Explore the Majesty of South Dakota’s Black Hills at Custer State Park

The Black Hills of South Dakota is one of the most beautiful places in the Midwest and Custer State Park in the heart of the Black Hills is an absolute paradise that offers an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Custer State Park is a nature lover’s paradise and a gateway to historic sites that offer a glimpse into the Old West, inviting visitors to step back in time.

A Crown Jewel in the Black Hills

Custer State Park, South Dakota’s first and largest state park, covers an area of more than 71,000 acres and is named for US Lt. Gen. George A. Custer.

As one of the most scenic spots in the Black Hills, it’s been the setting for many movies, a well-traveled spot for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and a place where former US Presidents have vacationed.

While Badlands and Wind Cave national parks, Mount Rushmore, and other attractions are nearby, Custer State Park stands out as a one-of-a-kind marvel with awe-inspiring rock formations, a thriving buffalo herd, a scenic drive, and ecological diversity.

Getting to Know Custer State Park

Adventure can be found just about anywhere you look, but visitors who want to learn more about the park have several places to do so.

The Custer State Park Visitors Center is a helpful place to get information on the park, and the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center offers educational programs and exhibits that give visitors a glimpse into the park’s history, wildlife, and geology. Before setting out on wildlife adventures, visitors can stop by the Wildlife Station Visitor Center for information on the roaming buffalo herd and other animal species. 

Where the Buffalo Roam

Since Custer State Park is a wildlife reserve, one of the hallmarks of the park is its bison herd, which numbers more than 1,000. Here, where the buffalo can truly roam, visitors can also see cougars, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, mountain goats, and many other species.

Visitors who want to see the majestic bison up close can book a Buffalo Safari Jeep Ride. In the back of an open-air Jeep, visitors can enjoy a trip around the Wildlife Loop Road and an off-roading adventure into the buffalo herd while they learn about wildlife and the park itself.

Separate from the tours, travelers can drive the Wildlife Loop Road on their own to encounter a wide range of wildlife. Drivers are advised to keep a safe distance from the animals and not to exceed 25 mph.

NOTE: Visitors traveling on the loop are advised to plan for an hour or two to complete the drive and have a full experience.

A One-of-a-Kind Scenic Drive

While the Wildlife Loop Road offers visitors a chance to see the park’s abundant wildlife, the Needles Highway is a true showcase for Custer State Park’s stunning terrain. This 14-mile route is more than just a highway, it’s a gateway into South Dakota’s natural beauty.

As they navigate the highway’s twists and turns, visitors can marvel at towering granite spires, stunning mountain tunnels, pine and spruce forests, and much more. The natural beauty includes The Needles — a region of the Black Hills of eroded granite towers, spires, and pillars once considered for the site of Mount Rushmore. It remains popular with hikers and rock climbers.

Drivers are advised to drive slowly — no more than 25 mph — and plan for 45 to 60 minutes to complete the drive and be aware of the park’s different tunnel sizes. 

NOTE: The highway is closed to road traffic in the winter, so visitors are encouraged to explore the route on foot or by snowshoeing or fat tire biking.

Dinner and a Show at the Park

Travelers looking for a different kind of fun in Custer State Park or looking to get off their feet can hop on a hayride for one of the park’s most unique experiences.

The Blue Bell Chuckwagon Cookout invites visitors of all ages to step back into the days of the Wild West with a wildlife tour, live entertainment, and a hearty meal.

From the outset of the journey, this is nonstop fun. Live folk music is performed throughout the trip and singing along is definitely encouraged. The final destination is a scenic, secluded canyon where riders will enjoy more live entertainment and a hearty, Wild West meal — complete with burgers and steaks. 

Man’s Ingenuity Meets Nature’s Splendor

Apart from stunning terrain and thriving wildlife, Custer State Park offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy lakeside recreation as a home to five lakes.

Sylvan Lake, a man-made lake, is the park’s “crown jewel,” offering chances to boat, fish, hike, rock climb, and picnic.

The lake is a popular starting point for journeys to Black Elk Peak and offers a relatively easy seven-mile journey to the summit. The peak, which is the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains, offers panoramic views and a chance to catch one of the state’s most spectacular sunsets.

Though Sylvan Lake is man-made, it’s an extraordinary destination where nature’s splendor blends seamlessly with the ingenuity of man. With towering cliffs that seem to touch the sky and unique formations dotting the surrounding landscape, Sylvan Lake is, in a word, beautiful.

RELATED: Visitors can also spend time around Legion Lake, Center Lake, Stockade Lake, and Game Lodge Pond. Fishing (with a valid license) and swimming are allowed at all five lakes and Sylvan and Legion Lake offer kayak and paddle board rental. Boating is also allowed with certain restrictions on each lake.

Miles and Miles of Trails

The early pioneers and ranchers who called the area that became Custer State Park home left behind miles of trails that are today enjoyed by mountain bikers, horseback riders, and hikers alike. Some of the park’s more popular trails include:

• Badger Clark Historic Trail: Located behind the Badger Hole, the former home of Charles Badger Clark, the trail winds through a scenic tree-lined forest and along rocky hillsides.
• South Dakota Centennial Trail: Spanning 111 miles in South Dakota, visitors can enjoy 22 miles of the trail within the park.
• Black Elk Area Trails: Several different trails around Sylvan Lake lead to Black Elk Peak, but they also give visitors a chance to explore the area’s scenic granite outcroppings and the Black Elk Wilderness Area.

Where to Stay at Custer State Park

 With so much to see and do, spending more than a day at Custer State Park is an easy choice. For visitors looking for lodging, the park offers plenty of accommodations.

Lodges

Visitors looking for modern options can book a stay at one of the park’s four distinct lodges. The State Game Lodge was a favorite of President Calvin Coolidge and offers historical charm. The Sylvan Lake Lodge sits on the shore of its namesake lake and offers a more rustic feel with incredible views.

The Blue Bell Lodge provides a Western ranch experience and is a favorite among horseback riders. The Legion Lake Lodge is a favorite among hikers and watersports enthusiasts.

Cabins and Campgrounds

For visitors who prefer a more rustic experience, Custer State Park also offers cabins throughout the property and nine different standard and group campgrounds. For the ultra-adventurous types, the park does allow backcountry camping in specific areas giving certain parkgoers a true wilderness experience.

Explore the Wonders of Custer State Park 

From scenic hiking trails and adventurous excursions to incredible views and abundant wildlife, Custer State Park in South Dakota has everything travelers need for a memorable and wonderful outdoor adventure.

Whether South Dakotans want to explore more of their home state or out-of-state visitors want to discover the majesty of the Black Hills, Custer State Park is a jewel in the Mount Rushmore State with something fun for everyone to experience.