Custer, South Dakota

Located in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer is a charming town surrounded by stunning natural beauty and rich history. As the gateway to Custer State Park, it offers unparalleled access to outdoor adventures, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing amidst rugged landscapes.

Explore the town’s historic Main Street lined with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants, or discover the area’s fascinating past at the 1881 Courthouse Museum. With its welcoming atmosphere and proximity to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer is the perfect destination for those seeking both outdoor exploration and cultural experiences in the Black Hills.

Top Attractions in Custer 

  • Custer State Park: Explore this expansive park known for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic drives along the Wildlife Loop Road.
  • Crazy Horse Memorial: Visit the iconic Crazy Horse Memorial, an ongoing mountain carving project honoring the legendary Lakota leader Crazy Horse, and learn about Native American history and culture at the onsite museum.
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Discover the world-famous Mount Rushmore, featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents carved into the granite rock face, and explore the visitor center, museum, and hiking trails.
  • 1881 Courthouse Museum: Learn about the history of Custer and the Black Hills region at the 1881 Courthouse Museum, housed in a historic courthouse building and featuring exhibits on pioneer life, mining, and Native American heritage.
  • Jewel Cave National Monument: Explore one of the world’s longest caves at Jewel Cave National Monument, where guided tours lead visitors through intricate passageways and stunning cave formations.
  • Wind Cave National Park: Discover the unique geology and diverse wildlife of Wind Cave National Park, home to one of the world’s longest and most complex caves, as well as hiking trails and scenic drives.
  • Needles Highway: Take a scenic drive along Needles Highway, known for its narrow tunnels, towering granite spires (the “needles”), and breathtaking views of the surrounding Black Hills landscape.
  • Iron Mountain Road: Experience the beauty of Iron Mountain Road, a scenic byway featuring hairpin curves, pigtail bridges, and tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore in the distance.
  • Sylvan Lake: Relax and enjoy outdoor recreation at Sylvan Lake, a picturesque mountain lake surrounded by hiking trails, rock formations, and picnic areas, perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing.
  • Wildlife Loop Road: Take a drive along the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park to observe native wildlife, including bison, elk, deer, prairie dogs, and a variety of bird species, in their natural habitat.