10 Things to Do In and Around Custer State Park

Custer is the largest state park in the United States and adjoins Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Forest and Wind Cave National Park making it part of a much larger undeveloped tract. The park is home to one of the largest Bison herds along with variety other large mammals.
     The park contains numerous other attractions that include scenic drives, stunning overlooks and historic points of interest. Within a short drive from Custer, visitors will find many other adventures and points of interest. These are just a few.

1. Needles Highway

This 38-mile scenic drive passes through the Black Hills and a section of Custer State Park. The route also includes parts of Wind Cave National Park. This drive is famous for its potential for wildlife viewing, narrow tunnels and dramatic rock formations.

2. Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave is currently believed to be the sixth longest cave in the world. It is also the world’s densest cave system with the most passages per square mile and contains rare calcite formations known as boxwork and frostwork. Wind Cave National Park was established in 1903 and the National Park Service conducts tours year-round excluding major holidays.

3. Hayride and Chuckwagon Cookout

Departing from the Blue Bell Lodge at Custer State Park, the hayride proceeds along a 45-minute scenic route before making a dinner stop in a mountain meadow. Each participant receives a cowboy hat and bandana to help set the mood. Acoustic entertainment is provided during the ride and the collective performers assemble at the cookout to continue the evening’s entertainment. The entire experience lasts about three hours and it is entirely worth checking out.

4. Wildlife Loop

An 18-mile loop through Custer State Park is the “official” wildlife loop, but there are numerous other roads inside the loop that provide access to the myriad species inside the park. Visitors are likely to encounter buffalo, prairie dogs, white tail deer and pronghorn antelope. With a little luck one might also see donkeys, mule deer and big horn sheep. Early morning and late evening, when wildlife is most active, are the best times to make the drive.

5. Jewel Cave National Monument

Jewel Cave is the fifth longest cave in the world. Only a fraction of the cave has been mapped, but it is possible that underground passages extend up to 7000 miles. Jewel Cave National Monument was created in 1908 and the National Park Service conducts tours year-round excluding major holidays.

6. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore as viewed from the visitor center,

Sculptor Gutzon Borglum began the work carving faces of four American presidents into Mount Rushmore, which subsequently became one of America’s most iconic landmarks. Mount Rushmore National Memorial was authorized in 1925. Significant infrastructure improvements have been over the past few years to vastly improve the visitor experience.

7. Badlands National Park

One of many stunning panoramas that can be accessed along the drive.

The largest remaining mixed-grass prairie, a network of eroded buttes and pinnacles and rich fossil beds are part of what visitors will see at Badlands National Park. Established as a national monument in 1939, the park was redesignated in 1978. There are dining and lodging opportunities inside the park. These include an RV-friendly campground. Most of the park can only be visited by motor vehicle.

8. Mammoth Site

During excavation for a housing complex in 1974, a heavy equipment operator unearthed the bones of several mammoths and other prehistoric animals. Upon further examination, this site proved to be one of the largest such find in North America and one of the most important paleontological discoveries in the world. Today the mammoth site is operated as an active research facility and a it is simultaneously open as a public museum.

9. Crazy Horse Monument

The face or Crazy Horse is visible from the visitor center.

This mountain carving, started by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski in 1947, is said to be the largest in the world and it is being financed without federal assistance. All funding comes from entrance fees and private donations. Currently only the face of Lakota leader Crazy Horse is complete. Despite the ongoing nature of the project, it is open to visitors.

10. Wall Drugs

Located in Wall, SD, this “drug store” has been a roadside tourist attraction since 1931 and has traditionally offered travelers free water and 5 cent coffee as an incentive to stop. The entire experience includes a maze of shops and a vast collection of random curiosities. Despite being wildly kitch, Wall Drug is worth a stop. Warning: if you are traveling with children, this will not be a quick detour. 

     These are just ten of the highlights, but there are many more things to see and do around Custer State Park. Devil’s tower is just across the border in Wyoming. The nearby Black Hills National Forest offers many opportunities for outdoor activities and Rapid City has most of the shopping and dinning options you might look for during your travels.

Travel Tips

• Custer is the only state park in South Dakota that accepts reservations a year in advance. There is a reason or that. Whether you want to stay in a campground or a lodge, make your reservation as far in advance as possible.

• Unless you are visiting the area specifically to participate in Sturgis Bike Week, be aware that it is one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world. It takes place annually in early August. Venues will be much more crowded and the prices of everything go up, so plan accordingly.