Location: Custer
Top Things to do in Custer
Top Restaurants in Custer
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What to do and see in Custer, South Dakota (SD): The Best Free Things to do
Enveloped in the grandeur of the Black Hills, Custer makes the perfect base for your South Dakota vacation, whether you are visiting Custer State Park to learn about Custer's Last Stand, heading up to see the wonder of Mount Rushmore and the yet-unfinished Crazy Horse Memorial, making a motorcycle pilgrimage to Sturgis or spelunking in Wind Cave. Custer itself has much to offer, from family outings at Flintstones Bedrock City to hoe-down dinners at a chuck wagon cookout.
Restaurants in Custer
1. Black Hills National Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 885 reviews
This empty expanse where Native Americans once roamed is now a national forest.
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, United States
The Black Hills Forest covers a vast area of western South Dakota - more than 1.25 million acres! It's an excellent vacation destination because of the wide variety of attractions and recreation opportunities. One could easily spend a week exploring this beautiful area; we were there for four days and did not do everything, we could have easily filled two more days. We explored the historic main street at Deadwood, visited the DC Booth Fish Hatchery at Spearfish, drove through Spearfish Canyon and were enchanted by three waterfalls, learned about mining at Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, gawked at the enormous carved faces of four presidents on Mt. Rushmore, drove the scenic Needles Highway through imposing stone pinnacles, navigated the unique pigtail bridges and stone tunnels of Iron Mountain Road (Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway), took a peaceful morning hike around Sylvan Lake, spotted wildlife like deer, prairie dogs, bison and pronghorns at Custer State Park, marveled at the fossilized bones of extinct animals at The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, visited Wind Cave National Park, and took a ride on the vintage 1880 steam train between Hill City and Keystone. We didn't visit the Crazy Horse Memorial or Jewel Cave National Monument this trip. (The above attractions all have separate Tripadvisor pages.) The Black Hills Forest hosts numerous campgrounds and picnic areas, plus there are lakes and streams for fishing, swimming and kayaking. There are many hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties, and also the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Rail-Trail for walking or biking. For those who like a more thrilling adventure, there are zip-lines, water parks, horse stables, and helicopter rides available. Food and lodging are available at the towns of Deadwood, Lead, Keystone, Hill City, Custer and Hot Springs. There is no charge to enter the forest, but some of the above attractions charge a parking or admission fee. Some roads, services, and attractions may be closed in winter.
2. Iron Mountain Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,646 reviews
Reviewed By Jake48009 - Detroit, United States
You need to do it twice one-way then reverse to get Mount Rushmore framed in the tunnels as you pass through -- Absolutely spectacular! Fantastic ride between Custer State Park and Keystone with amazing views of Mount Rushmore as you pass through several cool tunnels and fun twisty roads. Make sure you sound the horn before entering the tunnels! Bring a jacket and some binoculars. Ride the road during the week. If you are visiting the Custer State Park area, Iron Mountain 16A is absolutely a "must see"... This road has to be one of the most scenic highways in America!
3. Art Expressions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Art Expressions Gallery & Gifts, Custer SD is a locally owned artist cooperative featuring the original works of up to 30 artists and craftsmen from the Black Hills and surrounding communities. Featuring jewelry, oil paintings, bronzes, ceramics, baskets, birdhouses, watercolor paintings, photographs, greeting cards, fiber pieces, quilts, and so much more! Art Expressions also offers educational classes in art for young epople as well as those who are young at heart.
Reviewed By scorpus12037 - Chatham, United States
While strolling around the beautiful streets of Custer South Dakota on a beautiful mid October afternoon , I came across this lovely lady sunning herself on a bench in front of the store, and we got to talking, and she invited me inside. A wonderful gallery filled with the works of local artists. Not very expensive either. I purchased a beautiful acrylic leaf by coincidence made by the lady I had talked to. And aside from being an excellent artist she answered all my questions about what else to see and where are to eat, and questions about the area and just was very kind and helpful. I highly recommend stopping here.
4. Ken's Minerals
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By 982sarahh982 - Okinawa City, Japan
We enjoyed panning for beautiful rocks. Rough cut rocks are available as well as polished. There was a beautiful variety from kid-friendly stones to exquisite pieces. They also feature some fossils for sale, and cases of collection displays which we enjoyed!
5. Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center
6. Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By DillonM1905 - Eldersburg, United States
The byway is an excellent way to see the sights of the Black Hills near Rushmore. Hairpin turns, multiple tunnels, views of the Presidents - this was a great drive.
7. Dave's Rock Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Dave's Rock Shop has a large variety of Rose Quartz some at a $1 a pound, petrified wood, rough rock, fossils, minerals, crystals, agates of all kinds Fairburns and a variety from around the world, desert roses, metaphysical stones and wands, moldavite, meteorites, amethyst, landscape boulders, geodes, jewelry (sterling silver) and gifts. Come in and look around!!
Reviewed By spookie5150 - Jefferson City, United States
We stopped in kind of on a whim since we both loved rock shops when we were kids. Plus, we couldn't get over the amazing rock formations and types we found on our hikes. As tempting as it is to dig up rocks in the park for free, it just isn't right so we resisted and stopped here. We've stopped in shops like this in other areas and I'm always kind of stunned at the prices. Dave's however seems to recognize the difference between genuine artifacts and rare stones (which they certainly can offer), and cool rocks that a tourist would like to take home to remember their trip. We picked up a nice piece of rose quartz for our rock/flower garden at home for much less than I would have expected. The people running the store are extremely knowledgable and friendly too. Dave's Rock Shop is a must for anyone with even a passing interest in rocks, minerals, gems, fossils, etc.
8. French Creek
9. Custer County Candy Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
10. Mount Coolidge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By Nyormirror - Bay City, United States
We were driving in Custer and saw a pickup turn up this drive in front of us and the sign said “Mt. Coolidge Lookout” so we figured what the heck and we followed him because we like high vantage points and being spontaneous. Now be forewarned, this is a dirt road with limited guardrails and some areas where only one vehicle can squeeze by. You also have blind turns so you have to beep your horn to warn any other vehicles coming the other way. It’s all worth it when you get to the top. The top has an actively maned fire watch Tower (inside is off limits). You can go up the outside steps and get amazing 360 degree views of the Black Hills Forest, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. In fact, you can see the full front face of Crazy Horse from here and you can even do that from the Crazy Horse Memorial. You will have some slight obstructions of guy-wires supporting the tower and radio equipment but besides that everything else is fantastic. Small paved and gravel parking lot at the top. Benches, picnic table and vault toilet. I’m glad we went off the beaten path and would highly recommend you do the same.
