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 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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. 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.
2. 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!
3. Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center
4. 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.
5. Jewel Cave National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,367 reviews
Jewel Cave National Monument is home to one of the longest caves in the world. Offering an assortment of cave formations and recreational opportunities, many visitors are truly amazed by this underground wilderness. Most impressive is the fact that exploration and discovery continue to take place at this significant natural resource. Please be advised that during the off-season (2020-2021), the visitor center, Park Store, surface trails, and picnic areas are open Thursdays through Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MDT. However, cave tours are suspended, due to an elevator construction project. For those visiting the monument, a one-way flow path is set up inside the visitor center, with directional signage for visitor awareness. Park rangers are on-site to answer questions and to assist with the ever-popular Junior Ranger and Pee Wee Ranger Programs. For specific questions and/or assistance, do not hesitate to contact the monument by phone or email in advance.
Reviewed By northernneckinn - Tappahannock, United States
You can’t beat the setting! Absolutely unique! Travel down 300 ft in an elevator and spend 80 minutes hiking the underground trail through these caves - very safe but lots of steps - about 723 to be precise. Great tour leader National Parks ranger Kim made about six stops and explained the process of discovery, prepping the caves for visitors, and the precautions taken to preserve the delicate ecosystems in the cavern. We experienced less than one mile through the caves.... the full extent mapped so far exceeds 180 miles!
6. Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
This 1930s structure, named after a former South Dakota governor, is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
Reviewed By Coastal257489
Beautifully done top to bottom. Great experience and information. Truly enhances outdoor experience through the park. Don’t skip this part of your visit. I could come again and again. Filming is top notch as is sound and building.
7. Custer County Candy Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
8. Black Hills Playhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Generations of playgoers have been delighted by this gem of a seasonal summer stock theater located near Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse in Custer State Park. This professional theatre has played since 1946 from June through mid August, and is one of the oldest, continuously running summer stock programs in the country. Four to five incredible productions play throughout the summer Tuesday through Sunday. Descriptions and ratings of shows available at website. Beautiful picnic grounds, pre-order picnics, and concessions available. Park pass required on car for entry.
9. Custer County 1881 Court House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By tracydY6621FL - Wisconsin, United States
We visited the court house museum after having lunch in Custer. We really enjoyed seeing the courthouse and being able to look at all of the old artifacts on display. Great option to fill a couple hours or do something indoors on a rainy day.
10. Custer State Park Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By SenorGancho - Winnipeg, Canada
An excellent resource to not only get the lay of the land before exploring the park, but they have some excellent offerings to both inform and educate. Also be sure to chat with the staff, they are a wealth of information and also have the latest buffalo herd sightings on the loop. There is an excellent video that plays throughout the day. Do NOT miss it.
