PLEASE NOTE, THIS POST MAY INCLUDE AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING THAT IF YOU CLICK ON A LINK AND MAKE A PURCHASE, I'LL RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISION. THIS WILL COME AT NO COST TO YOU.

I keep my eye out all morning, as the car meanders through Custer State Park.

As we round a hill on the Wildlife Loop, my heart happily flutters. I see them!

Our day starts out with breakfast at The Bavarian Inn, in Custer, South Dakota.

The Bavarian Inn is the Monday Motivation of hotels.

It’s cheerful and quirky.

Being sick on this trip, I embrace the homey vibes.

The indoor pool/ hot tub area is great.

Breakfast consists of pancakes, and/or yogurt.

My favorite part is the fun toppings bar. I load my delicious yogurt up with granola and fresh fruit.

I also appreciate the motivational cereal.

We traversed Custer State Park’s Wildlife Life Loop the prior afternoon, but didn’t see much wildlife. Hoping the animals will be more lively in the morning, we set out right after breakfast.

When driving the park, you must stay alert. You never know who will cross the road.

Halfway through our ride we’re caught in a Bison jam. It’s a common occurrence at Custer State Park.  Their number seems endless. They just keep coming.

Seeing bison in Custer State Park reminds me of seeing elephants during our day safari in Botswana. The first one you see you yell with glee,

“Ahhhh, it’s a bison!”

At the end of of the loop you’re still in awe, but it’s more like,

“And there’s more bison…”

It’s unfair that bison look super cuddly, but are definitely not.

Thanks to April, from Minivan Adventures, for all of the great information about Custer State Park’s Begging Burros before we set off on our Western Adventure.

The entire drive, I’m on the lookout for the burros. As we get closer to the loops’ end, I resign myself to the disappointment of a no burro day.

We round a hill, and I notice a few cars parked by the side of the road, then they appear, the burros!

Now I absolutely know that in almost all circumstances you should never feed wildlife, but it is acceptable (per park rangers) to feed the burros.  Just be sure to have healthy snacks like carrots or apples.

I brought a bag of carrots.

The burros are adorable.

They run, play, and snack on carrots.

I take way too many pictures of burros.

I adore the burros.

I think they like me too.

Due to my love of animals and picturesque views,

Custer State Park was my favorite day during our Western Adventure/Blackhills trip. If you’re visiting South Dakota, visiting Custer State Park is a must. Be sure to drive the Wildlife Loop in the morning for maximum wildlife viewing, and have some carrots or apples on hand, in case you spot the Begging Burros.

Related posts:

Badlands National Park and Prairie Homestead-South Dakota Needles Highway and Sylvan Lake-Custer State Park Watkins Glen State Park-New York Rainbow Springs State Park and Swampy’s-Florida