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Get Your Wild West On: Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Custer, South Dakota

Custer earns rather more of a stop than a Black Hills town would ever really suggest right out there. Needles Highway runs 14 miles of hairpins and tunnels straight out of the park right out there. Wildlife Loop Road adds another 18 miles through the heart of the bison country out there as well. The Mickelson Trail runs 109 miles out there as well. Genuinely.

Ready for an unusual adventure in the heart of South Dakota? Custer is the answer, a charming town set in the Black Hills region. Natural wonders through historic landmarks, Custer runs activities and attractions for all ages and interests.

One of the highlights of Custer is its proximity to Custer State Park, a sprawling natural playground spanning over 71,000 acres. Here you can hike, bike, fish and even spot some of the park’s resident bison, elk and pronghorn. And if you feel adventurous, take a scenic drive on the winding roads of Iron Mountain and Needles Highway, which carry long views of the landscape around them.

But the fun does not stop there. Custer also holds the Black Hills National Forest, which runs miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. And history buffs get cultural landmarks across the area, Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial among them. Outdoor thrills or cultural enrichment, Custer covers both.

Key Takeaways

• Custer, South Dakota offers a diverse range of attractions, from natural wonders to historic landmarks.
• Custer State Park is a must-visit destination, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting.
• The Black Hills National Forest and nearby cultural landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial offer endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.

The Charm of Custer, South Dakota

Custer, South Dakota. The land of rolling hills, long vistas and a population of around 2000 people. Do not let the small-town feel fool you, because the charm in this little corner of the world runs plenty.

First off, the wildlife. Custer State Park holds bison, pronghorn, elk, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. You can even take a guided Jeep tour to get close to these creatures. Just keep the windows rolled up, because those bison can turn a little too friendly.

But it is not only the wildlife that makes Custer so charming. There is also the Black Hills National Forest, where you can hike to your heart’s content. Needles Highway should not be skipped, with its hairpin turns and narrow tunnels. And if you feel brave, take a dip in Sylvan Lake. The water may run a little chilly, and the views are worth it.

And let us not forget the food. Custer runs some of the strongest burgers around, and you cannot leave without a buffalo burger. And if you feel fancy, head to The Cattleman’s Club Steakhouse for a steak dinner.

So Custer, South Dakota may be small, and it is mighty. From the wildlife to the scenery to the food, this charming town covers the range. So pack the bags, grab the camera and get ready for an adventure you keep.

Exploring Custer State Park

After a wild adventure in Custer? Custer State Park is the answer. With over 71,000 acres of land, this state park holds wildlife across the range, bison and pronghorn and prairie dogs and burros among them. The things to do do not run short, scenic drives through hiking trails through camping.

Wildlife Encounters

One of the main draws of Custer State Park is the chance to see wildlife up close. With nearly 1,300 bison roaming the park, seeing these creatures during the visit is close to guaranteed. Keep watching for other animals too, pronghorn antelope and elk among them. And with luck you spot a mountain goat or two.

Scenic Drives

One of the strongest ways to work Custer State Park is a scenic drive. The park holds two main drives, Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop Road. Needles Highway is a 14-mile-long National Scenic Byway running hairpin turns, narrow tunnels and long views. Wildlife Loop Road is an 18-mile loop taking you through some of the strongest wildlife viewing areas in the park.

Hiking Trails

For a more active way to work the park, the hiking trails run plenty. The Cathedral Spires Trail is a popular choice, with long views of the spires and plenty of wildlife along the way. The Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is the other strong option, with fine views of the lake and the hills around it.

Camping Options

For the full Custer State Park day, consider camping in the park. The campgrounds to choose from run across the range, primitive through full-service. They are spread through the park, so you can choose the one closest to the activities you want.

So what is the hold-up? Grab the hiking boots, pack the camera and head to Custer State Park for an adventure you keep.

Adventures in Black Hills National Forest

After some exciting adventures in Custer, South Dakota? Then head to the Black Hills National Forest. Between the towering granite spires and the landscapes, this forest should not be skipped by any outdoor enthusiast. Here are the strongest adventures in the Black Hills National Forest.

Hiking Black Elk Peak

If you are up for a challenge, hiking Black Elk Peak, formerly known as Harney Peak, should not be skipped. This 7.2-mile round-trip hike takes you to the highest point in South Dakota at 7,242 feet. Along the way you pass through dense forests, open meadows and rocky outcroppings. The views from the top hold up, with panoramic vistas of the Black Hills stretching out in all directions.

Jewel Cave Exploration

For an unusual adventure, head to the Jewel Cave National Monument. This underground wonderland holds some of the longest cave systems in the world, with more than 200 miles of explored passages. Take a guided tour to work the rock formations, the clear pools and the otherworldly landscapes beneath the surface.

Needles Highway Drive

For a more relaxed adventure, take a scenic drive along the Needles Highway. This 14-mile road winds through some of the finest landscapes in the Black Hills, the famous Needles Eye rock formation and the Cathedral Spires among them. Along the way you pass through tunnels, over bridges and past vistas that land hard.

Whatever kind of adventure you are after, the Black Hills National Forest runs it. So pack the bags, grab the hiking boots and get ready for a journey through one of the finest landscapes in the country.

Memorable Visits to National Monuments

On national monuments in Custer, South Dakota, the options run plenty. Here are two of the most memorable you should take:

Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore. The iconic national monument running the faces of four great American presidents carved into a granite mountain. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States, and with reason.

When you visit Mount Rushmore, the sheer size and scale of the monument lands. The faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are each 60 feet tall and worth standing under.

But Mount Rushmore is not only the monument itself. The other things to see and do in the area run plenty, hiking trails and museums and scenic drives among them. So take your time and work everything this national park runs.

Crazy Horse Memorial

For another mountain carving, take the Crazy Horse Memorial. This sculpture is still a work in progress. It is already a serious sight.

The sculpture shows the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing into the distance. It is being carved out of a mountain using dynamite and jackhammers. It is already the largest mountain carving in the world.

But the Crazy Horse Memorial is not only the sculpture. There is also a museum and cultural center on site that tells the story of the Lakota people and their history. Take some time to learn the culture and traditions of the people who call this area home.

Mount Rushmore or the Crazy Horse Memorial, both land. These national monuments are some of the most serious sights in the United States, and both are worth the trip.

Water Adventures in Custer

After some fun in the water? Custer has you covered. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing or boating, the options for water in the area run plenty. Here are the strongest spots to get wet and wild:

Sylvan Lake Activities

Sylvan Lake is a picturesque spot running plenty of swimming, kayaking and canoeing. The lake is ringed by towering granite cliffs, which make a fine backdrop as you paddle around. And if you feel adventurous, you can try rock climbing on the nearby cliffs. And for a more relaxing way to take the lake, the picnic areas and hiking trails nearby run plenty.

Stockade Lake Fun

Stockade Lake is the other strong spot for water in Custer. This lake runs larger than Sylvan Lake, which means plenty of room for boating and fishing. For cooling off, the swimming areas around the lake run plenty as well. And for a challenge, try catching some of the lake’s elusive trout.

Boating and Kayaking at Legion Lake

Legion Lake is a popular spot for boating and kayaking in Custer. This lake is known for its calm water, which suits beginners. For renting a boat or kayak, the options at the nearby marina run plenty. And if you feel competitive, you can join one of the lake’s many fishing tournaments.

So swimming, kayaking, canoeing or boating, the water options in Custer run plenty. So dive in and make a splash.

Late September is when the Buffalo Roundup takes the whole herd right across the prairie out there. Summer opens the lakes and the Needles Highway tunnels run clear right the way through. Winter closes some of the higher roads out there, so check before you set out. Time the drive out there properly.

Historical Attractions in Custer

History people will take to the historical attractions in Custer. Here are a couple of places you should take:

1881 Courthouse Museum

After a fun and informative way to learn the history of Custer? Then head to the 1881 Courthouse Museum. This museum sits in the original courthouse building, built in 1881 and serving as the seat of county government until 1973.

Inside you find exhibits showing the history of Custer and the area around it. Native American artifacts through pioneer memorabilia, the range is covered. And with luck you catch one of the museum’s special exhibits, which change across the year.

Four Mile Old West Town

Step back in time to the Wild West at Four Mile Old West Town. This tourist attraction is a replica of an old west town, complete with a general store, saloon, blacksmith shop, and more.

Here you take what life was like in the 1800s, when cowboys and outlaws roamed the land. Watch a gunfight reenactment, ride a stagecoach, or try panning for gold. And stop by the visitor center to pick up some souvenirs from the trip.

So there you have it, two historical attractions in Custer not to be skipped. History buff or simply somebody after a fun day, both land.

Outdoor Activities Beyond Hiking

If you are tired of hiking around Custer State Park, do not worry, because the other outdoor activities run plenty. Here are the fun options to consider:

Birdwatching

Bird lovers should indulge the passion at Custer State Park. With over 250 species of birds in the area, spotting some fine and unusual feathered friends is close to guaranteed. Keep watching for bald eagles, turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks overhead, or listen for the songs of warblers and thrushes in the trees. Bring the binoculars and a field guide and you are set for a day of birds.

Fishing

Custer State Park holds several lakes and streams stocked with trout, so anglers are in luck. Grab the fishing gear and head to Sylvan Lake or Legion Lake for some peaceful casting. You might also try your luck at French Creek, where brown trout, rainbow trout and even smallmouth bass turn up. Just get a fishing license and follow the park’s rules and regulations.

Rock Climbing

For a real challenge, why not try rock climbing? The Needles, a group of towering granite spires in Custer State Park, run some of the strongest climbing in the region. Test the skills on routes like Spire Two or Chopping Block, or take the classic Cathedral Spires Traverse. Just make sure you have the proper gear and experience before any serious climbing.

Horseback Riding

For a more leisurely outdoor day, consider a horseback ride through the park. Several stables in the area run guided trail rides taking you through the park’s scenery. You ride past sparkling lakes, lush meadows and rugged rock formations, all in the fresh air. It is a strong way to see the park from a different angle, and no previous riding experience is needed.

Whatever outdoor activity you choose, take plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen. And remember, always respect the park’s natural beauty and wildlife. Happy exploring.

Custer’s Unique Events

Custer is not only a small town with fine scenery and wildlife, it is also a place for unusual events you will not find elsewhere. Here are the events you should take during the visit to Custer.

Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival

Wild West fans should take the Buffalo Roundup. Every year in late September, cowboys and cowgirls from around the country gather in Custer State Park to round up the park’s herd of 1,300 bison. It is a sight to behold as the cowboys and cowgirls on horseback chase the bison across the prairie.

But the fun does not stop there. After the roundup, head over to the Arts Festival where you can browse the work of over 150 vendors selling everything from jewelry to pottery. And grab some bison burgers and other food from the vendors.

But the strongest part of the Arts Festival is the entertainment. You can take live music, watch Native American dancers, and even see a chainsaw artist at work. It is a strong way to spend a day with family and friends.

So put on the cowboy boots and hat and head over to Custer for the Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival. It is an event you will not want to miss.

Where to Stay and Eat in Custer

Hotels

Custer runs plenty of options for lodging, a cozy cabin or a luxurious hotel room. And if you feel adventurous, you could even try camping in an RV or tent. Here are a few options to consider:

• State Game Lodge: This historic lodge is located in Custer State Park and offers a rustic yet comfortable atmosphere. You can choose from a variety of room types, including cabins and suites. Plus, you’ll be just a short drive away from all the park’s attractions.
• Rocket Motel: This retro-style motel is perfect for those who want a unique experience. Each room is decorated with a different theme, such as Route 66 or Hollywood. Plus, the Rocket Motel is located right in the heart of downtown Custer, so you’ll be close to all the action.
• Custer Hospitality: This company manages several hotels in the area, including the Comfort Inn & Suites and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Both of these options offer modern amenities and comfortable rooms.

Fine Dining

On dining in Custer, the options run plenty to suit the tastes. A fancy meal or a quick bite, both are covered. Here are a few suggestions:

• Skogen Kitchen: This upscale restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with dishes that blend flavors from around the world. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as this place can get busy.
• Begging Burro Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, this is the place to go. The menu features a wide variety of tacos, burritos, and other dishes, as well as an extensive selection of tequila.
• Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.: This casual eatery is famous for its burgers, which are made with locally sourced beef. Plus, they offer a variety of toppings and sides to customize your meal.

Wherever you choose to stay or eat in Custer, the trip holds up. Just bring the appetite.

Getting Around Custer

You have arrived in Custer, South Dakota, and now you are ready to work all the fun things this small town runs. But how do you get around? We have you covered.

Scenic Tours

After a scenic drive? Custer State Park will not let you down. This 71,000-acre park holds landscapes and wildlife that land hard. You might even spot a bison or two. And for a more immersive day, take a guided tour. The tours available run across the range, jeep tours through horseback rides. You see the park up close, and navigating the winding roads is somebody else’s problem.

Biking the Mickelson Trail

If you feel adventurous, why not bike the Mickelson Trail? This 109-mile trail runs through the heart of the Black Hills, and it is a strong way to see the area’s natural beauty. The trail is mostly gravel, so be ready for a bumpy ride. But the long views and fresh air are worth it. And you get a strong workout in the process.

However you choose to get around, the fun things to do and see in Custer do not run short. So hop on a tour or a bike and get ready to work it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to work up an appetite before hitting the restaurants in Custer?

You could always take a hike in the Black Hills. The views land hard, and the exercise makes you hungry. Or if you feel adventurous, you could try rock climbing. Just make sure you do not get stuck up there and miss out on the food.

Are there any unique and quirky activities to do in the Black Hills?

Absolutely. You can take a hot air balloon ride over the Black Hills and see the long views from above. Or if you feel brave, you can go on a ghost tour and learn the haunted history of the area. And visit the Cosmos Mystery Area, where the laws of physics seem to run a little off.

If I only have one day in Custer, what are the must-see attractions?

Take Mount Rushmore, the iconic monument running the faces of four US presidents. Then head over to Crazy Horse Memorial, a work-in-progress sculpture honoring the Native American hero. And finally, take a scenic drive on Needles Highway, where the rock formations and maybe some wildlife are waiting.

What’s the most affordable way to explore Custer State Park?

The strongest way to work Custer State Park is by car. You can drive through the park and stop at overlooks and scenic spots along the way. And with luck you see some bison up close.

Can you recommend any hotels in Custer that have a sense of humor?

After a hotel with a sense of humor? Then head to the Calamity Peak Lodge. Between the quirky decor and the playful atmosphere, the stay lands. And with luck you meet the resident ghost.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen happen in Custer, South Dakota?

We once saw a group of tourists trying to take a selfie with a bison. Let us just say it did not end well for them. Moral of the story: always respect the wildlife.

Frequently asked questions about Custer, South Dakota

How many of the bison does the whole of Custer State Park actually run out there, then, really now, in the end?

Nearly 1,300 of them roaming out there across the whole 71,000 acres of the park. Late September is when the roundup moves the whole of the herd all at once. Pronghorn and elk and mountain goats all work the very same ground out there. Annual.

How long exactly are the whole of the passages running inside Jewel Cave National Monument out there, then, really now?

More than 200 miles of them explored out there, and all of the tours run guided. Rock formations and clear pools sit right the way through the whole of it. Black Elk Peak climbs to 7,242 feet just a short drive away out there. Deep.

How long exactly is the whole of the Mickelson Trail running through the Black Hills, then, really now, in the end?

It runs 109 miles out there, and most of the whole surface is gravel. Needles Highway covers 14 of its own miles by car out there instead. Wildlife Loop Road adds another 18 on top of all of that out there. Long.

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