Custer State Park — Attraction in Custer

Visited on 6/22, 6/23, and 6/24 of 2025.

On 6/22 the day started with a drive from Badlands to Mount Rushmore and then we arrived at the Custer State Park sign at 1:12pm.

We did the 18.1 mile Custer State Park Wildlife Scenic Byway while making numerous stops along the way (in no particular order).

Custer State Park Visitor Center This had one of the better setups for a park film than any other one I can recall and 100x better than Badlands National Park which needs major improvements.

Wildlife Station Visitor Center This is great for asking where bison/animal sightings have been on the date of your visit. Simply ask the ranger inside and then you’ll likely have a chance to venture where the bison are located.

Bison Center This was built in 2022 and offers great displays for learning about wildlife inside the park. It’s also right by the Buffalo Roundup area.

Heddy Draw Overlook This was a 0.8mi out and back trail that offered a rewarding view at the end.

Badger Hole Historic Site Historical cabin of Badger Clark a poet. You are able to gain further information from a volunteer if you visit and it’s cool to learn more.

Legion Lake Trailhead This is a simple 0.6mi loop trail around one of the 5 lakes.

Gordon Stockade Historical Landmark This is a reconstructed log fort where gold seekers were at during the Black Hills Gold Rush. Of course, these individuals had no business being here due to the Treaty of Fort Laramie. You’re able to walk among the structures and read some information along the paved walkway.

We checked into our lodging Sylvan Lake Lodge and had dinner.

On 6/23 we did the below.

Black Elk Peak Trailhead This is the high point in South Dakota which you arrive at across a 7.1 mile loop trail around. On the way back down we did Little Devil’s Tower as this saved another tough climb up if doing that trail individually. The views at the end of Black Elk Peak are breathtaking (of course if it’s not cloudy).

Crazy Horse Memorial Take the $5 bus ride to get a closer view of the memorial. They likely won’t be finished for another 40 years from what they mentioned. The visitor center is massive and filled with information.

Purple Pie Place Great pot pie and pies

Mount Rushmore National Memorial Lighting Ceremony Outstanding 45 minute program that everyone should try to do if they can.

On 6/24 we did the below.

Needles Highway drive Supposedly this is a top scenic drive, personally it wasn’t the best drive I’ve done but certainly worthy of doing at least once.

1881 Courthouse Museum Great historic building and filled with lots of information across 3 floors.

Kayaking at Sylvan Lake We did a 2-hour rental, likely can be fine with 1-1.5 hours and still enjoy yourself. Kayaks can’t be booked in advance.

Sylvan Lake Shore Trail Simple 1.1 mile loop that we did directly after kayaking.

Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour Ended the day with a 7:00-9:00pm Jeep Tour that was a breathtaking experience. Will have separate...

A Perfect Day of Adventure at Custer State Park!

We had an absolutely fantastic day trip to Custer State Park and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for outdoor adventure.

First, a very important tip for visitors: the entrance fee is cash only! We almost got caught out, so make sure you have some cash on hand before you arrive to avoid any issues.

Once inside, we headed to Sylvan Lake, which was stunning. The water was perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, and we spent a good couple of hours exploring the shoreline and enjoying the beautiful scenery from the water. For the more adventurous, there are some great rocks around the lake that are perfect for a bit of cliff jumping! We found a couple of safe spots and had a blast cooling off with a few jumps.

After our water activities, we hiked the trail that goes around the lake. It's a relatively easy and well-maintained path, offering incredible views of the lake and the surrounding rock formations. The weather was perfect – sunny with a light breeze – which made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

To cap off our visit, we took a drive along the famous Needles Highway. The narrow roads, sharp turns, and incredible granite spires make for a truly memorable and scenic drive. It was the perfect way to end a day packed with activity.

Overall, Custer State Park is a must-visit. Just remember to bring cash for...

Custer State Park is a renowned wildlife reserve and outdoor recreation area in the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA. Covering about 71,000 acres, it's the largest state park in South Dakota and is famous for its scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and outdoor activities.

Key Highlights:

Wildlife: The park is home to a large bison herd (about 1,500), along with elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, and wild burros.

Scenic Drives:

Needles Highway: A stunning 14-mile road featuring towering granite spires and narrow tunnels.

Iron Mountain Road: A winding road with pigtail bridges and tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore.

Wildlife Loop Road: A great place to spot bison, pronghorns, and other animals.

Sylvan Lake: A picturesque lake ideal for kayaking, hiking, and photography.

Hiking Trails: Popular trails include Black Elk Peak (the highest point in South Dakota) and the Sunday Gulch Trail.

Annual Buffalo Roundup: Every fall, the park holds a bison roundup where cowboys and cowgirls herd the bison for management and conservation.

Activities:

Hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking

Scenic drives and photography

Horseback riding and wildlife viewing

Custer State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. It’s also close to attractions like Mount Rushmore and Crazy...