Sightseeing/Places to go/Things to do
Take the scenic route back to the camper by coming out by Sylvan Lake/Needles hwy
https://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm
288 locals recommend
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
13000 South Dakota 244Take the scenic route back to the camper by coming out by Sylvan Lake/Needles hwy
https://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm
Stockade Lake South Campground
12677 Stockade Lake DrFishing/swimming/beach/playset/hiking
Grill and beer/variety of drinks. Kayak/paddle board rentals. Beach/playset/covered picnic/hiking path. Great for kids!
Legion Lake Lodge
12967 US HWY 16AGrill and beer/variety of drinks. Kayak/paddle board rentals. Beach/playset/covered picnic/hiking path. Great for kids!
Center Lake
Fun lake, beach access
https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/places/center-lake
Cute little fishing spot, nice trail around the lake. No custer state park license required, $4 day pass
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/blackhills/recarea/?recid=25973
Bismark Lake Campground
Cute little fishing spot, nice trail around the lake. No custer state park license required, $4 day pass
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/blackhills/recarea/?recid=25973
Kids love it. My favorites are the tortoises. Love them! Educational and fun
https://www.reptilegardens.com/
110 locals recommend
Reptile Gardens
8955 US-16Kids love it. My favorites are the tortoises. Love them! Educational and fun
https://www.reptilegardens.com/
Blue Bell Campground
12882 N Lame Johnny RdGreat fly fishing...lots of places to get your feet wet or go for a little dip
Souvenirs, boat rentals, swimming, rock jumping into water, beach access, fun trail and trailhead access.
https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/sylvan-lake-lodge/
10 locals recommend
Sylvan Lake Lodge
24572 SD-87Souvenirs, boat rentals, swimming, rock jumping into water, beach access, fun trail and trailhead access.
https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/sylvan-lake-lodge/
Cascade Falls Park
really cool swimming hole
watch for poison ivy
Horse Thief Lake
great hike, fun swimming, fishing. watch for poison ivy
https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/story/wildlife-loop-state-scenic-byway?utm_actcampaign=62980&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvKCX-Lex6gIVwsDACh1TAwPOEAAYASAAEgI9P_D_BwE
17 locals recommend
Wildlife Loop Road
https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/story/wildlife-loop-state-scenic-byway?utm_actcampaign=62980&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvKCX-Lex6gIVwsDACh1TAwPOEAAYASAAEgI9P_D_BwE
2021 - The cave is open, but with limited access this summer as they are renovating and improving the experience.
https://www.nps.gov/jeca/index.htm
Jewel Cave National Monument Visitor Center
2021 - The cave is open, but with limited access this summer as they are renovating and improving the experience.
https://www.nps.gov/jeca/index.htm
Iron Mountain Road
24631 Iron Mountain Roadhttps://www.ironmountainroad.com/
https://www.visitrapidcity.com/things-to-do/scenic-cruising/needles-highway
25 locals recommend
Needles Highway Scenic Overlook
South Dakota 87https://www.visitrapidcity.com/things-to-do/scenic-cruising/needles-highway
Enjoy a ride on a locomotive! A fun experience!
https://www.1880train.com/
44 locals recommend
1880 Train - Hill City Depot
222 Railroad AveEnjoy a ride on a locomotive! A fun experience!
https://www.1880train.com/
https://www.facebook.com/livingoutreachchurch/
Love my church family! Come experience the love of Jesus through His people
Living Outreach Church
25189 U.S. 385https://www.facebook.com/livingoutreachchurch/
Love my church family! Come experience the love of Jesus through His people
I think this is about $9/person. A fun little course. I've always wondered if they will give you a discount if it's raining.
Grizzly Gulch Adventure Golf
231 Mt Rushmore RdI think this is about $9/person. A fun little course. I've always wondered if they will give you a discount if it's raining.
Food scene
Best food ever. Reservations strongly recommended.
https://www.skogenkitchen.com/
Reopening August 18, 2020
50 locals recommend
Skogen Kitchen
29 N 5th StBest food ever. Reservations strongly recommended.
https://www.skogenkitchen.com/
Reopening August 18, 2020
Food/Drink
https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/legion-lake-lodge/
Legion Lake is located on the southern portion of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway near Mt. Coolidge and Badger Hole.
Legion Lake Lodge
12967 US HWY 16AFood/Drink
https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/legion-lake-lodge/
Legion Lake is located on the southern portion of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway near Mt. Coolidge and Badger Hole.
Great food, full bar, try some rattlesnake sausage!
https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/blue-bell-lodge/dining/
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Blue Bell Lodge at 605-255-4531.
https://d35uaygzzhdfjw.cloudfront.net/assets/uploads/general/BBL_Limited_Menu_2020.pdf
Blue Bell is located north of French Creek along the Wildlife Loop and right next to the Horse Camp.
6 locals recommend
Blue Bell Lodge
25453 SD-87Great food, full bar, try some rattlesnake sausage!
https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/blue-bell-lodge/dining/
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Blue Bell Lodge at 605-255-4531.
https://d35uaygzzhdfjw.cloudfront.net/assets/uploads/general/BBL_Limited_Menu_2020.pdf
Blue Bell is located north of French Creek along the Wildlife Loop and right next to the Horse Camp.
Good pizza, think it delivers to the campground as well
https://www.pizzamillcuster.com/
605-673-3306
6 locals recommend
Pizza Mill
904 Mount Rushmore RoadGood pizza, think it delivers to the campground as well
https://www.pizzamillcuster.com/
605-673-3306
Pizza Works
429 Mt Rushmore RdOutdoor seating, good pizza
https://pizzaworkscustersd.square.site/
605-673-2020
Pizza Hut
549 Mount Rushmore Roaddelivery and drive up. download the app for easy ordering and special deals
605-673-3330
great fish and chips. other food is good, too. good beer!
http://www.custerwolf.com/
(605) 673-9653
17 locals recommend
The Custer Wolf - Food & Drink
506 Mt Rushmore Rdgreat fish and chips. other food is good, too. good beer!
http://www.custerwolf.com/
(605) 673-9653
yummy burgers...beef, chicken, veggie and bison. closed on sundays
(605) 673-3411
https://www.blackhillsburgerandbun.com/
76 locals recommend
Black Hills Burger and Bun Co
441 Mt Rushmore Rdyummy burgers...beef, chicken, veggie and bison. closed on sundays
(605) 673-3411
https://www.blackhillsburgerandbun.com/
decent mexican :)
(605) 440-2269
721 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730
https://www.facebook.com/Mariasmexicancustersd/
6 locals recommend
Maria's
721 Mount Rushmore Roaddecent mexican :)
(605) 440-2269
721 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730
https://www.facebook.com/Mariasmexicancustersd/
Laid back, patio type seating inside, live music/karaoke venue, stick with drinks and a menu item that you couldn't screw up if you tried (like a brat). Billiards, fun hang out spot. Summer activities
(605) 673-3800
351 Washington St, Custer, SD 57730
https://custerbeacon.com/
14 locals recommend
The Custer Beacon
351 Washington StLaid back, patio type seating inside, live music/karaoke venue, stick with drinks and a menu item that you couldn't screw up if you tried (like a brat). Billiards, fun hang out spot. Summer activities
(605) 673-3800
351 Washington St, Custer, SD 57730
https://custerbeacon.com/
yummy!!
429½, Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730
(605) 515-2132
https://dakotabbq.wixsite.com/dakotabbq
Dakota BBQ LLC
yummy!!
429½, Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730
(605) 515-2132
https://dakotabbq.wixsite.com/dakotabbq
good food, cool building
https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/state-game-lodge/
Custer State Park Resort
13389 US Hwy 16Agood food, cool building
https://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/state-game-lodge/
donuts are my favorite here.
https://www.bakersbakery.biz/
order online
https://bakersbakery.kulacart.net/
541 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-2253
owner is a little gritchy, but the rest of the staff has been amazing.
12 locals recommend
Baker's Bakery & Cafe
541 Mt Rushmore Rddonuts are my favorite here.
https://www.bakersbakery.biz/
order online
https://bakersbakery.kulacart.net/
541 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-2253
owner is a little gritchy, but the rest of the staff has been amazing.
Dakota Broasted, LLC
86 Centennial DriveSasquatch Sandwich Co.
437 Mount Rushmore RoadJust opened...tell me what you think!
Rentals and experiences
Adventure Rentals
444 US-16UTV/ATVs are street legal!
Rushmore Helicopters Inc
313 Speck Center RdEnjoy a chopper tour!
Rushmore Tramway Adventures
203 Iron Mountain RdZipline, alpine slide
Rush Mountain Adventure Park
13622 SD-40Rides and Caves!
Rent bikes, kayaks, paddleboards and shop for clothing. They sell beer/wine for your pleasure and will even help design your activities while you're in town!
South Dakota Outdoor Shop
632 Mt Rushmore RdRent bikes, kayaks, paddleboards and shop for clothing. They sell beer/wine for your pleasure and will even help design your activities while you're in town!
Get a view of the buffalo and other wildlife in our area from an experienced tour guide in a Jeep. This got great reviews from a family who recently did it.
Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour
13389 US Hwy 16aGet a view of the buffalo and other wildlife in our area from an experienced tour guide in a Jeep. This got great reviews from a family who recently did it.
On the corner kitty corner to Lynn's dakotamart, next to the truck full of antlers. Get up early and see the hills in an unforgettable hot air balloon ride.
Black Hills Balloons Passenger Meeting Location
747 Mt Rushmore RdOn the corner kitty corner to Lynn's dakotamart, next to the truck full of antlers. Get up early and see the hills in an unforgettable hot air balloon ride.
Rockin R Rides Inc.
1 Mount Rushmore RoadTrail riding
605-673-2999
Located just north of Custer, south of Crazy Horse
Blue Bell Stables
13389 Lame Johhny RdTrail riding
605-255-4700
Services
Local Laundromat
242 Mt Rushmore Road
Custer, SD
605-673-2932
Hours 8am to 8pm daily, minus holidays
Lost Sock
242 Mt Rushmore RdLocal Laundromat
242 Mt Rushmore Road
Custer, SD
605-673-2932
Hours 8am to 8pm daily, minus holidays
Grocery store - everything you'll need right in town.
Has some good fried chicken for a last minute meal.
9 locals recommend
Lynns Dakotamart
800 Mt Rushmore RdGrocery store - everything you'll need right in town.
Has some good fried chicken for a last minute meal.
Traveler advice
Getting around
All Trails App
If you are into hiking, the alltrails app offers info on most any trail in our area (and everywhere)