The Black Hills of South Dakota pt. 2

Custer State Park

We spent an afternoon touring Custer State Park. Half of which is a wildlife drive with a lot of grassland. 

 They claim that these are wild burros, which are very friendly.  All we saw were three, which was disappointing. I had a whole bag of carrots and only got to feed this one.

 A herd of buffalo on the hillside. One of the rangers said they manage the herd leaving only 900 on the range each year then and selling off the others in the fall.

 We stopped for lunch at a little picnic area next to a stream.

 

 The north part of the park are the rocky hills. This area was developed by the CCC camps. There are six tunnels through the area. The road is very narrow and I doubt they have made any changes since they were built. There is a sign that says to honk before beginning to go through each tunnel to let others on the other side you are coming through.  They are only wide enough for one vehicle at a time.

 A scenic view with Mt. Rushmore in the background.

 Looking out over the black hills.

 Another long distance view of Mt. Rushmore.

 This is what is referred to as the pig tail bridges as they spiral down.

 I was taking the pictures as Joseph drove it so we didn't quite get the effect.

 A mother deer and her fawn.

 This drive is through what is called the needles. Really beautiful rock formations shooting straight up.

 One of many hairpins along the way.

These are just magnificent.

This was really a nice drive.  We spent 7 hours in Custer State park and only went 86 miles. There was so much to stop and see along the way.