Custer State Park
State park · South Dakota
South Dakota's largest state park spans more than 71,000 acres of the Black Hills, where the Needles Highway winds through granite spires and narrow rock tunnels and the Wildlife Loop Road crosses grassland grazed by some 1,300 free-roaming bison. Aspen color peaks late September into early October.
Don’t miss
Peak: October 10–October 14
Color builds from September 27 · mostly bare by November 2
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Custer State Park’s own coordinates and elevation (1310 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Custer State Park on the map
More things to do in South Dakota
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
Scenic drivePeak October 11
US-14A runs nearly 20 miles between Spearfish and Cheyenne Crossing through a limestone canyon in the northern Black Hills, passing Bridal Veil, Spearfish, and Roughlock Falls. Birch and aspen against spruce and pine peak late September into early October along one of the region's classic fall drives.
Don’t miss: Bridal Veil, Spearfish, and Roughlock Falls · limestone canyon walls · peak color late Sept to early Oct
Our Farm
Pumpkin patchColor nearby peaks October 18
A family pumpkin patch and fall theme park west of Sioux Falls, near Parker, with a corn maze, pick-your-own pumpkins, zip lines, a hay-bale mountain, gourd launchers and a petting zoo. The site says November 2 is its last day of the season but gives no year, so 2026 dates aren't confirmed.
Don’t miss: Corn maze and pick-your-own pumpkins · Zip lines and gourd launchers · Fall theme park near Parker
Mazing Acres Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patchColor nearby peaks October 19
Billed as the 'First Dakota Corn Maze,' this Yankton-area pumpkin patch cuts a five-acre maze and stacks 30-plus fall attractions alongside its pick-your-own pumpkins. The site still lists its 2024 run, so 2026 opening dates have not been posted.
Don’t miss: A five-acre corn maze · 30+ fall attractions · Pick-your-own pumpkins near Yankton
Terror 29
Haunted attractionColor nearby peaks October 14
A Sioux Falls area haunted house built around a fictional murder in the Ravenwood family home, with a separate zombie themed corn maze a few minutes away and a nighttime trail through a YMCA camp across town. Three different scares run under one ticket brand each October.
Don’t miss: Ravenwood haunted house · Zombie-themed haunted corn maze nearby · Trail of Terror at a YMCA camp
Frequently asked
- When does Custer State Park peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 10–October 14 (best estimate October 12). Color starts around September 27 and is mostly bare by November 2.
- What is Custer State Park best for?
- Scenic drives and bison herds.
Own or manage Custer State Park? Update your listing or get in touch.