Spring Bison Calving Safari
​Custer State Park April 10 – May 15
Morning from Rapid City & Afternoon from Custer

 Witness the annual return of spring across the high prairie of Custer State Park. Travel into prime maternity ranges along the Wildlife Loop to view protective cow herds and newborn bison calves ("red dogs"), greet the park's begging burros, and take in rolling foothill vistas without the summer crowds. Choose between our climate-controlled morning executive shuttle departing directly from Rapid City or our open-air panoramic convertible safari departing from Custer.

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Option A: Morning Wildlife Wake-Up (Round-Trip Rapid City)

• Departure Location: Rapid City (Central staging hub with local hotel pickup options)
• Schedule: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (5.0 Hours Round-Trip)
• Tour Vehicle: Ford Terra Turtle Top Executive Shuttle
  Fully enclosed, high-headroom climate-controlled cabin with panoramic oversized viewing windows—ideal for brisk morning highway travel.
• Spring Pricing:
  • Seniors (65+): $139 (Special Spring Rate)
  • Adults (18–64): $159
  • Youth (17 & Under): $89
• Mid-Tour Stops:
  • Custer State Park Visitor Center (30 min): Interactive wildlife exhibits, calving theater film, and accessible restrooms.
  • Legion Lake Scenic Stop: Mid-morning stretch along the water.
• Refreshments: Chilled bottled water, fresh hot chocolate, artisan coffee, tea, and packaged snacks.
• Lunch Add-On: Pre-order an artisan Bashful Bison Box Lunch ($15.00) at checkout (handcrafted deli sandwich or wrap, gourmet chips, and fresh bakery cookie), or bring your own lunch store in our onboard cooler.

Option B: Afternoon Sun & Safari (Round-Trip Custer)

• Departure Location: Custer Staging Depot (64 S 5th St, Custer, SD)
• Schedule: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (4.0 Hours Local Safari)
• Tour Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz Calèche Panoramic Tour Van
  Forward-facing leather coach seating with a retractable panoramic glass canopy opened wide for 360-degree open-air viewing during peak afternoon warmth.
• Spring Pricing:
  • Seniors (65+): $129 (Special Spring Rate)
  • Adults (18–64): $149
  • Youth (17 & Under): $79
• Mid-Tour Stop:
  • Grace Coolidge Creek / State Game Lodge Grounds: Scenic outdoor afternoon tea and pastry break.
• Signature Inclusions: Complimentary South Dakota State Dessert (Fruit & Custard Kuchen) served fresh with warm cider, hot chocolate, artisan coffee, tea, and water.
• Lunch Option: None needed—afternoon bakery treats and warm beverages are completely provided!

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Expedition Highlights

• Peak Calving Season Up Close: Travel prime maternity ranges along the Wildlife Loop to view newborn bison calves running alongside protective maternal cows.
  
• Retractable Glass-Top Comfort: Enjoy 360-degree sightseeing, high-angle granite spire views, and open-air photography through our power-sliding glass canopy. We adjust the roof as mountain breezes shift to ensure a warm, draft-free ride.
  
• Executive Leather Seating & Easy Boarding: Low entryway steps, supportive handrails, and forward-facing leather coach seating ensure a smooth, comfortable ride across paved and gravel park roads.
  
• Scenic Backcountry Corridors: Guided access through French Creek flats, the historic State Game Lodge grounds, and open prairie draws where spring wildlife gathers.
  
• Expert Local Storytelling: In-depth narration covering wild bison herd biology, annual calving behavior, Lakota heritage, and Black Hills geology delivered through a clear vehicle sound system.