Custer, SD

Custer, the oldest town in the Black Hills, has gotten so good at greeting guests that many of them decided to stay. Founded in 1875, Custer is full of history. The 1881 Courthouse Museum is a great place to learn about the local history. Roam downtown main street to view the amazing painted buffalo on the street corners as you walk from one unique shop to the next.

Close to Custer is Custer State Park. For the best viewing of wildlife to include: bison, burros, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, antelope and whitetail deer, take the Wildlife Loop. The loop begins by the State Game Lodge on the Eastern end of the park. The Wildlife Loop is 18 miles long and ends by the Blue Bell Lodge on the western side of Custer State Park. Another scenic drive is the Needle Highway. This drive showcases the many beautiful needle-like granite spires. This is a great spot to pack a picnic lunch and stay for the day.

Adults and children alike will enjoy exploring the many trails that meander through the spires. If you keep traveling on Needles Highway, you will wind up at Sylvan Lake. Also know as the crown jewel of the Black Hills, Sylvan Lake is breathtaking. In addition to many hiking trails, including Black Elk Peak trail, you will be able to rent kayaks and take a swim in the lake.