Custer South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Custer, South Dakota.
1. Custer State Park
WILDLIFE AND SCENIC BEAUTY
Custer State Park is South Dakota's largest state park, encompassing 71,000 acres of unmatched beauty and free-roaming wildlife. The park features granite peaks, rolling grasslands, clear mountain waters, and is home to a 1,300-strong bison herd that can be observed along the Wildlife Loop Road. Visitors can enjoy activities like rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, and boating while exploring this iconic landmark.
2. Sylvan Lake
TRANQUIL MOUNTAIN WATERS
Sylvan Lake offers a tranquil setting with mixed-difficulty hiking trails, a family-friendly beach, and picturesque mountain views. The lake is surrounded by huge rock formations rising dramatically from the water's edge, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy picnic spots and kayak rentals while taking in the natural beauty of this popular destination in the Black Hills.
3. Wildlife Loop Road
SCENIC WILDLIFE DRIVE
Wildlife Loop Road is an 18-mile scenic drive through meadows and hills showcasing close encounters with wildlife such as bison, elk, and curious burros. The drive traverses through Custer State Park, offering visitors prime opportunities to observe free-roaming animals in their natural habitat. Early morning or late afternoon drives are particularly rewarding for wildlife viewing, with the highlight being the park's free-roaming bison herd.
4. Crazy Horse Memorial
WORLD'S LARGEST SCULPTURE
Crazy Horse Memorial is the largest in-progress sculpture in the world, dedicated to the preservation of Native American culture and history. This awe-inspiring structure offers visitors a glimpse into Native American heritage through various exhibits and programs at the site's museum and education center. The memorial honors the legendary Lakota leader and continues to be carved from the mountain, offering a powerful cultural experience for visitors.
5. Jewel Cave National Monument
CRYSTAL-ADORNED UNDERGROUND WONDER
Jewel Cave National Monument is named for the crystals decorating its walls and ranks as the third-longest cave in the world. Visitors can tour the depths of this spectacular underground wonder or hike the trails above ground in the 1,279-acre park. The cave features unique formations and an extensive network of passageways that showcase the geological marvels hidden beneath the Black Hills.
6. Needles Highway
DRAMATIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
Needles Highway is a famous scenic drive known for its corkscrew design and inspiring views of the Black Hills. The highway winds through granite spires and narrow tunnels carved through the mountainside, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. This engineering marvel provides access to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Custer State Park, making it a must-drive route for visitors.
7. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
ICONIC PRESIDENTIAL TRIBUTE
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the carved faces of four American presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. The 60-foot sculptures were created by Gutzon Borglum and stand as a testament to American history and achievement. Located just a short drive from Custer, this iconic landmark attracts visitors from around the world who come to marvel at the impressive artistry and scale of the monument.
8. 1881 Courthouse Museum
HISTORIC COUNTY LANDMARK
The 1881 Courthouse Museum preserves Custer's rich history in one of the area's oldest standing public buildings. Exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the Black Hills gold rush and early settlement. Visitors can step back in time as they explore the historic courthouse and gain insights into the region's colorful past.
9. Wind Cave National Park
UNDERGROUND BOXWORK FORMATIONS
Wind Cave National Park features the largest collection of boxwork formations in the world, a rare and delicate cave feature. Above the cave, the park encompasses a 28,925-acre wildlife sanctuary where visitors can observe native prairie species. The cave system, one of the longest and most complex in the world, offers guided tours that showcase its unique geological features and natural history.
10. Black Elk Peak
SOUTH DAKOTA'S HIGHEST SUMMIT
Black Elk Peak stands at 7,244 feet, making it the tallest peak in South Dakota and a popular hiking destination. The trail to the summit begins near Sylvan Lake and rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding Black Hills landscape. At the top, visitors can explore a historic stone fire tower that enhances the experience of conquering this natural landmark.
11. Mickelson Trail
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
The Mickelson Trail is a 109-mile converted railroad corridor that offers scenic hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities through the heart of the Black Hills. The trail passes through Custer and features gentle gradients, historic railroad tunnels, and over 100 converted railroad bridges. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained path that connects numerous small towns and provides access to diverse landscapes and wildlife viewing.
12. Legion Lake
SERENE RECREATIONAL WATERS
Legion Lake is a serene body of water located within Custer State Park that offers various recreational opportunities for visitors. The lake features a swimming beach, fishing access, and boat rentals for those looking to explore the water. Surrounding the lake are picnic areas, a campground, and scenic hiking trails that make it a perfect destination for families seeking outdoor enjoyment.
13. Skogen Kitchen
FINE MODERN DINING
Skogen Kitchen brings elevated dining experiences to the heart of the Black Hills with its modern American cuisine. The restaurant focuses on locally-sourced ingredients prepared with creative flair in an intimate setting. Visitors to Custer can enjoy a sophisticated meal that stands in contrast to the rustic surroundings of this mountain town.
14. Custer Skywalk
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Custer Skywalk provides visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding Black Hills landscape from an elevated perspective. This observation point allows guests to appreciate the natural beauty of the region's forests, mountains, and valleys. The skywalk is easily accessible and offers excellent photo opportunities for capturing the scenic splendor of the area.
15. Iron Mountain Road
ENGINEERING AND NATURAL WONDERS
Iron Mountain Road is a 17-mile scenic route featuring pigtail bridges, tunnels, and spectacular vistas of the Black Hills. The road was designed to showcase the natural beauty of the area while providing framed views of Mount Rushmore through strategically placed tunnels. Drivers will appreciate the thoughtful engineering that makes this winding mountain route both challenging and rewarding.