CUSTER, S.D. (KELO.com) — Custer State Park is celebrating the grand opening of a new $5 million visitor center that will educate visitors about the park’s role in preserving the North American bison.
The Helmsley Charitable Trust granted $4 million toward construction of the Custer State Park Bison Center, which features dynamic interpretive displays that tell the origin story of the park’s bison, explain herd management, and celebrate the annual Buffalo Roundup and Auction.
“The Bison Center will be a landmark destination for visitors from across South Dakota and around the world to understand the North American bison’s rich history and learn about Custer State Park’s role in preserving this magnificent animal,” said Walter Panzirer, a Helmsley Trustee. “It has been exciting to be part of the project since inception, and I am honored to see it come to fruition with the ribbon cutting and grand opening.”
Speakers at the May 20 event included Helmsley Charitable Trust Rural Healthcare Program Director Mitch Krebs, South Dakota Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden, Game, Fish and Parks Secretary Kevin Robling, and Custer State Park Superintendent Matt Snyder.
Custer State Park’s free-roaming herd of nearly 1,400 North American Bison is one of the world’s largest publicly owned buffalo herds.
Helmsley’s gift allowed the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation to leverage an additional $1 million in private and public donations to meet the total project budget. The center is located near the bison corral complex off Wildlife Loop Road.
The Helmsley Charitable Trust’s park grants tie into its commitment to rural healthcare across eight states by encouraging people to go outdoors, become more physically active, and celebrate nature.
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(The Helmsley Chartiable Trust contributed this report/news release.)
