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South Dakota
12

South Dakota State Parks

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USA Parks
South Dakota
Black Hills & Badlands Region
Custer State Park - Norbeck Wildelife Preserve
Custer State Park - Norbeck Wildelife Preserve © Len Ziolkowski
Custer State Park - Norbeck Wildelife Preserve © Len Ziolkowski
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CUSTER STATE PARK - NORBECK WILDELIFE PRESERVE
CUSTER STATE PARK - NORBECK WILDELIFE PRESERVE
Swimming
1. Custer State Park offers several swimming options in its clear mountain lakes.
2. Sylvan Lake is popular for swimming, with a beach area and rock formations to explore.
3. Center Lake provides another great spot for swimmers, featuring shallow waters perfect for families with children.
4. Legion Lake also has a designated swim area; it's less crowded than other spots making it ideal for relaxation.
5. Stockade lake allows visitors to enjoy the water from sandy beaches or jump off floating platforms into deeper areas.
6. The park does not have lifeguards on duty so all swimming activities are at your own risk.

Fishing
Enjoy fishing in pristine lakes and streams, home to trout species including rainbow, brown and brook. Also find largemouth bass.

The park's four main bodies of water - Center Lake, Legion Lake, Stockade Lake and Sylvan lake offer excellent angling opportunities.

Fishing licenses are required for those aged 16 or older but can be easily obtained online or at the visitor center.

Ice fishing is popular during winter months on several frozen lakes within the preserve when conditions allow it safely.

Fly-fishers will appreciate Rapid Creek that flows through this area with its abundant population of wild brown trout.

Remember catch-and-release practices help maintain healthy fish populations for future generations enjoyment too!



Picnicking
1. Custer State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables, grills and stunning views of the Black Hills.
2. Enjoy a lakeside meal at Sylvan Lake or Stockade Lake's designated picnic spots.
3. The Grace Coolidge Walk-In Fishing Area has peaceful riverside picnicking options for nature lovers.
4. For larger groups, reserve one of several group-use pavilions available in various park locations.
5. Picnic while spotting wildlife like bison and pronghorn antelope within Norbeck Wildlife Preserve area inside the park.

Bicycling
Biking in this area offers a unique experience, but caution is advised due to wildlife and terrain.

Mountain biking trails are available, yet they can be challenging with steep inclines.

Road cycling options exist too; however, traffic on these roads requires extra vigilance for safety.

Remember that the park's altitude may affect your stamina more than usual when planning bike routes here.

Wildlife encounters are common while biking so always maintain safe distances from animals you encounter.

The Iron Mountain Road has stunning views but its winding nature demands careful navigation by cyclists.

Always wear appropriate gear including helmets and visibility aids as some areas have limited sightlines.

Ensure bikes are well-maintained before embarking on any rides within the preserve for optimal performance and safety.

Check weather forecasts prior to setting out since conditions can change rapidly affecting trail quality significantly.


Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting over 200 bird species, including raptors and songbirds. Guided tours are available for enthusiasts. The park's diverse habitats support a wide variety of birds year-round. Birding events such as the annual Christmas Bird Count occur in winter months.

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South Dakota
12

South Dakota State Parks

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