Visit Custer SD: 7 Amazing Things to Do [State Park, Hikes, Caves, Food]
Are you coming to western South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore and wondering what else there is to do in the area? Well let me steer you towards one of our favorite small towns in the US: Custer, SD.
There are so many great things to do in Custer, SD besides visiting Mount Rushmore.
Whether its hiking in Custer State Park, taking a cave tour at Wind Cave National Park, or learning about Lakota culture at Crazy Horse Memorial; Custer has an activity for everyone.
Until the 1870s, Custer was inhabited by the Oglala Lakota Native Americans, which is the tribe of Crazy Horse and Black Elk.
The Lakota viewed the Black Hills as the heart of the world, and there are references to many sites near Custer that you can learn about Lakota culture as you experience the land they preserved for hundreds of years.
I’m personally fascinated by Lakota culture and how they view their relationship with nature.
If you are planning a trip to the Black Hills, I recommend that you read The Journey of Crazy Horse and Black Elk Speaks to enhance your appreciation for this magical place.
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Best Time to Visit Custer, SD
Things to do - Custer, SD
Map of Custer, South Dakota
Best Restaurants in Custer SD
Hotels in Custer, SD
Custer State Park Camping
RV Parks in Custer, SD
Best Time to Visit Custer, SD
If you’re visiting Custer, SD for the outdoor summer activities then I’d suggest visiting between June to September.
The fringe months (May and October) are also beautiful, but be ready for cold weather and potentially some snow.
If you aren’t a big fan of crowds, I suggest avoiding the 4th of July (Mount Rushmore fireworks) and the first half of August (Sturgis Motorcycle Rally).
Best Things to do - Custer SD
1) Custer State Park
Sylvan Lake is one of the gems of Custer that you don’t want to miss. Whether you want to take out the kayak, walk the 1 mile trail around the lake or have a picnic in a private cove, Sylvan Lake has you covered.
Granite spires jut out of ground around the lake, and a few provide islands to swim or paddle to. If you explore off the beaten path, you can find some private coves on the lake surrounded by spires.
We went to Sylvan Lake 3 times during our week in Custer.
We loved paddle boarding around the granite spires and soaking in the beauty.
If you don’t have your own paddleboard or kayak, you can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes in the park for $24/hour.
Custer State Park has a $20 entry fee that allows for re-entry for one week. If you are visiting in peak summer months, make sure you get to the park early. While there are a few lots, parking in Custer State Park fills up quickly.
Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is flat and follows the shoreline of Sylvan Lake. It is a great nature walk for all ages.
This easy trail allows you to soak in the beauty of the granite rock formations jutting out around and in the lake.
If you are feeling adventurous, explore the fissures in the granite and you can find small trails leading down to private coves on the lake.
These coves are great spots to bring your pup as the main swimming beaches are off limits to dogs.
2) Mount Rushmore
When in Rome. We don’t usually like to do the super crowded, very touristy things; but Mount Rushmore is a national treasure.
Mount Rushmore attracts over 2 million people every year from around the world.
While there is no entry fee, you will have to pay $10 for parking. It is best to arrive early to beat the crowds or in the evening if you want the best lighting for pictures.
3) Crazy Horse Memorial
If you think Mount Rushmore is huge, you need to visit the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Unfortunately, the Crazy Horse Memorial is not yet finished; but it is still a spectacle. The end result will stand at 563 feet tall (10X the size of Mount Rushmore) and will depict the legendary Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing out at his ancestral land.
The project was started in 1948, and construction is still ongoing.
The Crazy Horse Memorial is located 8 miles north of Custer.
There is a $15 entry fee per person, with it capped at $35 for a car with 3+ people.
Entry includes shuttle to the monument site, access to 3 museums, and admittance to daily cultural performances and artist exhibits.
The giant stone carving is cool, but our favorite part of the Crazy Horse Memorial was the Indian Museum of North America. The museum displays countless historical artifacts and artwork from tribes across North America.
The Crazy Horse Memorial also has special performances throughout the year, so make sure to check the schedule for anything during your visit.
Every June 26th and September 6th the memorial has a Night Blast.
These giant pyrotechnical displays honor the anniversaries of The Battle of Little Bighorn and the death of Crazy Horse.
4) Hike Cathedral Spires Trail
Hiking distance: moderate 1.6 mile round trip (out and back)
Elevation Change: 488 feet
Dogs allowed: yes
Cathedral Spires Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Black Hills, and it does not disappoint.
While the trail itself isn’t anything spectacular, the views of the spires are amazing. Make sure you wear hiking shoes with good grip as the trail does require you to climb some small boulders.
The trail is only 1.6 miles out and back if you park at the Cathedral Spires Trailhead. Parking is limited, so get there early.
If the lot is full or you want to add a couple miles to your hike, you can park by Sylvan Lake and hike on trail #4. Trail #4 splits off to the right for Cathedral Spires about a 1/4 mile past the split for Little Devil’s Tower.
The views of the spires are a great reward after a short, steep hike. I recommend to do this hike in the afternoon because the shadows on the spires are perfect.
5) Hike Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak)
Hiking distance: moderate 7 miles round trip (out and back)
Elevation Change: 1,500 feet
Dogs allowed: yes
If you are looking for a challenging hike with incredible views, check out the hike to Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak).
While the trail’s destination is located within the Black Elk Wilderness, the most popular trailheads are in Custer State Park.
The hike is a gorgeous mix of trees and rock formations. Rose quartz and pyrite are plentiful in the area. Some parts of the hike had so much pyrite that the trail glimmered in the sunshine.
Trail #4 and trail #9 both start from the Sylvan Lake parking area and lead you to Black Elk Peak. Trail #9 is near the lake next to the bathrooms, and trail #4 is near the picnic area. Trail #9 is slightly shorter and steeper, so most people choose to take that one up and take trail #4 down.
If you really want to sweat, you can combine Black Elk Peak, Little Devil's Tower, and Cathedral Spires into one awesome hike totaling just over 9 miles.
The trail to Little Devil’s Tower splits off trail #4 one mile from the trailhead (look for the post on the left with “LDT” carved into it).
About a quarter mile after the split for Little Devil’s Tower, the main trail #4 splits to the right to go to Cathedral Spires.
Combining the three trails results in a 4-5 hour hike, so make sure you hit the trail early to avoid the hot afternoon sun.
6) Cave Tour at Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park was a pleasant surprise. While I am not much of a cave person (caves aren’t usually great for 6’5” people), Wind Cave was very unique and definitely worth the visit!
In order to see inside the cave, you need to take a guided tour with a ranger. There are 3 cave tours in the park:
Natural Entrance Tour - This 2/3 mile tour is the most popular because you get to see more of the cave and its unique features than the other 2 tours. You enter the cave by going down 300 steps, and you exit via the elevator. Tickets are $12/person, and the tour lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Garden of Eden Tour - This 1/3 mile tour is a compact way to see the famous boxwork and cave popcorn. You enter and exit via the elevator, which makes this tour great for people who don’t like a bunch of stairs (although there still are some stairs). Tickets are $10/person, and the tour lasts 1 hour.
Fairgrounds Tour - This 2/3 mile tour is the most strenuous of the 3 cave tours at Wind Cave National Park. You get to explore the upper and middle levels of the cave with abundant boxwork along the route.
While you enter and exit through the elevator, you will still have to traverse 450 stairs including 89 in a row at one point. Tickets are $12/person, and the tour lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Due to the increased popularity of national park vacations over the past few years, tickets for cave tours are in high demand.
Tickets can only be purchased on the day of the tour, and people get up early to wait in line.
The visitor center starts selling tickets at 8:00 am every morning. People start getting in line before 6:00 am.
If you want a ticket for a morning tour, we suggest getting there before 7am.
Otherwise, you will be stuck waiting around for a few hours. All tours are sold our by 9:00 am on most days, so make sure you plan your trip to Wind Cave National Park accordingly.
7) Hike Little Devil’s Tower Trail
Hiking distance: moderate 2.5 miles round trip (out and back)
Elevation Change: 751 feet
Dogs allowed: yes
Little Devil’s Tower is another destination that branches off trail #4.
This short and semi-technical trail delivers some of the best views of the park including views of Cathedral Spires and Black Elk Peak. The trail winds through granite boulders, as you climb to the top.
While you hike, keep an eye out for blue arrows on trees or painted on rocks. If you don’t see a blue arrow for a couple minutes, it is likely that you missed a turn.
There is a small trailhead parking lot a mile up the road from Sylvan Lake. If this lot is full or you want to add a mile to your hike, you can park in the large Sylvan Lake parking area.
Regardless of the trailhead you choose, you will start your hike on trail #4. Almost half a mile into your hike (1 mile if you start from Sylvan Lake), the trail will split.
The trail on the left has a wood post with “LDT” carved into it. This is the start of the spur trail to Little Devil’s Tower.
Map: Things to do Custer, SD
Best Restaurants in Custer, SD
Breakfast at Baker’s Bakery & Cafe
I consider myself a breakfast burrito connoisseur, and Baker’s Bakery & Cafe has one of the best breakfast burritos I have ever had. The combination of sausage and crispy hash browns smothered in green chile is fantastic. If you have a sweet tooth, try the cinnamon roll. Wow!
Burgers at Black Hills Burger and Bun Co
If you need a filling meal after a long day on your feet, Black Hills Burger and Bun Co is the place for you. They have large burgers with all the toppings you could ever want. You can also switch the beef out for a buffalo patty.
Pro tip: get the deep fried cheese curds as an appetizer. Crispy light breading on the outside, and melty cheesy goodness on the inside.
Pie at the Purple Pie Place
The Purple Pie Place is tough to miss. It is the large purple building in the middle of town. They have over 10 types of homemade pies freshly baked each day. You can get a warm slice with ice cream to eat there or a whole pie to take home to share with the family.
Hotels in Custer, SD
For hotels, I recommend staying close to Custer’s downtown so you are closest to the restaurants and central between the state park, Black Hills, Mt Rushmore, and Wind Caves National Park.
Bavarian Inn Black Hills: is a very charming hotel with great reviews. They have an indoor and outdoor pool, WiFi, room service and are pet-friendly.
Holiday Inn: just a block away from the main shops of downtown is this nicely upgraded Holiday Inn full of amenities including: free breakfast, WiFi, and an indoor pool.
Custer State Park Camping
Sylvan Lake Campground in Custer State Park: just 1/4 mile away from Sylvan Lake and beautiful hiking trails. If you are tent camping or have a small RV (under 25 feet), Sylvan Lake is a great option.
Keep in mind that the campground does not have cell service and town is about 15 minutes up the road.
While you sacrifice some conveniences by staying at Sylvan Lake Campground, you gain access to all of Custer State Parks amazing outdoor recreation opportunities.
Primitive sites are $15/night, and you can get an electric site for $30/night. Make sure you make reservations in advance because the 39 sites fill up quickly during the summer.
RV Parks in Custer, SD
Custer’s Last Chance RV Park is the newest RV park in town. As of July 2022, they were still working on adding hookups, but they have dry camping sites available for RVs or tent camping from $23-$35/night.
Downtown Custer is less than a mile down the road with restaurants, shopping, and groceries. There is also a really nice dog park a quarter mile within away.
The owners are some of the nicest people we have met in our travels. They made a big batch of homemade salsa and gave us a jar full. The next morning, they dropped off some farm-fresh eggs from town for us to make for breakfast.
Even though the park is still a work in progress, they made us feel like we were family. If you want to have easy access to Custer State Park and downtown Custer, Custer’s Last Chance RV Park is the place for you.Fort Welikit Family Campground is a great option for RVers looking for full hookups. Fort Welikit gives you the seclusion of a state park campground with the amenities of an RV park.
They have a camp store, laundry room, and a small dog run. Their site options range from $25/night for a tent site to $55/night for a full hookup RV site. The state park is just 5 miles up the road, and downtown Custer is a short drive away.
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