If you thought Mount Rushmore was the only thing to see in the Black Hills, think again. While the presidential faces may be the star of the show, South Dakota’s wildlife is the scene-stealer especially when you know where to look.

On a guided sightseeing tour, you don’t need binoculars or hiking boots to see wild animals in their natural habitat. You just need a good seat by the window, a local guide, and a route that hits the wildlife hotspots.

Here’s your guide to the wild residents you might encounter on a Black Hills tour and why it’s one of the best parts of the trip.

Where To Spot Wildlife Near Mount Rushmore?

Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop Road

Custer State Park is a world-class wildlife destination and it’s just 30 to 45 minutes from Mount Rushmore. The Wildlife Loop is an 18-mile scenic drive that winds through rolling hills and open grasslands, offering prime viewing for South Dakota’s most famous animals.

Common sightings include:

• Bison herds roaming freely
• Pronghorn antelope
• Wild burros approaching vehicles
• White-tailed and mule deer
• Coyotes and prairie dogs

Our Mount Rushmore sightseeing tour includes this route, which means you’ll enjoy these views from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach — no maps or driving required.

Sylvan Lake And The Needles Highway Area

Tucked inside the Black Hills’ granite spires, the region around Sylvan Lake is home to more elusive creatures like:

• Bighorn sheep scaling steep rocks
• Mountain goats blending into the cliffs
• Bald eagles and hawks circling above

These animals are harder to spot but often surprise tour guests especially near sunrise or dusk when they’re most active.

Discover Custer State Park for more scenic and wildlife details.

The Most Iconic Animal Sightings

Bison — The Kings Of The Black Hills

There are roughly 1,300 bison in Custer State Park, and they’re not confined by fences. These massive animals, weighing up to 2,000 pounds, often wander close to the road giving you a front-row seat to one of the best wildlife shows in the country.

Safety Tip:
Always stay in your vehicle when bison are nearby. Our tour drivers know exactly how to navigate around the herds safely.

Wild Burros — The Unexpected Stars

Known affectionately as the “begging burros,” these donkeys are descendants of pack animals used in the park nearly a century ago. Today, they roam freely and are incredibly social sometimes walking right up to cars or tour buses.

They’re a huge hit with kids and photographers alike.

Pro Tip:
While it may be tempting to feed them, we always encourage guests to enjoy them without offering snacks. Wildlife is healthiest when it stays wild.

Pronghorn — Speedsters Of The Plains

Often mistaken for antelope, pronghorns are the fastest land animals in North America. You’ll often see them grazing in the open plains along the Wildlife Loop, typically in pairs or small groups.

Deer — Always Around, Always Graceful

White-tailed and mule deer are common throughout the Black Hills, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. They’re often spotted near forested edges and meadows, and their graceful movement adds a peaceful pause to your sightseeing experience.

Wildlife Watching Without The Hassle

One of the best things about joining a tour is that you can see wildlife without worrying about finding it.

Here’s what makes our guided tour ideal for wildlife lovers:

• No driving or navigating  Just sit back and enjoy
• Large viewing windows Perfect for spotting and photographing animals
• Local guides Know exactly where the herds are likely to be
• Built-in time for stops and photos No need to rush

Looking for a family-friendly option? Our tour is great for kids, grandparents, and first-time visitors alike. Learn more in our family vacation tips.

Best Times To See Wildlife Near Mount Rushmore

While wildlife can appear year-round, some seasons and times of day increase your chances of amazing sightings:

Time of Day:

• Early morning (7–9 AM) and late afternoon (5–7 PM) are best
• Animals are more active during cooler hours

Season:

• Late summer and fall (August–October) are prime viewing times

Fewer crowds and changing foliage make animal sightings even more photogenic

What To Pack For Wildlife Viewing

Even on a guided tour, it helps to be prepared. Here’s what we recommend:

• Smartphone or digital camera (with zoom lens if possible)
• Power bank to recharge devices during the day
• Binoculars for distant spotting
• Hat and sunglasses (especially for sunny afternoon tours)
• Light jacket temperatures can vary, even in summer
• Your sense of adventure

Looking for more? Grab our full 2025 Black Hills Vacation Packing Checklist.

Wildlife Etiquette And Safety

• Never approach animals Stay at least 25 yards away from most wildlife, and 100 yards from predators (not common on tours).
• Stay quiet  Loud noises can startle animals or drive them away.
• Do not feed the wildlife Even friendly burros are healthier without human food.
• Leave no trace Take all trash and belongings with you.

Our guides are trained in wildlife-safe practices and will help your group enjoy nature respectfully.

See It All Bison, Burros, and Black Hills Beauty

You don’t need a backcountry hike or wildlife camera to experience South Dakota’s wild side.

On our full-day sightseeing tour, you’ll enjoy:

• Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse
• Iron Mountain Road
• Sylvan Lake
• Wildlife Loop through Custer State Park
• Narrated guidance on animals, geology, and culture
• Meals at Fort Hays Chuckwagon breakfast and supper included

Reserve your seat now →https://mountrushmoretours.com/mount-rushmore-sightseeing-bus-tours/