Location: Custer
Top Things to do in Custer
Top Restaurants in Custer
Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Custer, South Dakota (SD)
Enveloped in the grandeur of the Black Hills, Custer makes the perfect base for your South Dakota vacation, whether you are visiting Custer State Park to learn about Custer's Last Stand, heading up to see the wonder of Mount Rushmore and the yet-unfinished Crazy Horse Memorial, making a motorcycle pilgrimage to Sturgis or spelunking in Wind Cave. Custer itself has much to offer, from family outings at Flintstones Bedrock City to hoe-down dinners at a chuck wagon cookout.
Restaurants in Custer
1. Custer State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,886 reviews
A 73,000-acre wilderness that draws comparisons to Yellowstone National Park when it comes to spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife.
Reviewed By sharonn874 - Saint Paul, United States
We spent a wonderful day here - hiking - walking around the lakes - driving the wildlife loop - having a picnic - we were here years ago and it made us remember how much we loved it back then!! Make sure to visit this park !!
2. Sylvan Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,902 reviews
Popular lake in Custer State Park.
Reviewed By spookie5150 - Jefferson City, United States
Sylvan lake is one of several lakes in Custer State Park and probably the prettiest. There is lots to do in this area, several great hiking trailheads accessible from the parking lot, a nice easy trail around the lake, a general store, picnic areas, etc. The rocks on the far side of the lake are a scrambling/climbing paradise for kids (or adults) who may not be up for the longer trails nearby. If you're passing through and don't have a ton of time, I think this is probably the best "bang for your buck" quick stop in the park. Get there early for some solitude. Not to be missed!
3. Needles Eye
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,688 reviews
A geological formation located in Custer State Park.
Reviewed By NancyG202 - Boyne City, United States
The Needles Eye is part of the Needles Highway drive in Custer State Park. With unusual rock formations, including a tunnel less than 8 feet wide and the Needle Eye, it also offers wonderful views of the surrounding area and is a great spot for a short hike or rock climbing.
4. Black Hills National Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 885 reviews
This empty expanse where Native Americans once roamed is now a national forest.
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, United States
The Black Hills Forest covers a vast area of western South Dakota - more than 1.25 million acres! It's an excellent vacation destination because of the wide variety of attractions and recreation opportunities. One could easily spend a week exploring this beautiful area; we were there for four days and did not do everything, we could have easily filled two more days. We explored the historic main street at Deadwood, visited the DC Booth Fish Hatchery at Spearfish, drove through Spearfish Canyon and were enchanted by three waterfalls, learned about mining at Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, gawked at the enormous carved faces of four presidents on Mt. Rushmore, drove the scenic Needles Highway through imposing stone pinnacles, navigated the unique pigtail bridges and stone tunnels of Iron Mountain Road (Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway), took a peaceful morning hike around Sylvan Lake, spotted wildlife like deer, prairie dogs, bison and pronghorns at Custer State Park, marveled at the fossilized bones of extinct animals at The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, visited Wind Cave National Park, and took a ride on the vintage 1880 steam train between Hill City and Keystone. We didn't visit the Crazy Horse Memorial or Jewel Cave National Monument this trip. (The above attractions all have separate Tripadvisor pages.) The Black Hills Forest hosts numerous campgrounds and picnic areas, plus there are lakes and streams for fishing, swimming and kayaking. There are many hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties, and also the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Rail-Trail for walking or biking. For those who like a more thrilling adventure, there are zip-lines, water parks, horse stables, and helicopter rides available. Food and lodging are available at the towns of Deadwood, Lead, Keystone, Hill City, Custer and Hot Springs. There is no charge to enter the forest, but some of the above attractions charge a parking or admission fee. Some roads, services, and attractions may be closed in winter.
5. Iron Mountain Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,646 reviews
Reviewed By Jake48009 - Detroit, United States
You need to do it twice one-way then reverse to get Mount Rushmore framed in the tunnels as you pass through -- Absolutely spectacular! Fantastic ride between Custer State Park and Keystone with amazing views of Mount Rushmore as you pass through several cool tunnels and fun twisty roads. Make sure you sound the horn before entering the tunnels! Bring a jacket and some binoculars. Ride the road during the week. If you are visiting the Custer State Park area, Iron Mountain 16A is absolutely a "must see"... This road has to be one of the most scenic highways in America!
6. Black Hills Balloons
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 154 reviews
We're celebrating 35+ years of flying! Black Hills Balloons flies the southern Black Hills, Custer Valley, and world-renowned Custer State Park. The heart of our flying area is just miles from Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Wind Cave National Park. Your flight over mountains, valleys, lakes & prairies, is one of the best ways to view the Black Hills; home to elk, antelope, deer & buffalo. The beautiful Black Hills is the only place in the world where you can witness such historic, wild landscape & abundant wildlife from a hot air balloon. Flights take place daily at sunrise, weather permitting. Guests can expect an hour flight over the historic & beautiful Black Hills. Celebratory champagne, light snacks & a souvenir flight certificate is included. Established in 1984 (that's 35 years!), Black Hills Balloons has received a TripAdvisor Cert of Excellence multiple years in a row. We take pride in creating the best experience for our passengers and sharing the beauty of the Black Hills.
7. Rockin R Rides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By gregorylR998OF - Oak Lawn, United States
Called Peggy, arrainged a half day ride, WOW, Fom the time we arrived till we left GREAT service. Our guide was a young horsewoman from a ranch in Montana, what a sweetheart she was, told us all about the area, showed us wildlife and great views of Crazy Horse the ride was well worth the price. If your in the Custer Area call the Rockin R Ranch If i wasnt old and retired, and from chicago, i would get a job with Peggy and Randy
8. Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By DillonM1905 - Eldersburg, United States
The byway is an excellent way to see the sights of the Black Hills near Rushmore. Hairpin turns, multiple tunnels, views of the Presidents - this was a great drive.
9. Adventure Rentals
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 85 reviews
Adventure Rentals is a family owned business. We are located Downtown Custer, SD. We are excited to give people the opportunity to go sight seeing in the Black Hills like never before --- on a UTV!!!!!! UTV's are street and highway legal, park passes and trail permits included. We also have bicycles, scooters, kayaks and paddleboards available to rent. The fun starts here!!!!!
Reviewed By Bill_Texas931 - Murphy, United States
Awesome vehicles for rent, computers (tablets) on board for directions and of course - amazing Black Hills scenery. This is an absolute must do in Custer.
10. Wildlife Loop Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,652 reviews
An 18-mile scenic drive in Custer State Park.
Reviewed By Celticladdie - Bellingham, United States
Soaring across prairie . gulch and rolling peaks is the wildlife loop in the Custer State Park- at late afternoon or even early morning you will see deer grazing thoughtfully by the side of the road and if you are lucky you ,might see pronghorns , big horned sheep donkeys and of course bison - it was a lengthy journey but we did it twice and were rewarded with great piles of buffalo some in the road and one mama was nursing her little yearling in the center of the bi way - needless to say we all stayed in our cars - well worth the $20 for the weeks access - we used it three times in a week- well worth the driving !!Do it !!
