Why Stay in Custer When Visiting the Black Hills?
Comments Off on Why Stay in Custer When Visiting the Black Hills?Planning a trip to the Black Hills can be a bit like trying to choose your favorite child—there is just so much to love. But if you’re looking for the perfect “basecamp” that balances convenience, charm, and world-class adventure, Custer, South Dakota, is the undisputed winner.
Here are our answers to some Frequently Asked Questions – to help you understand why Custer should be your home away from home during your Black Hills vacation.
Is Custer close to the main attractions?
Absolutely. Custer is often called the “Gateway to the Black Hills” for a reason. You are minutes, not miles, from the heavy hitters. Crazy Horse Memorial is just 5 miles away, and the entrance to Custer State Park is a quick 6-mile drive. Even Mount Rushmore is a scenic 30-minute commute. Choosing Custer means you spend more time exploring and less time in the car.
Can I see wildlife?
Yes! Staying in Custer puts you right on the doorstep of Custer State Park and Wildlife Loop Road. Within minutes of leaving your hotel or cabin, you can be surrounded by 1,300 free-roaming bison, elk, pronghorn, and the world-famous “begging burros.” Pro tip: dawn and dusk are the best times to see the animals, and being based in Custer makes those early-morning sights much easier.
What is the dining scene like in such a small town?
Surprisingly sophisticated. Custer pairs its wild, western charm with a surprisingly sophisticated dining scene. You can find everything from world-class creative cuisine at Skogen Kitchen and Hjem A.M., to the elevated comfort food and local craft taps at The Custer Wolf. If you’re looking for an authentic Western atmosphere, Calamity Jane’s Kitchen and The Gold Pan Saloon are local staples. Whether you want a high-end dining experience or a cold beer and a scratch-made meal after a long hike, Custer delivers.
Is it a good spot for outdoor enthusiasts?
It’s paradise. Custer is surrounded by the 1.2 million-acre Black Hills National Forest. You have immediate access to the George S. Mickelson Trail, a 109-mile path perfect for biking and hiking. Plus, the most iconic hikes in the state—like the trek to Black Elk Peak start right here. Fun Fact: They say Black Elk Peak is the highest point between the Rockies and the Pyrenees.
If you’d rather spend your day at one of our many surrounding lakes, stop by On the Water. This local fly shop and fishing/paddleboard outfitter is the go-to spot for gear, fly-tying supplies, water sports, and expert advice on the best water in the Hills. Whether you’re cruising the trail, hiking a granite peak, or casting a line into a mountain stream, Custer puts you at the center of the action.
Can I see the “Needles” from here?
Yes, and you should. The spectacular Needles Highway (SD Highway 87) begins just outside of Custer. This 14-mile National Scenic Byway is famous for its granite spires that look like needles reaching for the sky, as well as the “Needle’s Eye” tunnel. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful drives in America.
What about the “Bucket List” adventures?
Custer is the absolute hub for them. If you’re looking for that once-in-a-lifetime experience, like a sunrise hot air balloon flight, Custer isn’t just a launch point—it’s the place to fly. While you can find flat-land flights elsewhere, Black Hills Balloons offers the only mountain flying in the region.
Seeing the Black Hills from the air is a completely different world than seeing them from the ground; you’ll drift over the iconic granite spires, hidden valleys, and jagged peaks that are simply inaccessible by car. Staying right in Custer ensures you’re on time for those crisp, early-morning lift-offs, putting you in the basket and over the best views in the state before the rest of the world is even awake.
Is there anything to do in the town itself?
Plenty. Custer’s historic downtown area is incredibly walkable. You can explore the 1881 Courthouse Museum, shop the many locally owned boutiques and gift shops (we recommend A Walk In The Woods or Petals and Pages), or take photos with the Custer Stampede Buffalo Art – a series of life-sized, artistically painted buffalo sculptures scattered throughout the city.
For the ultimate “basecamp” experience, don’t miss the South Dakota Outdoor Shop. It’s a favorite local hangout where you can browse premium adventure gear and then grab a local craft beer or kombucha to enjoy in their cozy community space. It’s the perfect spot to swap trail stories with fellow explorers.
Is Custer family-friendly?
Very. Between the surrounding parks and the quirky town history and activities, there is plenty to keep kids engaged.
Check out the Junior Ranger & Naturalist Programs. Both Custer State Park and the nearby National Parks (Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave, and Jewel Cave) offer interactive workbooks and programs where kids can earn badges while learning about nature and history. In addition to all the outdoor fun, the area is bursting with
Visit the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center and the Bison Center in Custer State Park. It is specifically designed for unscripted, tactile play with exhibits like the Bison Olympics: A program where they try to jump, run, and eat like a buffalo to see how they compare, or Pups Prowl: Nature exploration for younger kids (ages 3-6) that focuses on animal camouflage and spider webs.
Unlike many parks where you stay on a strict path, areas like the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail encourage rock scrambling. The massive granite boulders around the lake are perfect for kids to climb, jump on, and explore.
The nature in and around Custer is essentially a giant, 71,000-acre interactive playground that tends to make tablets a secondary thought. It’s hard to stay glued to a screen when there is a real-life “begging burro” poking its head through your car window or a 2,000-pound bison grazing 20 feet away.
The town has a relaxed, safe, and welcoming vibe that makes it perfect for families of all sizes.
Are there good places to explore underground?
You’re surrounded by them. Custer is located between two of the world’s most significant cave systems. Jewel Cave National Monument (the third-longest cave in the world) is just 13 miles west, and Wind Cave National Park is a short drive south. You can literally spend the morning on a mountain peak and the afternoon hundreds of feet below the earth.
Does Custer have a “tourist trap” feel?
Not at all. Unlike some of the more high-traffic areas in the hills, Custer has managed to maintain its authentic, small-town South Dakota soul. It’s a community of locals who love the outdoors just as much as the visitors do, and you’ll find that the people here are genuinely friendly – always ready to share a “local’s only” recommendation for a hidden trailhead or the best spot for a post-hike beer. You get the amenities of a world-class destination with the heart and hospitality of a mountain village.
What kind of lodging can I find in Custer?
Something for every style of traveler. Custer is unique because it offers a massive variety of “home bases.” You can go high-end at the historic State Game Lodge, treehouse or unique cabin at Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort, stay in a retro-cool spot like the Bavarian Inn, van camp in town at Nomad, or choose from modern brands like Holiday Inn Express and Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn.
Whether you want a sleeping bag under the stars or a 400-thread-count sheet in a luxury suite, Custer has a pillow with your name on it.