The park covers an area of over 71,000 acres (287 km2) of varied terrain including rolling prairie grasslands and rugged mountains.

The park is known for its scenery, hiking (including the South Dakota Centennial Trail), its scenic drives (Needles Highway and the wildlife loop), with views of the bison herd and prairie dog towns.

Exhibits focus on the park's natural history and cultural heritage, and include wildlife dioramas, a CCC bunkhouse and a gold prospecting display.

Movies filmed in Custer State Park, include The Last Hunt (1956), How the West Was Won (1962) and A Man Called Horse (1970).

[9] U.S. President Calvin Coolidge and his wife Grace vacationed at Custer State Park for several weeks during the summer of 1927.

[10] In nearby Rapid City, where he had his summer office, Coolidge announced to assembled reporters, "I do not choose to run" for reelection in 1928.