After a record-breaking year for visitation and camping in the state park system, the park that leads the way is already busy this year. Custer State Park has a new visitor center is making travelers feel right at home.



It’s the place to start in South Dakota’s largest state park.



“A new $6 million visitor center with state-of-the-art exhibits an just an awesome video presentation that’s narrated by Kevin Costner,” says park visitor services coordinator Craig Pugsley. “It’s kind of like an IMAX feel you get, a hundred seat theater and it is awesome.”



It was every bit as awesome as promised to Chuck and Janis Borstad, who live in St. James, MN, but spend several months in the Black Hills each year.



“We love Custer State Park, and what a great addition, just excellent,” Chuck said. “We just watched the film. And when we have family and friends coming this summer to see the place, we’ll make sure they see this.”



But there are plenty of places you can get to in the 71,000 acre park, including the popular wildlife loop road.



“The park is tremendous,” said Chris Ponticello of Pittsburgh, Pa. “My wife and I traveled her probably 30 years ago, and did a lot of reading on Custer State Park and the buffalo here. They’re just so majestic. You really appreciate what see.”



That true both on the wild side of the park and in the places where commerce grows.



$11 million in upgrades will give a facelift to the parks state-owned resorts.



“We keep rolling on and getting bigger and better every year , and always keeping in mind the vision of Peter Norbeck, you know,” Pugsley said. “He set aide this area for nature and wildlife, brought back all the species that we have here today, and we’re thankful for that.”



So are the people who come to visit.



Pugsley said the parks record-setting year in 2015 was driven in part by the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and 50th Anniversary of the park’s buffalo roundup.

But with other events this year, including the 75th anniversary of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, another record may be waiting.

