A go to to Custer State Park is ticking off one of many finest locations within the USA. It isn’t solely crammed with stunning views, however it is usually a complete wildlife vacation spot. You’ll spot all the pieces from prairie canines and bighorn sheep to cute white-tailed deer, and mule deer. However the star attraction is certainly its herds of bison. Located within the Black Hills of South Dakota, the 71,000 acres state park can be unbelievable for mountain climbing trails and scenic drives. In the event you love out of doors actions and spectacular views will love these finest issues to do in Custer State Park. I do know we did.
High Issues to Do in Custer State Park
This information has amazingly memorable issues to do in Custer State Park. Whether or not you choose to go to Stockade Lake or Heart Lake, Cathedral Spires Path, or Wildlife Loop Street, we’ve acquired top-tier actions lined up. Are you prepared to begin planning? Let’s go.
E-book this personal tour to see the highest South Dakota sights in at some point. Let your private information choose you up at your resort to see three South Dakota landmarks together with Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore and Loopy Horse. E-book it right here.
1. Sylvan Lake Shore Path
Sylvan Lake Shore Path is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Custer State Park. The mountain climbing path laps Sylvan Lake, the prettiest of Custer State Park’s lakes. With large grey rock formations and woodland that spills proper as much as the shoreline in elements, Sylvan Lake is well recognizable.
Sylvan Lake is so stunning that it caught the attention of film producers and was used as a set within the Nicolas Cage film ‘Nationwide Treasure 2: E-book of Secrets and techniques’. (Watch it on Amazon) You’ll be able to take these views in for your self with a fast hike on the Sylvan Lake Shore Path.
The Sylvan Lake Shore Path takes 40-60 minutes to finish and is a complete breeze to hike. The route is flat and straightforward to navigate – appropriate for households with babies or vacationers wanting a fast mountain climbing path. There are various pure stopping factors across the path as effectively. Sylvan Lake has a spot the place you possibly can sunbathe with a seaside towel. And the shallow shoreline is ideal for paddling to chill off from the hike. At Sylvan Lake, guests additionally boat and fish. In order for you a luxurious deal with after your stroll, Sylvan Lake Lodge is obtainable for superb eating.
South Dakota is dwelling to a number of the most stunning landscapes within the USA, ebook this sizzling air balloon flight to see the Black Hills from above. Take pleasure in a champagne toast and expertise South Dakota from the sky. Particulars right here.
2. Heart Lake
Heart Lake is the place to go to to keep away from crowds, not be part of them. Whereas Sylvan Lake is its flashy neighbor, this lake is the lady subsequent door. The lake has its personal campground – Heart Lake Campground – the place you possibly can camp or take pleasure in leisure services. And the lake is ready scenically amidst Ponderosa pines. Visiting Heart Lake is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Custer State Park: sit down and luxuriate in lake views in peace and quiet.
Since this lake is a bit smaller than most different lakes in Custer State Park, its water warms up a lot sooner. This implies which you can head for a mid-morning swim fairly simply. It’s preferrred for these wanting a fast dip to begin their day, because the water is heat and the crowds are nearly non-existent.
In contrast to Sylvan Lake, Heart Lake is healthier for its environment than any of its actions. You’ll be able to nonetheless stroll across the lake and benefit from the water, however its fundamental draw is its peaceable environment. Convey a picnic and a ebook and curl up by the shoreline.
3. Iron Mountain Street
Iron Mountain Street is without doubt one of the finest scenic drives within the state park. The highway has 314 dramatic switchback turns and passes by means of 3 tunnels. Iron Mountain Street is fascinating to drive, and this little highway journey is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Custer State Park. You’ll need to hop out each couple of minutes to snap footage. It’s the kind of highway you possibly can think about drone footage of – with curved switchbacks that seem like one thing straight out of a journey journal.
Iron Mountain Street takes round 60 minutes to drive. Nonetheless, we propose permitting a few hours so you possibly can cease as many instances as you need. Iron Mountain Street is without doubt one of the most well-known within the USA, not to mention the Black Hills. Benefit from the photogenic sections and hop out to snap pictures. Be sure that to cease at Mount Rushmore Nationwide Memorial as effectively, which is positioned alongside this highway.
Logistically you’ll possible use Iron Mountain Street to entry a few of your deliberate sights. However double-check, and make time to drive this thrilling stretch of highway if not. It’s price noting that this highway is extra arduous with lengthy automobiles like RVs due to all of the tight turns. In the event you resolve to enterprise alongside this highway with such a car, permit double the time as a precaution so you possibly can take it good and regular.
Choose up this guided audio driving tour as you self drive by means of the Black Hills and Mt Rushmore. Discover at your personal tempo with an easy-to-use, downloadable app. If it’s essential to lease a automobile, take a look at RentalCars.com to match automobile rental costs.
4. Cathedral Spires Path
Cathedral Spires Path is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Custer State Park if you would like a difficult hike. The path is 1.5 miles a technique and takes round an hour to finish. Regardless of its quick size, it is without doubt one of the most strenuous mountain climbing trails and may solely be tried by hikers with correct apparel. Cathedral Spires Path is certainly a late spring and summer season hike as effectively since snowfall renders the path too slippery.
The hike begins by approaching the gorgeous Cathedral Spire rock formations, simply into the sky en masse in pointed pinnacles. As you get nearer, the terrain then switches. You make your manner up the rocks through quick scrambles. There are sections of unmarked trails the place you climb up the rock faces.
Cathedral Spires Path’s fundamental draw is the scrambles’ pleasure and delightful views. Custer State Park is understood for its traditional views – just like the rock formations round Sylvan Lake. Cathedral Spires is one other one of many park’s finest views. The rocky pinnacles are a photogenic phenomenon and are excellent for sightseeing.
E-book today journey to the Black Hills that features and whole day of sightseeing. Take within the views of its rock formations, canyons and lakes as you study concerning the areas wealthy historical past together with Custer’s expedition to the realm in 1874. See extra particulars right here.
5. Wildlife Loop Street
It’s unattainable to not love Wildlife Loop Street. It’s the better of Custer State Park’s scenic drives for wildlife sightings and takes between an hour and two hours to drive. The highway loops by means of grasslands and passes herds and herds of bison, mule deer, and elk. Pack a pair of binoculars, too, as a result of you possibly can usually catch sightings of lurking prairie canines, coyotes, and overhead eagles and hawks. Wildlife Loop Street in Custer State Park’s very personal safari expertise. E-book this jeep safari prematurely.
The highway is just 18 miles lengthy. Nonetheless, there’s a velocity restrict of 25 miles per hour due to the variety of animals that stray alongside and on the highway. Belief us, it’s in your finest pursuits to abide by this, as a rogue bison can injury your car. We propose bringing snacks and refreshments and maintaining it regular to get essentially the most out of Wildlife Loop Street.
As a aspect word, you possibly can ebook a guided safari expertise in case you don’t fancy the drive. You head out in 4WD jeeps and are assured to rise up and near a number of the most spectacular animals in Custer State Park. These jeep excursions are just like the African safari experiences and a enjoyable option to enterprise out round Custer State Park. With open sides, you have got unobstructed views of the encircling wildlife, and you’ve got the enjoyment of sitting again and having fun with the drive as a passenger. Extra particulars right here.
6. Little Devils Tower Path
Little Devils Tower is without doubt one of the finest hikes within the park. For skilled hikers, don’t hesitate so as to add it to your Custer State Park record of issues to do. The three.8 miles out and again path is reasonably difficult and takes round 3 hours to finish. The elevation acquire is the trickiest half, as you acquire roughly 700 toes, primarily within the hike’s closing quarter. You scramble up rocks, searching for the blue-painted triangles that sign the proper path. And on the prime, you get 360-degree views over the Black Hills and surrounding surroundings.
The highest of Little Devils Tower pokes out as a grey mound from the highest of the Ponderosa pine bushes. It’s the final vantage level and stands at 2,121 meters in top. Nonetheless, it is usually a beautiful pure landmark near Black Elk Peak and Cathedral Spires. In the event that they really feel formidable, many individuals sort out two of the three vital landmarks collectively and even all three without delay. While you attain the summit, you’ll get views of the opposite two, so hold a watch out.
Little Satan is without doubt one of the finest mountain climbing trails to keep away from crowds. It’s a lot much less busy than Cathedral Spires Path, so that you received’t be mountain climbing in a monotonous line of different hikers. Nonetheless, we propose strolling Little Satan within the early morning to beat the noon temperatures. In the event you plan to sort out Little Satan with Cathedral Spires or Black Elk Peak, set off as early as attainable to provide your self enough time.
7. Legion Lake
Legion Lake is a sleepy retreat that coined its title from a former American Legion put up. The resort lake is filled with cabins and infrequently fairly tacky actions. You don’t should be a visitor to take pleasure in Legion Lake, although, and you may simply pop in to benefit from the pleasant vibe and water actions. Legion Lake Common Retailer additionally sells fishing licenses and park passes – one thing to contemplate if you’re close by and must tick off buying these important paperwork.
Legion Lake has the Custer State Park’s trademark gray rock formations stretching proper into the lake’s waters. Surrounded by pines, it’s a shaded and peaceable spot blessed with plenty of pure magnificence. It is a superb place to go to and calm down, relatively than heading to Sylvan Lake and frog-marching round on the Sylvan Lake Shore Path. You’ll be able to lease a kayak or paddleboard to take pleasure in Legion Lake from the water. Alternatively, camp on certainly one of its sandy shores with a seaside towel or take a look at Legion Lake Lodge.
8. Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway is the last word highway journey and one of many prime issues to do in Custer State Park. The 70-mile route encompasses a piece of Custer State Park’s different scenic drives, together with Iron Mountain and Needles Freeway. If you wish to mix these drives into one expertise, we advocate noting down Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway.
The byway passes customer facilities, the Needles, Mount Rushmore, and lots of wildlife – together with mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Curling your manner by means of gray rock formations that spike into the highway and power weird turns and quirky tunnels, driving the byway is a memorable exercise in Custer State Park. It may be pushed in 3-4 hours, however truthfully, permit your self the entire day to take pleasure in it. The very last thing you need is to really feel rushed.
Keep alert whereas driving this scenic byway. A slowing motorist may act out of the blue due to animals or an sudden flip forward. The wacky sequence of curves and tunnels additionally demand a excessive focus stage. Think about switching between drivers in case you suppose you’ll be drained.
9. Needles Freeway
Needles Freeway is one other unbelievable one of many scenic drives in Custer State Park. It’s most well-known for the Needles Eye Tunnel – a tiny gap in a granite spire that means that you can narrowly squeeze by means of in a car. It’s a seemingly unattainable feat till you emerge from the opposite aspect. You could find hilarious movies of individuals making an attempt to suit varied automobiles by means of the tunnel on-line.
Other than the Needles Eye Tunnel, although, the Needles Freeway is without doubt one of the most stunning routes in Custer State Park. It takes round 60 minutes to finish and has many sights alongside the way in which. Iron Creek Tunnel is one other famously slender tunnel alongside Needles Freeway, measuring 8’9″ huge.
If you wish to admire rock formations and dramatic geographical landscapes, drive Needles Freeway. When visiting Custer State Park, driving the Needles Freeway is a ceremony of passage. It’s family-friendly as effectively; simply watch for the shrieks of pleasure out of your children as you attempt to squeeze by means of a number of the tunnels. When visiting with children, verify the customer middle for info on the Pups Program, which helps kids aged 4-6 study extra concerning the state park.
10. Black Elk Peak
Visiting Black Elk Peak is without doubt one of the finest issues to do close to Custer State Park. Black Elk Peak is the best pure level in Dakota – e.g., very tall. When visiting Custer State Park, you possibly can scale Black Elk Peak as a day journey exercise. There are quite a few routes as much as the highest, all of which give gorgeous views and might mix different sights alongside the way in which, like Cathedral Spires.
We advocate Black Elk Peak Path from Lake Sylvan, alongside which you’ll select between trails 4 or 9. For the best hike, choose the much less steep Path 4 on the way in which up and Path 9 on the way in which down and deal with Black Elk Peak as a loop hike.
The 7-mile Black Elk Peak Path begins on the shores of Lake Sylvan. It takes round 5-6 hours in whole for the common hiker. Nonetheless, it’s clever to permit your self an additional couple of hours simply in case it takes longer than anticipated. You’ve stunning viewpoints staggered all through the path each mile or so, which ought to hold you motivated. Convey snacks and loads of refreshments to take pleasure in on these pure breaks. The ultimate viewpoint at Black Elk Peak summit is gorgeous. You get 360-degree views and expansive views of the Black Hills and even the encircling states on the horizon.
11. Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is without doubt one of the most unmissable issues to do in Custer State Park. The massive cliff-face is an iconic vacation spot and landmark – recognized worldwide and featured in numerous motion pictures. Mount Rushmore dons the 4 faces of outstanding presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The faces of those presidents are lower into the rock in 60-foot-tall carvings. Mount Rushmore has change into a spot of utmost patriotism and a marker of the USA’s political historical past.
E-book this tour that features Mount Rushmore and Black Hills from Fast Metropolis that features Two Meals and a music selection present. Now that’s enjoyable!
Visiting Mount Rushmore is a should when within the Black Hills area. Over 2 million guests come every year, primarily between June to August, and 9 am and three pm if you wish to give the crowds a miss. It’s a kind of well-known landmarks which might be truly definitely worth the hype. So add it to your itinerary outdoors of peak hours and circle it as a must-visit attraction.
In the event you go to Mount Rushmore, add a detour to the Loopy Horse Memorial. Solely 16 miles away, it’s a large memorial devoted to Lakota Sioux warrior Loopy Horse. It’s price noting that by driving to Mount Rushmore, you’ll even be finishing the Iron Mountain scenic drive. Speak about killing two birds with one stone.
Contemplating that Loopy Horse Memorial, Iron Mountain Drive, and Mount Rushmore go so effectively collectively, we propose permitting a complete day to finish all three collectively. This premiere personal tour contains sightseeing by means of the Black Hills together with Mt Rushmore, Loopy Horse and Custer State Park. Full particulars right here.
12. Go Horseback Driving
Horseback driving is a superb option to expertise Custer State Park. Horses can get to all of the locations the place automobiles can’t go and sooner than an individual may ever hike it – excellent. You’ll be able to channel your interior cowgirl or cowboy on a trip by means of Custer State Park. The quantity of wildlife the park has is simply an enormous further bonus. S
potting bison and prairie canines from horseback is a lot extra particular. And never solely will you admire the expertise extra from horseback, however you’ll even be extra prone to get near wild animals. Horseback driving excursions are an excellent option to go sightseeing wildlife in Custer State Park.
Top-of-the-line stables inside Custer State Park is Blue Bell Stables at Blue Bell Lodge. It runs guided path rides that vary from 1-hour introductory rides to full-day rides for extra skilled riders. The hour-long rides embody a jaunt at a stroll and trot to the close by French Creek. The hour-long rides normally have heron and deer sightings.
Half-day rides are extra tailor-made in direction of bison sightings and take you briefly to Wildlife Loop. Full-day rides take you on a 6-hour expertise to seek out much more animals. You head by means of French Creek, out to Wildlife Loop, and all the way down to Parker Canyon – the place you’ll have lunch.
Horseback driving season in Custer State Park is primarily from Could to September. Bear this season in thoughts when reserving if horseback driving is one thing you might be actually dying to do. For these wanting an much more ‘Western’ expertise, take into account a wrangler place for a season. Blue Bell Lodge takes on wranglers every season, which is ideal for these seeking to go to the state park for a way more prolonged interval.
13. Badlands Nationwide Park
For scenic viewpoint after scenic viewpoint, take a time out of the state park perimeters and enterprise to Badlands Nationwide Park. This nationwide park is without doubt one of the finest nationwide parks within the USA. Out of all of the nationwide parks, it stands out most for its prairie wildlife and layered rock formations.
E-book this personal Badlands Package deal the place your personal information exhibits the very best of Badlands Nationwide Park drive with a cease at Wall Drug, the ghost city of Scenic, and the Minuteman Missile Web site.
Its 242,756 acres are jam-packed with mountain climbing trails and highway journey routes. Simply an hour and quarter-hour away, it’s a breeze to mix with a vacation in Custer State Park. Learn all about it at The Greatest Issues to Do in Badlands Nationwide Park
Wildlife sightings are unending in Badlands Nationwide Park. The nationwide park has bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie canines. Just like the Wildlife Loop Street, Badlands is an absolute mecca for the animal kingdom.
You can even go to a number of the finest fossil beds on the earth – a few of which protect historic mammal stays just like the saber-toothed tiger. This park has a lot nature, be it pure historical past or dwelling animals to identify. The Fossil Discovery Path is the very best place to identify fossils within the park, and you may verify on-line to see when paleontology talks are working.
In the event you solely have a day in Badlands Nationwide Park, we propose finishing the Badlands Loop Street and stopping on the a number of overlooks. Roberts Prairie Canine City can be a spotlight on this loop highway, and the entire expertise takes round 3 hours.
14. Rock Climbing
Rock climbers will love Custer State Park. The park is an absolute dream for mountaineering. There are fairly actually rock formations in every single place. In actual fact, the rock formations are largely what brings Custer State Park its fame. The park has spectacular views, and if you’re up for an lively half-day, add climbing to your Custer State Park itinerary.
There are some areas the place skilled rock climbers can climb independently. In the event you get caught on which spots to decide on, you possibly can at all times head to a customer middle and get some recommendation. Nonetheless, we propose reserving a climbing tour. With a tour, you’ll at all times have a information with you. This manner, it doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or can scale the trickiest sections together with your eyes shut. You will get useful ideas together with your approach and skilled introductions and explanations of the area.
Among the most well-known mountaineering areas in Custer State Park embody the Needles, Spearfish Canyon, and the close by Mount Rushmore.
15. Huge Thunder Gold Mine
Huge Thunder Gold Mine is without doubt one of the most historic issues to do close to Custer State Park. The 1895 gold mine is a 30-minute drive from the park’s fundamental customer facilities. The mine is ideal for a day journey away from Custer State Park and perception into the area’s industrial days. The eye to element is immense. Huge Thunder Gold Mine has an enormous historic goldmine, reconstructed to be secure for informative visits. It additionally has an 1895-built gold mill. The entire attraction is filled with informative reveals and useful guides.
Guests get their palms effectively and really soiled, too, donning yellow hats to go into reconstructed mine shafts themselves. You’ll be able to even become involved with actions like gold panning as effectively. Huge Thunder Gold Mine is a extremely immersive option to embrace the historical past surrounding Custer State Park.
We propose reserving prematurely to keep away from experiences being booked out. Doing a mine tour and gold panning expertise in a single go to is possible. It’s good too, as this fashion guests get to take part firsthand in each strategies. Most excitingly, you get to maintain no matter you discover within the gold panning.
Custer State Park FAQs
Now that we’ve lined essentially the most notable 15 issues to do in Custer State Park, let’s take a look at some frequent FAQs. These are the important bits of knowledge that it’s essential to go to Custer State Park.
How one can Get to Custer State Park
The easiest way to get to Custer State Park is by airplane after which by automobile. Fast Metropolis Regional Airport has connecting flights to locations all around the USA. It’s round an hour’s drive away from Custer State Park. You’ll be able to rent a automobile on the airport after which drive to one of many cities across the park’s outskirts. Assuming you keep in both Custer, Keystone, or Hill Metropolis, it can take 5 and half-hour to succeed in the state park by automobile. Examine Rental Automobile Costs right here.
In the event you can’t rent or deliver a automobile, you possibly can fly into Fast Metropolis Regional Airport, switch to Custer, and cycle to Custer State Park. The bike trip from Custer takes round 20 minutes, and you possibly can then go away your bike someplace secure (just like the customer facilities) or use it to discover the park’s bike paths.
For these with plenty of time on their palms, it could possibly be enjoyable to highway journey to Custer State Park. South Dakota has fascinating sights, and you possibly can create an unbelievable highway journey itinerary.
Getting Round Custer State Park
The easiest way to get round Custer State Park is by automobile. Not solely is the park 71,000 acres in measurement (too large to realistically navigate solely on foot), however the herds of bison and different wildlife are finest noticed from safely inside a car. We propose saving the strolling for particular mountain climbing trails. Plus, utilizing a automobile to get round Custer State Park, you possibly can take pleasure in scenic drives like Needles Freeway and Iron Mountain Street.
It’s attainable to discover many of the park by bike. Custer has many bicycle rent retailers within the metropolis middle, so you possibly can nip in and rent one for so long as you want. Many retailers even have energy bikes, which give assisted biking – preferrred for tackling steep hills, particularly in case you aren’t normally a bicycle owner.
Custer State Park additionally has shuttle companies and guided excursions which you can buy. This extremely rated tour affords a personal full-day sightseeing expertise from Fast Metropolis. As you possibly can see, it combines Mount Rushmore, Loopy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park, which is comparatively frequent however could be formidable if driving your self. In case you are staying in a recreation lodge, it could additionally supply shuttle companies and excursions.
The Greatest Time to Go to Custer State Park
June is the very best time to go to Custer State Park. June is heat, with highs of 76 Fahrenheit and plentiful wildlife sightings. It is usually quieter, with fewer crowds than in July or August. It’s shoulder season and the most effective months for a stress-free go to to Custer State Park. You’ll be able to simply discover lodging at a recreation lodge or discover a spacious plot at a campground. And sights received’t be as busy as they’ll within the top of summer season.
In the event you want a wider window, Could to September is the final tourism season in Custer State Park. Throughout this era, you possibly can take pleasure in mountain climbing trails with out snow and in heat temperatures. Custer State Park can be the most effective wildlife locations from Could to September. It is filled with mountain goats, prairie canines, and mule deer.
In fact, the very best time to go to does rely on what issues to do in Custer State Park you need to do. In the event you plan to go to Custer State Park in September, you possibly can attend the Custer State Park Buffalo Spherical Up and Arts Competition.
You’ll be able to ebook Spherical-Up tickets prematurely. It occurs solely every year. Safe your spot for the annual Buffalo Roundup that takes place on the final Friday of September. This full-day tour picks you up from Raid Metropolis the place you’ll take pleasure in a continental breakfast, picnic lunch, and sightseeing to Sylvan Lake, Iron Mountain Street, and Needles Freeway.
If you wish to spot wildflowers (just like the state flower of South Dakota, Pasqueflowers), go to in April, Could, or June. Sunday Gulch Path.
To Conclude
The issues to do in Custer State Park are thrilling and excellent for the outside lover. The 71,000 acres are stuffed with pure magnificence and are a incredible base to understand the Black Hills of South Dakota. The park is someplace to hike, hunt, sightsee, and discover. You’ll be able to choose a state recreation lodge or discover a romantic little cabin to make use of as a base for a mountain climbing or mountaineering vacation.
Searching for inspiration for locations and issues to do close to Custer State Park? Listed here are our guides on issues to do in Deadwood, the prime 8 South Dakota sights, plus some photographic proof that South Dakota is without doubt one of the most stunning locations on the earth. After you go to Custer State Park, permit loads of time to sightsee the remainder of the gorgeous state.
