your drive.
• Consider connecting your phone to your car’s stereo using Bluetooth or AUX for a hands-free listening experience.
• The tour is not an entrance ticket, so check the opening hours of specific sites separately. The park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the tour available during those hours.

What’s the Verdict?

Based on the feedback, this tour offers a stellar combination of affordability, flexibility, and educational content. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace, enjoy scenic drives, and learn about wildlife and Black Hills history along the way. It provides a personalized experience that’s far more intimate than large guided tours, without sacrificing the storytelling element that makes a trip memorable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates independent travel and wants the freedom to pause, explore, and revisit your favorite spots, this tour fits like a glove. It’s especially good for families, small groups, or couples looking for a cost-effective way to learn and see more of Custer State Park. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, nature lover, or history buff, the narration enhances your understanding and appreciation of the park’s diverse landscape and inhabitants.

Travelers who value off-the-beaten-path experiences will find this option more authentic and less rushed than guided bus tours. Plus, the offline capability and ease of use make it accessible even for those less tech-savvy.

The Sum Up

This self-guided audio tour of Custer State Park strikes an excellent balance between value, flexibility, and depth. For a modest fee, you get the chance to explore one of South Dakota’s most beautiful parks with minimal hassle and maximum personalization. The combination of engaging narration, scenic routes, and the chance to see iconic wildlife makes it a strong choice for a variety of travelers.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who prefer independent exploration over group tours, and who enjoy learning as they go. With the ability to start, pause, and revisit the route over a whole year, this tour offers great flexibility and ongoing value.

If you’re looking for a way to see Custer State Park that’s affordable, informative, and tailored to your pace, this could be your perfect companion for your Black Hills adventure.

FAQ

Do I need to buy a separate ticket for attractions along the route?
Yes, this tour is a guide to the scenic route and wildlife, not an entrance ticket for specific sites. Check the hours of attractions separately if you plan to visit.

How many people can use this tour per purchase?
One purchase is valid for up to 4 people in the same vehicle. Everyone listens together, making it good for families or small groups.

Can I use the tour offline?
Absolutely. Once you download the app and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, it works offline, perfect for remote areas.

What’s the best way to start the tour?
Arrive at the designated starting point, open the app, select the tour, and the narration will start automatically as you reach each stop.

Is this a guided tour with a guide present?
No, it’s self-guided. You drive yourself and listen to the narration on your phone—completely flexible and private.

What if I face technical issues?
The app provides support via call, chat, or email. Many users find it easy to use once downloaded and prepared beforehand.

If you’re eager for a self-paced, educational, and cost-effective way to enjoy Custer State Park, this audio tour offers a thoughtful and enjoyable method to explore South Dakota’s wild heart.