Place · 0 mi away
What to expect
This is an easy, creek-hugging walk through the heart of the park, linking the Custer State Park Visitor Center with the State Game Lodge/Grace Coolidge Campground area. It’s mostly flat, mostly paved, and shaded in stretches—great for families, casual walkers, and anyone who wants a peaceful ramble by water rather than a workout.
Distance and route options
How far you go is up to you. The commonly walked out-and-back segment is about 3.9 miles total with roughly 223 feet of gain. If you follow the full corridor between the Visitor Center and Grace Coolidge Campground, plan on about 6 miles round trip. The grade is gentle either way, and the surface is largely paved with some packed sections, making it friendly to strollers and many wheelchairs.
Scenery and wildlife
You’ll follow Grace Coolidge Creek through riparian edges, open meadows, and pockets of pine. Expect birdsong, flowing water in spring and early summer, and a relaxed, shady vibe. Wildlife is very possible here—bison frequent the area and mountain goats are sometimes spotted, especially near the open areas by the State Game Lodge. Give all wildlife a wide berth.
History notes
The route passes the State Game Lodge, famously used as a “Summer White House” in 1927 and visited again in 1953. If you start from the Visitor Center, you can pair the walk with interpretive displays before heading out.
Best time to hike
April through October brings the greenest scenery and flowing water, with pleasant shade on warm days. Midday can draw more people, so go early or late for quieter steps. Winter can be a sleeper hit—when conditions allow, the paved tread makes for a peaceful, almost empty walk with snowy creek views.
Tips
- Start at the Visitor Center if you want exhibits and trip-planning help before your hike.
- This is a shared-use path in spots, and it’s popular. Stay aware of bikes and keep dogs leashed.
- If bison are on or near the trail, do not approach. Turn around and give them far more space than you think you need.
Pros
- Mostly paved tread that often stays walkable in winter when other trails are slick
- Connects the Visitor Center and historic State Game Lodge for easy add-on exploring
Cons
- Multi-use sections mean sharing with bikes and occasional crowding
- Bison along the corridor can force turnarounds or long detours
Parking
Park at either end: Custer State Park Visitor Center or the State Game Lodge/Grace Coolidge Campground area. Both provide straightforward access to the trail.
Caution
Bison use this corridor—keep a very large distance and turn around if they’re near the path. Expect shared use with bikes. In winter, watch for icy patches even on paved sections.
